Quick update: Awaiting information from the screen printer. Tom P: Most decal companies now have the ability to print in various scales, so hopefully there will be no issue obtaining the set in S scale once a deal is done and the decals are being produced.
I would think, in this day and age, that once the font, color and design were set that any scale could be published with just a few keystrokes? Am I wrong?
I am very interested in buying these once they become available, but I would like to know all of the units that would be included in the decal sheets. If a list is already a part of this thread, please forgive an old man's laziness/inability to find it in this thread. Thanks, Terry
UPDATE: Have received a reply from the screen printer. We are currently involved in ongoing exchanges to make sure I'm fully understanding how this will work. Once I verify that I am understanding him correctly, I will post info. Upfront I'll tell you that from start to finish we're looking at approximately 6 months to finished product. (He has two runs to produce before ours.) All for now. Andre
Update: According to several email exchanges with Black Cat Screen Printing (http://www.blackcatdecals.com), here's where we're at: * The minimum print run would be 250 sets, however since these look like they will be two sheet sets (more info on this down below), that brings it down to 125 sets for the first run. Once the decal sets are ready, we would be required to deliver (send the money) on our commitment of 50-60 sets in one bulk order and he will ship the bulk order within a week of receipt of payment to ONE address. It will be up to one of us to receive and distribute our sets to those that ordered. Black Cat Decals will absorb the overrun sets for stock and sale to the general modeling public. * It appears that essentially the scope of the Oddballs set can be reproduced, however, Black Cat Decals will be producing all new artwork and only using the old defunct Oddballs set as a reference. The scope of the set will result in the two-sheet set mentioned above. * The ballpark figure for our purchase price per set is estimated to be within a $6 - $9 range. * There are two runs ahead of ours, and Black Cat Decals does not expect to begin work on the artwork for our set until at least June. Thus, we have some time to discuss improvements to the Oddballs set and/or amass data resource (more on that below). * As for being available in various scales, I will quote Black Cat's response to that question: "Once I have the HO artwork it makes sense to do the N scale at the same time and maybe a stripped down O set as well (name, numbers and generic stripes)." As you can see, the minority scales (O and S) are still in doubt as to whether it can be feasibly done. The problem appears to be sheet size vs expense for the larger scales. Now, here's what we need to discuss/accomplish between now and June: * Discuss any VERY MINOR additions/upgrades we would want on the old/defunct Oddballs set and come to a consensus on what changes to be made. * A source for the actual color code the Frisco used for their yellow striping, otherwise we'll have to go with a color that we feel "looks best". (IMHO, it would NOT be easy to get consensus on that.) * A plea for actual Frisco paint schematics that can be scanned and forwarded to Black Cat Decals for use in developing the artwork for the new set. In regards to the way the Frisco did their paint schemes/fonts, here's more quotes from Black Cat as to what would help them develop the most accurate set reasonable: Quote: I can work from photos but a paint & lettering diagram would be great. My shopping list of things include: -a square on of FRISCO. Knowing the height & length is information that can be derived from various sources. -I need to see all numbers ie- 1234567890 so that I can get them right. I notice there are 2 different "fonts" for the numbers. -Is the Frisco shield on the nose Yellow and what size is it? I would expect the set to letter 2 or 3 different diesels- limited by FRISCOs and numbers. ( I see 2 sizes of FRISCOs and 2 different number fonts) End quote. As you can see, as a group of Frisco modelers, we have our work cut out for us to once again have a nice Frisco B&Y stripe set available to us! I guess for now, any input should continue to go into this thread? Or, should we start another thread specific to this Frisco B&Y Stripe decal set project? Andre
This is starting to sound like it is more trouble than it might be worth. 250 is a lot of sets, and the price is getting a bit high. GS
$6 to $9 for a two page set that will do essentially any B&Y stripe Frisco diesel too high? I was thrilled to see the estimated price point. PLUS, Black Cat says we're only committed for the 50-60 sets that were SUPPOSED to be committed to here in this thread, and they will eat the overstock. Yes, it will be effort, but so far, I'm the only one putting out any effort. That too, sounds like a pretty good deal for the rest of the others interested in once again obtaining a Frisco stripe decal set. I will gladly pass this off to another or let it drop right here and go to watching eBay for old Oddballs sets. It's up to us, but before I expend anymore effort and give up more of my short-supply disposable time, I want to make sure we're going forward with this and I'm not going to see some of you bail on the 50-60 set commitment and leave me holding the bag.
I will happily stick to my commitment as mentioned in HO and will also buy in O scale if they are produced
6-9 bucks a set is very reasonable when you take into consideration Microscale sets in HO can be $8.50 retail. Never mind the rolling stock that sells for 40-60 bucks nowadays. I wont get into locomotive prices. I am good with it and the result will result in B/Y loco decal availability for years to come, enough to do several locos too. As far as changes to the former OB decals. I dont have any problems with the fonts and such on the OB sets, covered the AT&N, QA&P too. Dont know if we will ever come up with the perfect decal set. The only thing I would strongly recommend is a rich vibrant Yellow, I hope someone will come up with a Federal Standards Yellow the Frisco used. This is the Yellow patch on the best Frisco Yellow decals I have ever used. Bear in mind the colors will change a bit when the decal is laid over Black.
I am still good with the original 4 I committed to but would like to increase my commitment to 5 sets in HO. Thanks to all that are making this happen!!
I will buy as many as I need, but I am still waiting for an answer to my question as to the units that could be decaled by each set. I have GP7s, F units (A & B), FMs, FAs ( A & B), and I would like to paint a GP35 in black/yellow. I would commit to buy as many sets as I need to complete the painting/decaling of all of these units. Terry
Andre, with the price nearly settled, I will round up my commitment to 5 sets for any combination of black and yellow Frisco locomotives. Feel free to message me if I miss the update to this thread when it comes time to pony up. I'm trying to stay on top of it.
Sorry, I assumed (that's dangerous!) we are all familiar with the defunct Oddballs set we're discussing. Short answer: The Oddballs set will pretty much do all stripe schemes on the hood units and switchers. You'll need to use Microscale's set for F's/FA's and paint your own yellow portions. When I get home this evening, I will post a scan of the Oddballs set being discussed so all can become familiar with it.
Greg, that is exactly what I say when I have lost a debate with she who must obeyed. That's funny stuff there.
LOL! You totally disarmed me with that one, Greg. Like Tom said, "that's funny stuff there" I don't care who you are!
As promised above, below you'll find scans of the HO Oddballs #180 stripe set for Frisco's hood and switcher units. Also included are scans of the diagram sheets to help all be familiar with all the options this set provided. Hope this helps.
