Modern Yellow Reflector Stripes

the real stuff is Scotchlite or something that works like it. The material reflects light more or less directly back at its source, so the reflection is brightest when the viewer is just behind the light source (such as a motorist in an approaching car).

 

Reflective street markings are the same sort of beast, but those are composed of glass beads mixed into (as well as sprinkled onto) a thick layer of thermoplastic applied to the pavement.

 

I've not seen any forms of Scotchlite thin enough for model applications, although it's been quite a while since I last looked.

 

---PCJ 

Sorry but I have yet to see Microscale make any decal reflective. USusally they are just decals that"simulates" the reflective decal but has NO reflective properties, esp the conspicuity striping on their trailer decals. Reflective material is the way to go regardless if slightly oversized or thick.

I think the correct Microscale P/N is 48-4389.  They are nice.

Thank you,Mike.

Al Hummel

I use the 1/12 or 1/10 size self-adhesive yellow reflective striping from www.autopinstripes.com. I've installed them on all my modern engines and gradually putting them on the cars.

 

If you really want to go nuts, I have attached the Federal Government regulations that include diagrams for placement on rail cars.

 

-Ed Abbot

Ed,Thanks so much for the lead.

I went to the site,but couldn't seem to bring up any prices. How much does a roll of these stripes cost?

Thank you,

Al Hummel

 

 

Alan,

 

Prices at the following link: http://autopinstripes.com/Size%20&%20Price.html .  I just ordered another roll of the 1/10" a couple days ago.  I'll take a couple pictures and post them tomorrow.

 

-Ed Abbot

Thank you Ed,I brought it right up this time. The stuff I have is ok,but am looking for the real thing as close as possible,to be used on rail cars as well as on switch targets. I think this material is cheaper than what I got at Hobby Lobby a couple years back. It doesn't adhere too well either.

Will be looking for your photos.

Thanks so much.

Al Hummel

I used this tape, I think formerly sold under the Pactra brand name to add yellow sill stripes to this SD70ACe: 

 

It's not reflective, but it has a glossy finish that gives something of that illusion (though not in dim light). I think Testors now owns and markets this product. I'm intrigued by the auto pinstripes product, though, and may give a roll of that a try. According to the website, that is reflective.

 

RM

I used the same Pactra Trim Tape I had from my RC stuff....

My tape is called,"Kool Tak," & is artist's tape. I bought it a couple years ago for switchstand targets rather than painting them.

It looks just,"ok," not really reflectorized. Under light it's good,but even the refector decals on Atlas cars don't reflect like the real Prototype tape,which my tape does catch light,just isn't as bright as the real stuff.

Thanks for the photos,looks like good stuff.

Al Hummel

 

 

All of the photos were taken with a flash to accentuate the reflective the tape. Without it, the tape blends into the yellow on the CSX engines.  I learned about autopinstripes.com in another thread. The nice thing about their tape is that it adheres to both plastic and metal well and also can be removed if you don't like it.

 

The modern CSX ES44ACs had a factory applied almost solid yellow reflective stripe all the around the engine (including the nose).  I did the same on the MTH ES44ACs (#950) and avoided covering over any labels.  Here is a picture of a real CSX ES44AC in a night photo: http://www.rrpicturearchives.n...ture.aspx?id=2901295

 

Older CSX engines have the reflective striping added afterwards in a dashed pattern like my MTH AC6000 (#623).  Attached is a photo of a CSX AC6000.  While not a good shot, it shows the dashed striping vs. solid striping on the ES44ACs: http://www.rrpicturearchives.n...ture.aspx?id=3457453

 

I also included a couple photos with some freight cars. The reflective tape doesn't have to be applied precise because like real cars and engines, it is applied by hand.

 

-Ed Abbot

 

 

Anyone who needs a set or two of these Microscale stripes, I have 5 brand new extra sets available.  If interested I'll let them go for 7.50 each.  Send PM.