Thanks guys. The graphics were done up in Microsoft PowerPoint. There are a lot of cool drawing and text functions in PowerPoint. I find it much more useful than for making boring corporate slide shows! LOL
I was going to order decal paper to print the graphics on, but since I had the time this past weekend I looked for an alternative. Remembering how so many old toy trains used separately applied metal tags or inserts for names and such, and inspired by the fellow who is doing custom boxcars using paper graphics, I printed out my designs on cardstock. To produce a durable, glossy finish I cut the sheet into sections that could be covered with pieces of 2" clear packing tape. Once the tape was fully burnished to the cardstock I then cut out the individual elements. Since everything had a black border I used a black Sharpie marker to color the edges of the cardstock pieces, then I glued them in place on the engine and cars. The cardstock has just enough thickness to cast a bit of shadow when looking at an angle to make it look like a piece of lithographed tin mounted on the car. Only under closer examination you don't see where the tabs are to hold the piece to the car body.