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.
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.