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Scratchbuilding Scale Signs Using Your Computer Scott Povlot

Scratchbuilding Signs

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Scratchbuilding Scale Signs for Model Railroading - Learn how to create scale signs for your model railroad structures

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Page 1: Scratchbuilding Signs

“Scratchbuilding Scale Signs ”Using Your Computer

Scott Povlot

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Introduction

● Why Make Your Own Signs?

● Making your own signs– Prototype

– Custom

● Printing● Modeling

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Why Make Your Own Signs?

● Create a unique model● Match your prototype

● Signs as scenery– Set a mood

– Set a location

– Set a time period

● Identify industries for operations

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Signs As Scenery

Black & White PhotographsPhotographic Collections, Special Collections Department & Archives, Georgia State University Library

http://www.library.gsu.edu/spcoll/avcoll/atlphoto.htm

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Time Periods

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Time Periods

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Location, Location, Location

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Signs, Signs – Everywhere Signs

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Prototype Research

● Photos– Historical Societies

– Archives

– Books

– Internet Photo Galleries

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Prototype Photos

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Internet Search

● Image Search– Google

– Yahoo!

● Online Sign Vendors– eBay

– Vintage Reproductions

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Internet Image Search

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Google Search Results Atlantic Sign Search

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Images Found

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Modeling Example

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More Examples

Gordon's Potato Chips

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Website Resources

– Online Sign Vendors● eBay

● Billboards of the Past– http://www.billboardsofthepast.com/

● Desperate Enterprises– http://www.desperate.com

● Vintage Concepts - Gas/Oil signs– http://www.vcsigns.com

● All Posters – Vintage– http://www.allposters.com

● Gas Signs– http://gassigns.org/

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Website Resources

● Railroad Line - Signs for Structures Topic– http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?

TOPIC_ID=9280

● Mike Tylick– http://www.trainweb.org/tylick/signintro.htm

● Fading Ad Campaign– http://www.frankjump.com/

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Make Your Own Signs● Tools

– Microsoft Word– WordArt

– Microsoft Paint

– Photoshop

● Typefaces / Fonts– www.fontface.com

– www.dafont.com

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Formatting Words

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Customizing a Sign

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Printing

● Printer– Laser

– Inkjet

● Printer Settings– “Best” setting

– Paper Type

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Paper

● Paper – Weight

– Type

– Brightness

● Finish– Gloss

– Matte

● Copy Paper● Photo Paper● Card Stock

● Inkjet Decal– White

– Clear

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Modeling

● Preparation– Cut with sharp scissors or knife

– Color edge with markers

● Application– Apply directly with white glue

– Mount to thin styrene, optionally

– Sand back for a “painted on” look

● Weathering

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Modeling Signs

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Painted Brick Signs

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Painted Brick Signs

● Print sign on copy paper● Sand (in one direction) with 200 grit● Apply with full strength white glue or glue

stick● Apply to painted brick siding● Emboss sign in brick mortar lines using

fingernail or toothpick● Dry brush with brick color paint● Weather as desired

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Conclusion

● Research Prototype● Match Location and Timeframe● Search Google or Yahoo! Images● Resize to scale w/ graphics program

● Create new signs with word processor● Use appropriate typefaces

● Questions?