Orion Field Posted August 30, 2011 Share Posted August 30, 2011 I have lots of books of aircraft subjects that I want to build, but the decal manufacturers either don't make the decals I want, or have discontinued them. Aside from making them myself, which is not out of the question, does anyone know someone who can make them for me? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
parkes682decals Posted August 30, 2011 Share Posted August 30, 2011 Hi I make custom decals here the UK. I have the worlds only "white" inkjet A4 printer. I also do colour on clear as well Have a look Paul Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hawkeye's Hobbies Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 Check with Greg at Draw Decal. If you have your artwork ready, he can add your to an order and have them to you quick. http://www.drawdecal.com/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CrowTRobot Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 Try Fireball Modelworks. I had some decals made back in the Spring, and I was very happy with the service Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Orion Field Posted September 2, 2011 Author Share Posted September 2, 2011 I emailed Draw Decal Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Orion Field Posted September 2, 2011 Author Share Posted September 2, 2011 this may be a strange question, but how does one come up with the vector art for which decals can be made? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RiderFan Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 Adobe Illustrator is the defacto standard for this but it's pretty expensive for one off work. There's a 60 day trial but it would probabably take someone that long to get something useable if they've never used illustrator before. Inkscape is another package I've used with success. It's free but not all print shops will take SVG format. Creating decal art isn't like working with a bitmap. You need to have a very good understanding of how to create artwork with layers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Orion Field Posted September 2, 2011 Author Share Posted September 2, 2011 good thing I have illustrator then! I'm really not sure how to start, do i have to draw a C-54 somehow and then start working on the markings? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RiderFan Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 I’m going to assume you’re doing military aircraft. In this case just start with the basic national markings. Research your subject and find out what the sizes are for the national markings. Most nations have a collection of standard sizes. For example, the roundels on the wings of bare metal CF-104’s were 48â€. So for my decal sheet, that’s where I started. I do everything in 1:1 size, then select all, rescale to the scale I need. You could also just start with the scaled down sizes if you like. I do the stencils next. Custom stripes, nose art, etc… well… there’s a bunch of different ways to do that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Orion Field Posted September 2, 2011 Author Share Posted September 2, 2011 let me be even more clear in my intent, I am trying to design a decal sheet for a 1/72 scale Blue Angels C-54 Support Aircraft, so there are no national markings, just a big 8 on the tail, UNITED STATES NAVY on both sides of the fuselage in black US Navy in Blue angels yellow under the wings. Yellow stripe for fusilage and nose, yellow for the engine cowlings and cursive "blue angels" in yellow. I feel like if it was a normal military aircraft, it would be easier.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RiderFan Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 In this case I’d start with cutting and applying tamiya tape to your model that matches the pattern and design of the stripes and markings. Make the tape look as close to the design of the decals that you can. This will allow you to get a shape that properly conforms to the size and compound curves of your model. Remove the tape and lay it flat on paper. Then scan it, open that scan in illustrator and trace the outline into a vector graphic. Print onto normal paper and see if the shape still fit. Rinse and repeat until you get all your stripes the right shape and size. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wrx15 Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 You might try one of the simulation websites like AVSIM.com They have textures for various sim aircraft like a C-54. You can open the file in Blender or other type files. The art work is done already, just need to cut and paste and resize to get what you need. They have a Blue Angels C-54 by the way. It's free, just have to register. BTW send you a PM on Blue Angels C-130 decals and Siga Fury kit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Orion Field Posted September 7, 2011 Author Share Posted September 7, 2011 I decided the best way to get the decals I want is to start my own decal company Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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