The original Estes kit had a black fin that needed a white border on the #1 decal. Here's how I made a white border so the red decal would show up against the black fin.
The "2" and "3" decals were applied.
I drew up a simple paper wrap that folded over the leading edge for easier positioning. This folded piece and pencil marks are identical on both sides.
These numbers were set down a bit, closer to the landing pads as shown on the catalog page.
Now the tricky part:
The black border is cut off the "1" decals.
The top of the "1" isn't really rounded but nobody will notice the difference.
I'll never get a smooth round cut with my hobby knife, so I selected the appropriate size barrel on the rotary punch.
Just punch off the black edge.
Carefully set your straightedge and trim off the remaining black borders.
Just leave the smaller red "1" in the center.
TIP: Notice the straightedge is turned over. Sometimes I want the edge closer to the surface of the cut without the cork backing raising it up.
I drew up a simple paper wrap that folded over the leading edge for easier positioning. This folded piece and pencil marks are identical on both sides.
These numbers were set down a bit, closer to the landing pads as shown on the catalog page.
The black border is cut off the "1" decals.
The top of the "1" isn't really rounded but nobody will notice the difference.
I'll never get a smooth round cut with my hobby knife, so I selected the appropriate size barrel on the rotary punch.
Just punch off the black edge.
Just leave the smaller red "1" in the center.
TIP: Notice the straightedge is turned over. Sometimes I want the edge closer to the surface of the cut without the cork backing raising it up.
Too bad Estes no longer sells some of the decals they used to carry -- the D-13 set would fit the bill here (looking at the scans on the JimZ site would indicate that this was indeed the decal sheet included in the kit).
ReplyDeletehttps://www.ninfinger.org/rockets/catalogs/estes73/73est72.html
Hi Naoto,
DeleteEstes does sell some generic decal sheets now, but not like they once did. Here's what they currently offer: https://estesrockets.com/products/waterslide-decal-set?_pos=1&_sid=e2285b760&_ss=r
Yep, I had checked the Estes site recently and saw that set -- they're OK (at least better than nothing), though feels a bit lacking in variety (compared to what was available in the past). From time to time I do rummage through the bargain bin at the hobby shop for various parts -- have found some decals that looked like they'd be useful. Aside from the model railroad section in the hobby shop, the other section that could be of interest would be the section for pinewood derby/pinecar.
Deletehttps://www.maximum-velocity.com/product-category/pinewood-derby-decals/
Although most would suit automotive subject, there are some graphics that could suit a model rocket. The "wrap" or "body skin" stuff looks intriguing.
Some years ago, there was an article in Finescale Modeler covering the topic of home-print decals using your computer. To get around the problem of not being able to print in white (unless you've got something like the ALPS dye sublimation printer), it suggested using white decal sheet. In this case you can print external border for the outline letter and the inside of the letter in black on white decal sheet (and hopefully the black print on the decal sheet will match the black paint).
ReplyDeleteAlternatively, you can purchase white toner for laser printers.
DeleteHi Naoto,
DeleteAt the time of this build I didn't have any white decal paper. I've found I can spray a clear decal sheet and get a more denser, opaque white. It's just an option for those who may not have the white decal paper.
Hi Leo,
DeleteI have thought about getting one of the "Ghost" (white) printers, but even those aren't a full opaque white. New Way (Old Way) Rockets has a white ink printer but it's not a thick enough, full opaque pass of white ink .Still, better than not having the white decals.
Yep, spraying white on clear decal sheet would work. Hrm... On a related note -- would there be any problem with printing on top of this painted surface using inkjet printer? How much of a difference might there be between glass white or flat white?
DeleteOn the aside, one possible source for decals (perhaps not for this specific model but in general) might be found in the model railroad section of the hobby store. Most of the times they'll be dry transfer type. You could always apply them onto clear decal sheet, then trim it out and use it like any other waterslide decal.
ReplyDeleteSome years back I was looking for some PanAm markings (not only the "globe" logo but also the lettering which have unique serifs) -- ended up finding a suitable set in the model railroading section.
Hi Naoto,
DeleteI've never thought of looking in the model railroad decals at the hobby shop. Thanks for the tip!