Jump to content
Model Cars Magazine Forum

Scales and decal sizing help needed


Recommended Posts

Hi all, I have a Johan "Torrid Little Funny kit that I'm changing to the Keeling and Clayton California Charger pinto. The slicks decals for the charger are in 1-25 scale and are much too large for the Johan body. Thinking about just having the decals reduced to get me closer scale wise. I've looked on the johan box and instructions and no where does it say what scale it is. Any ideas? After much body work the body is done or I'd just buy the comp. resins body.Could I just take a few measurements of the decal sizes I need and give those to the "Decal Guy"?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Is this the kit you have? GC3200 ? Though I don't have one in stock, it's listed as 1/25 scale on several internet sites.

1_32ca9da2938b1f25ba4d71a9ea2b056d.jpg

You could scan the decals you have, reduce them and print out hard copies to test-fit on your model, then get some printable decal paper and make your own. Bernard Kron on here does his own decals frequently and gets very nice results.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you decide to make the leap to creating your own Decals I have a sure fire method for sizing them.

I use this for my own DieCast Customs.

First take scans of the Model you wish to apply the Decals to. Make these scans at 300 dpi or 600 dpi.

I use a box with one end open placed over the Model as it is being scanned. This blocks ouside light.

If the left and right sides are identical, in most Models, then you need only scan one side. You can flip a left image to make a right image.

Scan the Sides, Roof, Hood and Trunk. You may need small items to block the Model body so that scanned surfaces are parallel with the scanner screen.

Save the images at 300 or 600 dpi as a jpg or even better, a bitmap.

I save everything at 600 for good clarity.

Now scan and make files of the Decals you wish to copy.

You can make adjustments if necessary, like color intensity.

All that's left is to open a scan file of your Model, layer the Decal file on top of it, reduce the opacity of the Decal layer so you can see through it and adjust it to the underlying layer of the body scan.

Make your fit, return the Decal layer to 100% opacity, turn off all other layers, and save as.

Do this for each section of the car you need to Decal, then compile your Decals on a print sheet.

I am the Mod over on Decal Talk and all I use is Clear InkJet Decal Paper from Papilio.com

I make Decals for a lot of DieCast you see on Ebay.

Any questions just ask!

CadillacPat

Edited by CadillacPat
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...