Dry transfers

I've used them for names on ships, mostly. And I've used them for years in graphic design before computer/ printers became the norm. Yes, we used to handset type layouts.

They are easy to use in those contexts. They are also pretty cheap.

Woodlands Scenics make lettering sets, I guess a lot of AM is also available.

Where they cause trouble is when they get old or aren't stored right.

Ditto on what GM said above. I've used them quite often with great results.

When you are putting them on, you can usually see right then when something is going wrong. You can just stop there and remove them and do another.

Jim  

Stay Safe.

Archer is another brand.  These are general purpose ones, just letters, numbers, etc. in various  fonts, sizes and colors.  They are found in office supply and art stores.

I used to use them in one of the graphics shops that I worked in and have used tham way back in the late 70s and 80s, and still have some German markings with my ecals.

You can apply them with a burring tool if you can find one or a wooden tool from a arts supple store.  Failing that a simple wooden pencil will do.  This is mostly what I used for the transfer.