Got artwork for the decals you want?

THAT'S the biggy. I  you don't have print ready art that's the first step.  If you have art via CorelDraw, AI or other vector program you can start thinking about printing them.  You might find custom dry transfer companies, I had one in Charlotte, and I really like dry transfers but it's kind of a dieing art since computers have taken over the art world. Custom screen printed decals are great but you may need to print 100 sets or more.

I take it you need white lettering??  Give us more info and maybe someone can help.

I had an ALPS-1000 (I think that's the #) back in the 90's.  I used clear sheets of regular decal paper from Microscale in the printer.  I did my art in a Photoshop-type program and printed directly onto the clear decal paper.  I've looked into the ALPS again a few years back and found that the white carts were hard to come by and the ones that were out there were costly.

Good luck in your quest.  It's a great printer for this type of thing -- shame it didn't catch a bigger audience to keep it afloat.

Hi,

Neither of these two use Alps printers, but they both do custom order small runs of decals.

http://home.mindspring.com/~elstrains/ uses a laser type printer but says they can still do white decals.  I can't speak firsthand to timeliness or quality, but I have read where people recommended them.

The second site is Highball Graphics at http://www.mgdecals.com/homepage.htm also offering small runs.  I believe Don Smith of Industrial Models has used him for custom decals for some of the cars he has offered, so they work in O scale.  I've also read recommendations for him elsewhere, so maybe this is a good choice.

I don't know if you specifically want Alps decals or simply want small custom runs.  Either of the two companies listed can provide this.

Jim

I still have my Alps printer and use it occasionally.  Problem is I'm not real experienced with Adobe or other art programs.  I make mine up by using either Microsoft compatible typefaces (I have a couple of RR ones) or by scanning artwork.

Works well for me and I laid in a good supply of cartridges when Alps stopped making them.  I use the Microscale decal paper as mentioned above.

What are you looking to do, a herald?

John

also from Michigan

Jim from HighBall Graphics, mentioned above, is great.

Great product

Fast Turnaround

Can do artwork if you can't

100% happy with his service!

Dave

I have to agree with the King!  Just did my first order of from Highball graphics  2 orders in two weeks!  Fantastic decals and a huge selection as well.  Can make anything for custom.  Prices are really reasonable.  Jim is extremely helpful and knowledgable.  Found his webstie on a whim! 

Chris

Thanks for the advice everyone.  I will try out Highball Graphics.  I was not going to do a hareld, but just lettering for the side of a few steam locomotives. 

Ken,

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