#1
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Who's got the best Orbital Transport decals?
Hi. I am aware of several differnt companies selling reproduction Orbital Transport decals, and they vary greatly in price. Have you tried more than one, so that you could offer a comparison? Which one is the most accurate (the most true to the original Estes graphics)?
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#2
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I am only aware of two companies selling OT decals, Tango Papa and Excelsior. Both do great work. I'd be inclined to go with Excelsior since he's a couple dollars cheaper and maintains a presence here on the forum.
Another option is to buy a few sheets of decal paper and make your own. I made the decals for both my OT clone and my 1. 68 X upscale. The blank decal sheets will usually run about about a dollar a piece. You hit them with a couple coats of clear spray( Krylon UV Resistant clear) after they print to seal the ink. Used the drawings found on Jimz plans- the original scans are there too, but I prefer the "clean" version. Just finished the clone a couple days ago as a matter of fact. Both of mine were were done on my HP 7350 ink jet, but they could also be done on a laser printer(you must buy the paper according to printer type). |
#3
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I've used both. Definitely go with Excelsior. |
#4
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Has anyone tried the OT decals from Semroc? The price is much lower, and I have to order some things from Semroc anyway.
BTW, those are nice photos, now I'm excited about doing this project! |
#5
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Thanks. I'm not sure the OT decals can be ordered from Semroc....at least, I haven't found a way to add them to the cart yet. There are some parts listed on the website which are simply inventory place holders and I think the OT decals are one such item. But don't take my word, shoot an email and see. |
#6
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I can't comment on buying the decals by themselves. I have the Semroc OT and the decals are first quality for sure. Only one note, the Semroc version is slightly different. The "wording" on the Semroc version says "Semroc " where as the Estes version says "Astron" . If you didnt look closely you might miss it.
__________________
Jim Filler NARHAMS # 139 NAR CB - RCPC |
#7
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If you make your own, you can use your graphics editor to give you another color, too. Here is mine in green. I didn't do these, I bought these almost 10 years ago. But I have taken decal images from JimZ site, and used Photoshop to change colors. I'll agree wholeheartedly with foose on the Krylon UV Resistant Clears (gloss and matte) -- they are excellent for protection of decals. This green OT has turned slightly brown, from using Testors Dullcoat clear. It has been protected from sunlight, but still changed color.
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Lee Reep NAR 55948 Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold! Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp |
#8
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When I cloned mine about 9 years ago, I used Tango Papa's. The font for the serial numbers on the orbiter's rudder is different from the one used on the booster's, unlike the Estes original. I don't know if he's changed it since, but if you're looking for complete accuracy, Excelsior might be a better choice.
BTW, when Estes rereleased the OT, on their decal sheet the globe on the tail logos is upside down! Drew |
#9
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Thanks. That is really helpful. I did get an e-mail from Carl at Semroc. He told me they can't use the word Astron because it's a registered trademark. He said the item is waiting to be restocked. I love Semroc's reproduction nose cones. I find them very accurate.
Upside down! That's funny! I wonder if they did it on purpose so we would always be able to tell the difference. |
#10
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The green on that OT looks great.
I'd like to get ones made up in the old "Republic Airlines" medium blue.
__________________
When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!! Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't ! Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY. ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, and HAVOC ! |
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