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

1. “Scratchbuilding Scale Signs”
Using Your Computer
Scott Povlot

2. Introduction
● Why Make Your Own Signs?
● Making your own signs
– Prototype
– Custom
● Printing
● Modeling

3. 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

4. Signs As Scenery
Black & White Photographs
Photographic Collections, Special Collections Department & Archives,
Georgia State University Library
http://www.library.gsu.edu/spcoll/avcoll/atlphoto.htm

18. Time Periods

19. Time Periods

20. Location, Location, Location

21. Signs, Signs – Everywhere Signs

22. Prototype Research
● Photos
– Historical Societies
– Archives
– Books
– Internet Photo Galleries

23. Prototype Photos

24. Internet Search
● Image Search
– Google
– Yahoo!
● Online Sign Vendors
– eBay
– Vintage Reproductions

25. Internet Image Search

26. Google Search Results
 Atlantic Sign Search

27. Images Found

28. Modeling Example

29. More Examples
Gordon's Potato Chips

30. 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/

31. 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/

32. Make Your Own Signs
● Tools
– Microsoft Word
– WordArt
– Microsoft Paint
– Photoshop
● Typefaces / Fonts
– www.fontface.com
– www.dafont.com

33. Formatting Words

34. Customizing a Sign

35. Printing
● Printer
– Laser
– Inkjet
● Printer Settings
– “Best” setting
– Paper Type

36. Paper
● Paper
– Weight
– Type
– Brightness
● Finish
– Gloss
– Matte
● Copy Paper
● Photo Paper
● Card Stock
● Inkjet Decal
– White
– Clear

37. 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

38. Modeling Signs

39. Painted Brick Signs

40. 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

41. 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?