Conspicuity Stripes

[Toolbelt]

What's everybody using? Looking for decals preferably. I've seen tape used but it looks much too thick.

 

[migalyto]

I use the stripping from smokebox graphics which is actual self-stick reflective material.

Unfortunately, they decided to discontinue the product last summer and it was in my opinion the best out there. Fortunately
I have a several year supply of them still. I converted everything over to them, even the models that came with stripping factory
applied. Since these were truly reflective and not just a yellow painted stripe.

I hear Fusion Scale Graphics has a similar product but have not used it. Reports on other forums are, they are not as user friendly
or as reflective as the Smokebox Graphics stripes.

 

[Toolbelt]

I use the stripping from smokebox graphics which is actual self-stick reflective material.

Unfortunately, they decided to discontinue the product last summer and it was in my opinion the best out there. Fortunately
I have a several year supply of them still. I converted everything over to them, even the models that came with stripping factory
applied. Since these were truly reflective and not just a yellow painted stripe.

I hear Fusion Scale Graphics has a similar product but have not used it. Reports on other forums are, they are not as user friendly
or as reflective as the Smokebox Graphics stripes.

One would think there is a huge market for these stripes with people detailing/upgrading older fleets. My search began when I picked up a ScaleTrains Operator tank car (which lacks the basic upgrades of their rivet counter cousins). They did/do offer a decal upgrade kit containing these stripes however their minimum order amount makes it cost prohibitive for me. I tend to build my fleet via train show purchases.

 

[migalyto]

Here are the Fusion Scale Graphics strips. A b it more expensive than the Smokebox graphics strips but it may be our most viable option going forward.

It's till cheap enough to take a gamble and see how they work. If you do report back and let us know.

HO Scale Railroad Freight Car Yellow Reflective Markings Set W/ Double

Key Features: Easy Pre-Cut Markings: No more tedious cutting or measuring! Accurately Scaled: Meticulously scaled to ensure a perfect fit. Reflective Brilliance: Bring your layout to life with gleaming reflective markings. Peel and Stick Convenience: Applying our markings is a breeze. Ultimate...

fsdecals.com

 

[Toolbelt]

Here are the Fusion Scale Graphics strips. A b it more expensive than the Smokebox graphics strips but it may be our most viable option going forward.

It's till cheap enough to take a gamble and see how they work. If you do report back and let us know.

HO Scale Railroad Freight Car Yellow Reflective Markings Set W/ Double

Key Features: Easy Pre-Cut Markings: No more tedious cutting or measuring! Accurately Scaled: Meticulously scaled to ensure a perfect fit. Reflective Brilliance: Bring your layout to life with gleaming reflective markings. Peel and Stick Convenience: Applying our markings is a breeze. Ultimate...

fsdecals.com

I've actually looked at their products in the past, however shipping to Canada starts at around $30, which is 4x higher than the product cost.

 

[migalyto]

shipping to Canada starts at around $30, which is 4x higher than the product cost.

Yea, that makes it hard to justify ordering one product just to try.

You would think a card of stripes they could just put in an envelope and ship for a couple of bucks. Wouldn't be so bad1

 

[Toolbelt]

Yea, that makes it hard to justify ordering one product just to try.

You would think a card of stripes they could just put in an envelope and ship for a couple of bucks. Wouldn't be so bad1

ScaleTrains did offer to slip the decal sheets into any rolling stock I might purchase, but that would require purchasing rolling stock as well. lol I once ordered some decals from Shell Scale and the shipping was basically free. I guess the market has just learned to not question shipping and handling fees or even minimum purchase amounts. These fees can be a killer when ordering detail parts and decals of extremely low value.

 

[Snowman]

ScaleTrains did offer to slip the decal sheets into any rolling stock I might purchase, but that would require purchasing rolling stock as well. lol I once ordered some decals from Shell Scale and the shipping was basically free. I guess the market has just learned to not question shipping and handling fees or even minimum purchase amounts. These fees can be a killer when ordering detail parts and decals of extremely low value.

Do you purchase through Amazon at times, and can you get into Amazon Prime up north? If so, I would see what you can find there to save on shipping costs. They can be a deal killer, for sure.

 

[Rico]

I've actually looked at their products in the past, however shipping to Canada starts at around $30, which is 4x higher than the product cost.

Shipping costs can kill many deals but often the price is kind of an automated estimate.
I’ve called places before that agreed to just slip something like this into an envelope for a couple of bucks.
Worth a try?

 

[Toolbelt]

Shipping costs can kill many deals but often the price is kind of an automated estimate.
I’ve called places before that agreed to just slip something like this into an envelope for a couple of bucks.
Worth a try?

I suggested something like that but gave me the impression that wasn't an option. I might see if a local hobby can add it to their next order possibly.

 

[Snowman]

I'm not sure why there is a dim bell ringing inside my head right now, particularly because I have done very little over the border business myself in my life...but I have the vague idea you can, or your shipper could/can declare (for customs purposes) additional...costs?" Without having to delve into specifics over minor inclusions like a set of decals or something.

 

[Toolbelt]

I'm not sure why there is a dim bell ringing inside my head right now, particularly because I have done very little over the border business myself in my life...but I have the vague idea you can, or your shipper could/can declare (for customs purposes) additional...costs?" Without having to delve into specifics over minor inclusions like a set of decals or something.

Typically anything under $20 will avoid customs scrutiny and the possibility of brokerage fees. The problem is, the $20 value includes all costs associated with an order, including shipping and handling. Also, if a seller were to play ball and declare a false value or label it as no-charge samples, and were to get caught, they might risk being blacklisted by the importing country. The decals in question list for $0.99, so likely not worth their risk.

 

[Toolbelt]

I just saw an Amazon listing for whiteboard tape (6 rolls 5/64" wide x 72 yards long) for $10.79. It looks like fairly thin material, which might do the trick.

Now I gotta find a source for placard decals for about 10 tank cars.

 

[Toolbelt]

I just saw an Amazon listing for whiteboard tape (6 rolls 5/64" wide x 72 yards long) for $10.79. It looks like fairly thin material, which might do the trick.
View attachment 261805

Now I gotta find a source for placard decals for about 10 tank cars.

Just a side note. If this tape works, I will have 5.999 rolls left over, or enough to stripe up about 4,597 HO scale cars. I might have to start a side-gig. lol I might be able to use it for road lane marking as well. I suspect I'll have the safest village anywhere as I wrap tape around anything and everything.

 

[Snowman]

I just saw an Amazon listing for whiteboard tape (6 rolls 5/64" wide x 72 yards long) for $10.79. It looks like fairly thin material, which might do the trick.
View attachment 261805

Now I gotta find a source for placard decals for about 10 tank cars.

I suggest a printer. Just print them up yourself.

 

[Toolbelt]

I suggest a printer. Just print them up yourself.

I found a source for placard assorted decal sets........104 pcs for $12 shipping included. And for an extra $10, I can customize the placard #'s. The set I chose included 32 pcs of #1075 (LPG) which I'm replacing with 16 pcs of #1267 (crude) and 16 pcs #1270 (petroleum). I'm no rivet counter but pretty sure none of my tank cars haul LPG.

 

[Snowman]

Typically anything under $20 will avoid customs scrutiny and the possibility of brokerage fees. The problem is, the $20 value includes all costs associated with an order, including shipping and handling. Also, if a seller were to play ball and declare a false value or label it as no-charge samples, and were to get caught, they might risk being blacklisted by the importing country. The decals in question list for $0.99, so likely not worth their risk.

Yeah, that makes sense...but it doesn't help you. Nor your countrymen. And this is where digital files, and the exchange between countries comes into play. And where the various governments try to stick a finger into the pie and pull a chunk of Tax Change back out.

 

[Toolbelt]

Crossing borders either way adds complexity and costs. I was kinda hoping ScaleTrains would just throw them in an envelope, but their minimum order size plus shipping and handling fees make it cost prohibitive. In all fairness to them, I bought this tank car at a train show used. not new at a retailer.

 

[Toolbelt]

I just saw an Amazon listing for whiteboard tape (6 rolls 5/64" wide x 72 yards long) for $10.79. It looks like fairly thin material, which might do the trick.
View attachment 261805

Now I gotta find a source for placard decals for about 10 tank cars.

I just realized that this 5/64" wide tape (0.0781) is almost double the width of 4" tape at 1/87 scale. I don't wish to cut this tape to width unless I have to. I think Plan B will be to hit my nearby old school train store and rummage through their boxes of old miscellaneous decal sheets and find something in a similar color I can cut up. I recall seeing some old steam loco sheets with pin striping I might be able to use.

 

[migalyto]

I just realized that this 5/64" wide tape (0.0781) is almost double the width of 4" tape at 1/87 scale. I don't wish to cut this tape to width unless I have to. I think Plan B will be to hit my nearby old school train store and rummage through their boxes of old miscellaneous decal sheets and find something in a similar color I can cut up. I recall seeing some old steam loco sheets with pin striping I might be able to use.

Yea, cutting all those is going to be a bear! Might be worth it to just order a lifetime supply of the self stick pre done ones.

The time and aggravation may make the $30.00 shipping worth it!