Signs and Posters.
I had an E-mail asking about producing signs and posters on the computer. The best type of programme for this is a drawing package. It can be done on Microsoft 'Paint' or even 'Word', using the drawing toolbar but it takes a bit more effort. I use Serif's 'Drawplus'. Just like a desktop publishing package, each item you create is treated as a separate layer.
The basic method is:
Make a square, oblong or whatever shape you require for your sign and set it at your required finished size. Select your colour fill. These usually include graduated fills. Reduce the shading to about 50% for a faded look.
Produce the text you want. You have the choice of every font on your PC and you can reshape them as well. Again these can be coloured and faded.
Add any artwork you wish - this can be from your clipart, scanned images or photos.
You can move these separate elements about, resize them or rotate them to get the final effect and there you are.
Inside my model newsagents shop there are stacks of newspapers on the counter. I scanned the front pages of papers and magazines, copied them on to my Drawplus programme and reduced them down to scale size. Although they are only around 12mm x 8mm, the pictures are really clear. Folded in half and glued in stacks, they look really good.
You can produce posters to advertise your layout's local produce, such as your model brewery's finest ale. If you wish to reproduce the old enamel signs, try printing them onto glossy photo paper. This is also good for wall tiles. (See the butcher's shop pictures). If you need inspiration for posters, try searching 'Old Posters' on the Internet. If you want to print prices on your posters, search '1950's' on the net, or whatever your chosen period. You will find sites for almost every decade, giving the prices for basic items of that time.
Another idea is to print stained glass windows on transparent OHP film, produced specially for inkjet printers. Although quite costly, my local stationery shop sells them separately. For economy's sake try to fill the sheet, so really think of all the items you require before you print. If you think fitting them might be dicey, print two, just in case. Suggestions for other stained glass items are fanlights over front doors and front door glazing. I'm sure you can think of many more ideas. As this stuff is quite thin, on larger pieces I suggest you back it with a thicker piece of clear plastic.
On my previous layout, my station building had a small clock tower with four illuminated clock faces. I drew up the clock faces, added the numbers and hands and printed them off on parchment. This is easy to obtain nowadays as parchment craft is a growing hobby. Luckily it is a hobby my wife follows, so I pinched a sheet from her. After mounting them in the tower, I fitted a bulb inside, turned off the lights and glowed
The basic method is:
Make a square, oblong or whatever shape you require for your sign and set it at your required finished size. Select your colour fill. These usually include graduated fills. Reduce the shading to about 50% for a faded look.
Produce the text you want. You have the choice of every font on your PC and you can reshape them as well. Again these can be coloured and faded.
Add any artwork you wish -
You can move these separate elements about, resize them or rotate them to get the final effect and there you are.
Inside my model newsagents shop there are stacks of newspapers on the counter. I scanned the front pages of papers and magazines, copied them on to my Drawplus programme and reduced them down to scale size. Although they are only around 12mm x 8mm, the pictures are really clear. Folded in half and glued in stacks, they look really good.
You can produce posters to advertise your layout's local produce, such as your model brewery's finest ale. If you wish to reproduce the old enamel signs, try printing them onto glossy photo paper. This is also good for wall tiles. (See the butcher's shop pictures). If you need inspiration for posters, try searching 'Old Posters' on the Internet. If you want to print prices on your posters, search '1950's' on the net, or whatever your chosen period. You will find sites for almost every decade, giving the prices for basic items of that time.
Another idea is to print stained glass windows on transparent OHP film, produced specially for inkjet printers. Although quite costly, my local stationery shop sells them separately. For economy's sake try to fill the sheet, so really think of all the items you require before you print. If you think fitting them might be dicey, print two, just in case. Suggestions for other stained glass items are fanlights over front doors and front door glazing. I'm sure you can think of many more ideas. As this stuff is quite thin, on larger pieces I suggest you back it with a thicker piece of clear plastic.
On my previous layout, my station building had a small clock tower with four illuminated clock faces. I drew up the clock faces, added the numbers and hands and printed them off on parchment. This is easy to obtain nowadays as parchment craft is a growing hobby. Luckily it is a hobby my wife follows, so I pinched a sheet from her. After mounting them in the tower, I fitted a bulb inside, turned off the lights and glowed
