Black on white or white on black?

Black on white, which is more common on modern locos, isn't that hard to do.  Clean off the old numbers and background, cover the bare plastic with a clear coat so the new decals will stick, apply a piece of plain white decal and soak it in decal solvent.  When that's dry add the black numbers.  Apply a final clear coat to seal the decals.  Done.

White on black is not as easy.  While such decals are made, when backlit you see the overlaps or gaps in the black spaces.  The only answer that works for me is to print number boards on a laser or inkjet printer.  That way they're one piece.  You might have to double them up to get enough opacity in the black areas.

Good luck.  Enjoying your progress.  I visited Union Bridge last January.  Nothing was happening that afternoon, unfortunately.

Scott Chatfield

Cleaning the old numbers off

What are you using to clean the old numbers and white background off?  Solvaset?

Cleaning the old numbers off

What are you using to clean the old numbers and white background off?  Solvaset?

Booze

IPA, to be specific.

(isopropyl alcohol, that is...)

Scott Chatfield