Anybody ever do pad printing on an engine ?

for PRR steam and hood diesels check out Clover House's dry transfers.  They are accurate and rub down beautifully with no decal film.  

Ed Rappe

Hi Ed ,

        Looked over the listings for PRR and didn't see any listings for road switchers or switchers . Hadn't thought of dry transfers though - good idea .

          Regards,

          Bryan

The hood diesels used the same sized/font letters for PENNSYLVANIA as used on steam tenders.  The first step is to determine the actual length of PENNSYLVANIA on your diesel prototype.  Absent a PRR diesel lettering diagram you can use a 90 degree  prototype photo to rather accurately estimate its length and placement on the long hood.  Looking at the photo see where the first and last letter sits on the body relative to details like doors, lovers, hand rail posts or truck journals.  Then using an O scale rule, measure the length between the same features on your model.  With the length known, select the Clover House set that comes closest.  Clover House has 3 buff PRR sets, each with several length PENNSYLVANIA's.  They are:

7784-05 with 13' 4", 15' 4", 17' and 20'

7784-07 with 13' 4", 15' 4", 17' 8"

7784-08 with 20' 3", 25' 2", 32' 

I'd bet you'll find one that comes very close if not right on.  

Ed Rappe

Sunset uses a reverse decal process - the color stuff is on the underside.  You apply it, then peel away the film.  That is all I know about it.

I did use the press- on stuff on my early efforts, and liked it.  That is probably the best solution for what you propose.  I am not sure pad printing gives the kind of results you want.  Silk screening does, but it is way too complex for six models.

I personally use decals on high gloss paint, with clear, then Dullcote over.  I never notice the film.

or you can call weaver models, they could help you.

www.weavermodels.com

Hi Pete ,

          Holy Smokes ! Can't believe there is somebody in the train business offering this service . I'd have never thought to check with Weaver , but just saw they do job printing - I'll contact them .

          Many Thanks,

          Bryan

hi bryan,

you will be surprized what weaver models can do for you.

here is my weaver pacific that they pad printed, gary made the brass snow plow for the front. and they also did the weathering on the engine 

USA Trains makes g gauge cars in house so they may do custom work. 781-321-0090 and Charles Ro usually answers the phone

There's a business in Indiana that also makes trains in house and they do pad printing as I've dealt with the owner...They're   http://www.mainlineamerica.com/