ALIGN RUB-DOWN DECALS

Following the recommendations of several well-known modellers, I’ve bought some rub-down transfers to re-number my diesel locomotives. As I’ll have to make up my own TOPS numbers, is there a way to ensure I apply them accurately?

Steve Morris, by email

George says: The rub-down transfers from Replica Railways have been my favoured means of adding numbers to early Br-era locomotives and coaching stock since my teens. Unlike waterslide decals, dry-transfer characters don’t have a clear carrier film, reducing the risk of a ghost-like aura appearing after application. There’s also no need for gloss varnish coats before or after application, thus speeding up the process considerably.

However, as the rub-down decals can’t be adjusted after application, it’s vital to get them correctly aligned in the first place. The clear plastic sheet affords us a fairly good view of the surface below and nearby fittings such as handrails and window frames can be used as visual references. However, such raised features can also get in the way, so cutting the sheet to allow your chosen numbers to sit flat on the surface before rubbing them down can help.

Another useful tip is to apply a thin strip of low-tack masking tape as an alignment guide, onto which the position of the full number set – or individual digits – can be marked with a pencil. This allows the exact spacings to be ascertained beforehand. Indeed, this careful preparation makes the actual application of the digits far quicker and ensures greater accuracy.

After application, the transfers should be secure against damage, provided that the model is handled carefully. However, for greater security, a coat of satin varnish will seal them permanently.