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Making decals in Correct Scale

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  • Member since
    January 2012
Making decals in Correct Scale
Posted by PANZER826 on Sunday, July 1, 2012 9:59 AM

I'm trying to make my own decals using my computer.  After making my desired design what is the easiest way to put the design in the proper scale for a model.  For example how do I make sure the design will print out in 1/35 or 1/48 scale?

Thanks for any help

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Sunday, July 1, 2012 10:44 AM

Depends on what software tool-chain you are using. If you describe something more, maybe we can help more.

For example if you use CorelDRAW!, you calculate the dimensions of the markings for the desired scale, and then you use the program's internal units of measurement to keep the dimensions, and then it prints like specified.

Good luck with your project, have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: SE Pennsylvania
Posted by padakr on Sunday, July 1, 2012 11:04 AM

I print out a paper page of the decals at various sizes then eyeball it to find the best match.

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Sunday, July 1, 2012 11:15 AM

If you are copying from decals in another scale, it is easy, just set up a fraction with the two scales.  Only secret is getting the fraction right as far as which is denominator and which the numerator.  You have to reason, "do you want to make your copy bigger or smaller?"

If the graphics are from scratch, however, it is more involved.  You need to measure the area where the graphic goes on a good 3-view drawing set.  Measure in actual inches.  Then, using the scale of the three-view drawing, convert that to inches on the prototype (actual) aircraft or whatever.  Then, divide that number by the scale of the decals you wish to make.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Towson MD
Posted by gregbale on Sunday, July 1, 2012 12:20 PM

I may do things a little differently than most (i.e., on the cheap), but it works really well, so I'll throw in my two cents' worth.

I do my graphics in one program (MS Paint), and print them in another (word processing program Open Office).  When I've got the graphics the way I like them, I save them as a TIF image, then paste that into a blank document so I can easily size them.

Through trial and error, I've found that on my individual computer set-up, when the "view" setting in Open Office is 104%, the image on my computer screen is exactly the size that will print out. I take measurements from the relevant kit part and compare them to the screen image to make sure the fit will be right, adjust the size if necessary, and print away.

The advantage (for me, at least) is that I don't have to calculate anything, just "drag and resize" the markings the same way you would do with any picture. I often do multiple projects on a single sheet (keeps the decal paper waste to a minimum), and this lets me easily alter or resize an individual marking without affecting anything else.

Hope it helps.

Greg

George Lewis:

"Every time you correct me on my grammar I love you a little fewer."
 
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