rogerp Posted August 30, 2019 Report Share Posted August 30, 2019 I am currently building a 1/48 F-14 Tomcat for my son and want to put his name on the canopy. What decals should I use to customize this and what size? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghodges Posted August 31, 2019 Report Share Posted August 31, 2019 (edited) The easiest (so to speak) would be dry transfer letters. Woodland Scenics makes these in a variety of sizes, colors, and fonts; including those small enough to fit onto a 1/48 F-14 Tomcat canopy frame. The hard part is getting them all aligned properly while making his name. This is done the most easily by simply applying them to a clear decal sheet. Once they're on there, coat them with some clear gloss to seal them in place. After it's dry, you can cut it out and apply it just like any other decal. The simpler method is to rub each individual letter onto the canopy frame. However, this is much more tedious and also tougher to assure good alignment of EVERY letter. But, if you do this, there's no need to gloss coat before applying them as the letters have no "film" behind them. Other dry transfer lettering is available from art and drafting supply places and also offer small sizes, but may be harder to find than the Woodland Scenics, which many hobby shops supply for the train enthusiasts. There are a very few regular "letter" decal sheets, but those are even rarer and hard to find. One last option, especially if you want to do his name in black; is a VERY fine point Sharpie black marker. The downfall there is you need to be a VERY good printer, or have the ability to do his name in a very neat "script" that satisfies you. Again, you can do this on clear decal sheet (but use a LIGHT clear gloss coat to prevent the ink from running); or if you're really gutsy and confident, directly onto the canopy frame. Hope this helps! GIL Edited August 31, 2019 by ghodges Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfman63 Posted August 31, 2019 Report Share Posted August 31, 2019 Make your own decals. I have done canopy names many times for many aircraft for many folks. If you want send me a PM and I can make a set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogerp Posted August 31, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2019 thanks guys! David I may take you up on your off. thank you so much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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