Rejuvenating old dry transfers?

I had some old Woodland Scenics dry transfers that were in the packages for like 25 years that just fragmented so the whole works went into the bin.

Back in the dark ages before computer generated artwork when dry transfers ruled the world.......I used a ton of them. 

Sadly when they go bad they is not much you can do. When they will transfer but just not stick I was able to wipe the transfer with alcohol and get it to work. When they will not release from the carrier....it's tough. I have rubbed really hard, over and over to get SOME to transfer....but at times it caused the transfer to crack. I love dry transfers....but not much saves them once gone bad. 

Balshis posted:

Is there any way to make these old dry transfer sheets usable,

or should I just dump them and see if anything similar is available now?

Yes.  Check with Clover House on whether they have what you need.

Okay, sounds like it's ordering time again.  Thanks to all who replied.  Too bad Letraset doesn't make these railroad sets any more.

KD: I'll try the hair dryer trick, though I'm not optimistic about it.

MWB: Yes, I did discover Clover House.  They have exactly the S scale transfers I need.  I'll be making an order soon.

Thanks again.

Although my memory may no longer be quite clear on what I did, I did salvage some old dry transfers a few years ago. I think I dampened a cloth with lacquer thinner and touched it to the back (sticky side) of the dry transfers. The thinner must have dissolved or affected the adhesive just enough to make the letters adhere. It was a touch with the cloth before each letter was applied. Too much thinner dissolved the letters.

Try it and let us know if my memory is correct and the method works.