Safety Reflective Tape Source? FRA 224 Regulation

Kevin, check Smokebox Graphics.com, item R148 Fra 224 yellow, this may be the item you need.

You can also find reflective yellow, white, & red tape at both auto papers stores & at hardware stores.

I used yellow permanent vinyl that my wife uses for her cricut. I need to scale them right 4x16. Will be doing a video on it soon, going to cut them on the machine.

I’ll second the Smokebox Graphics suggestion. I’ve used the diesel stripes but as I recall they also offer freight car conspicuity striping striping, which I assume is the product John mentioned above. These stripes do have some reflective properties. I added them to the frame of this ES44:

An alternative is Pactra trim tape which I use for a variety of purposes, including the frame stripe on this model (before the Smokebox Graphics product became available):

It’s not reflective, but bright. It comes in a roll with a variety of widths. It’s cut, peel, and stick. I’d use the Smokebox Graphics product, though.

RM

All great ideas and suggestions! Thanks! Has anyone ever used authentic FRA 224 tape and cut it down to scale size?

I’d say it’s to thick will be to noticeable. With it being so small of a piece, it won’t be to flexible. Also the pattern would make it look a little weird in my mind. I have already tried this as well and didn’t like it.

I use this company's 1/12" or 1/10" reflective tape on all of my cars and engines. It adheres very well as one would expect for use on motor vehicles, but can also be removed if you so desire.  https://www.autopinstripes.com/index.html

-Ed Abbot

I use  the 1/10” width and the 1/6” width from the same outfit Ed did.  Cut  3/4” long for 3’ and 3/8” for 18”.  

Larry

@N&W 1218 posted:

All great ideas and suggestions! Thanks! Has anyone ever used authentic FRA 224 tape and cut it down to scale size?

Great idea. But would never work

I use reflective pinstripe tape on my custom cars.

I have used tape made by Line O Tape company. Unfortunately, they appear to be out of business, but there is a 1/8" X 120" yellow package currently available on the 'Bay for less than $3, plus shipping. I cannot say how "reflective" it is, though.

After seeing this post I ordered from Smokebox Graphics. Very happy with the product!

@CNtomato posted:

After seeing this post I ordered from Smokebox Graphics. Very happy with the product!

Best way to demonstrate the reflectivity is in a somewhat darkened room with a light source like a flashlight between the camera (out-of-frame, obviously) and the car, since the strongest reflectivity is a relatively narrow cone toward the light source.

---PCJ

I just put on some stripes on a tank car and an old gondola.  I like it.  I too got them from Smokebox Graphics.  There was a placement guide included with the decals, which is what I followed.  I found that using a pair of reverse tweezers to pick them off the sheet and initially place them worked well, followed by a toothpick to press it down firmly.  I've attached the picture.

Really looks sharp! Modernizing retro Lionel! 😎