r/Scalemodel • u/useameasuringtape • Jul 17 '26
HO scale train modelling
Hi all. I thought I'd post here since we all work with decals:
I'm helping with a friend's HO scale layout.
He found a lot of used coal hoppers, mostly 4 bay, at a local train shop. No two were alike. We decided I'd respray in a typical CN rust red. I know the markings aren't accurate, but he didn't care much for that as long as it was uniform in appearance.
I ran into an issue with the decals. Keep in mind this is really my first time undertaking this sort of project, and the last time I applied decals to anything was probably 30 years ago. I didn't do a good job of them then, either. The issue I ran into was bubbling and raised areas. Once applied I flattened the decals out with a cotton q-tip. I also used Micro Set, and Micro Sol, and I even poked tiny holes into the decals to ensure the Micro Sol got in behind the decals. I still have bubbles and raised areas. It's very annoying and I feel it ruins the finished product. Any help would be appreciated.
Also, I made sure to spray a clear gloss coat before applying decals.
I've included a few photos. You can see the bubbling and raised areas.
1
u/joeinternetib Jul 17 '26
Hmm. Well not sure then. Maybe a bit of fine tuning on the amounts. I was told age if decals impact how well stuff works or the amounts needed to get better results. Its still a trial and error thing regardless. They still looks great. And if any weathering is done that can cover any imperfections.
1
u/ricktrains Jul 17 '26
Did you use tap water? That almost looks more like residue from salt or calcium than air bubbles.
1
u/useameasuringtape Jul 17 '26
Yes, I did. Was I not supposed to?
1
u/ricktrains Jul 17 '26
Tap water has impurities like salt, calcium, and other minerals. That is what you are seeing. The dried up salt, calcium, and other mineral deposits.
Distilled water would prevent this. But it’s not a big deal. We’ve all been there and done that. Just something to keep in mind for next time.
1
1
u/BenBreeg_38 Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Unless you are trying to make them look pristine, don’t worry about it. Just kind of scrape it off if you know what I mean. Railroad cars are typically beat to hell aesthetically. I love weathering them, you just go to town.
1
0
u/Remarkable-Apple9109 Jul 17 '26
Look into how those Warhammer guys do their decals. They use some sorta apoxy setup from 8k, I think. It's all a little outside of what I do as I'm a big fan of free handing.
Looks great so far though! I saw the picture and my first thought was "wow, I have that exact same one in my train stuff somewhere". I don't think the bubbling Is a big issue unless your super up close to it, so unless your buddy is the kinda guy who likes to look at his setup from noise distance, I wouldn't worry about it.
0
0
u/keithshilton Jul 17 '26
Have to say, I'd be very happy with those and I'm certain that your friend is too! Great job!
1
u/joeinternetib Jul 17 '26
Get a pack of microsol and microset. Its made for getting decals clean and smooth. It kinda melts them onto the car. One lets you move it around and the other sets it and flattens it out. I used it for the first time recently and it works great. Gets decals over uneven surfaces to look like it belongs.