Just Curious - Reflective Paint On Modern Diesels

I don't believe any of the models use the reflective paint due to the application process.  I'm not sure, but I think they reflective image on the real engine is a decal application that probably wouldn't transfer to super small details on an O Gauge model very well.  

Could it be done?  Oh yes!  But it would be more likely on one of those $2k Big Boy engines rather than a $400 Diesel.  Not to mention I think you have to be behind the light source to have the image reflect as it does in the picture maybe.  

The real locos have 3M or a similar brand reflective decal....it's not paint. 

To do it in scale, as stated, would be costly IF it could be done correctly.  I bought a small roll of 3M white reflective tape to use in O scale. It was the thinnest type they make....it still was very stiff and way too thick for a model. 3M might be able to make some that is thin enough but it would be a custom product.....making it even more expensive. 

Interesting guys, I guess it's a no, no.  It would be a nice effect if it could be modeled.

Also either too expensive or beyond the state of the art for Overland to offer on their recent run of $2K+ SD70Aces.

I didn't know about this.  It would be cool to model, but as AMCDave indicates, it would probably be impossible to do it in 1;48 scale.  

I've played around with reflective tape.  You can find very thin materials.

Atlas O GP15-1

HO GP38-2

As I said I bought the thinnest #m has......and it works well on a flat smooth surface. But getting it to work over a hood area on a diesel......over doors, hinges and latches would be another thing.....add color a design, like that flag, and it's tough.

I did some reflective vinyl and about 8 years ago. the roll was something like $800 it was dot  approved and very thick. the flag is paint the lettering is all vinyl that I did. it was a pain.

Well.....then there is only one way to find out if it can be done.......get a quote for some scale versions printed!!!! If you can get them in the range of something affordable I am sure you can sell them. Hit me offline for the name of the two companies that do all my decal printing....they both do first class work!!

The Soo Line used 3M Scotchlite retroreflective film for their locos, freight cars, and cabooses.

Andrew

If you would like custom graphic decals that are reflective, this is one place to check.

http://autopinstripes.com/Reflective%20Stickers.html

Andrew

Not being defensive at all......but I THINK I am the only person that works in the decal business......have a REAL good idea of what is involved to make something like this (as stated I've bought 3M products trying to make scale refelctive decals) and folks just want to say 'it can be done'......so I throw up the 'then do it' challenge.  Like the hobby of plastic models where I do some work.....folks all the time ask 'why no model of a 1977 Buick 4 door like my grandma had??'. I answer 'can't be done and make a profit'. Then 99% of the time they say I don't know what I am talking about.....so I challenge them....$750,000 and I will have that model made for you. No investors yet to the 100's of challenges. Talk all day about how 'things should be done'.....but it's just talk. Throw some money at it and suddenly folks back away from their beliefs.  Just keeping things real and not living in a fantasy dream land where all our wishes come true with out and work, time or money. Thanks

PS the offer stands......I will help anyone that wants to attempt this project...

Call it what you want. But both decal printers I work with call water slide wet decals and self adhesive 'peel and stick' stickers decals. And you are correct the classic definition of 'decal' is the paper printed water activated version....but today many call them all 'decals'.