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Topic: Font for hull numbers |
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David Waples
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 30, 2012 - 1:21pm
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I have a suggestion for all of you. If you know what you're looking for and can provide a photo, font (as Dick provided), and size, you can reach out to Kenny Loop at Gators Grip and have him make some custom laser cut masks for you. I had him make some tail code masks for a Project I'm currently working on and they are perfect.
From there you have a couple of ways to approach it. You can paint your model, apply the mask, remove the numbers and paint the number color over the mask. Or you can first start with the number color, apply the individual laser cut numbers themselves, and then paint your model color. The later works well for areas with complex curves such as a 20mm pedestal. Once done remove the laser cut numbers. Either way painting the numbers on will have a superior look than decals. I hope that made sense.
Dave
David Waples |
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Dick
Moderator
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 Posted on: Dec 30, 2012 - 4:55pm
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I have quickly peek through some photos and found some samples of PT boat numbering. As you can see by the samples below. I still believe the AIrborne Pilot and Pilot II are closer to the actual numbers used, at least, when the boats were new and coming out of Elco. If you look at all the early 103 series boats, the numbering is consistent. Now when the boats were out in the war areas, like painting, color, and numbering ,many times were all none specific.
There has also been comments (on the Italeri 109) about proper sizes for numbers at various locations. I gone through a lot of photos some time back and seldom if ever notice much difference in size. I've also scoured for technical reference for PT boat number size and can not find any - that's not to say they're aren't any. If someone has all this info please share.
The image below is just a quick sample, pay attention to the number 1, 4, 5, and 7's.
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David Waples
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 30, 2012 - 6:45pm
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Great photos Dick. I think most of you can pick out what was done in the factory and what was done in the field. Some crews clearly had better artistic talent than others. You definitely have to look at your subject photos to know what to do with your numbers. This is not unique to PT Boats. I studied F4U Corsairs and their numbers in the field were all hand painted. They look good from a distance but up close they are very crude.
Dave
David Waples |
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Will Day
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 30, 2012 - 10:04pm
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Right on, Dave. If someone is modeling a specific boat as she appeared Out In The Area, by far the best way is to go by actual photos as opposed to fresh-from-the-factory specs.
Will |
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Jeff D
Moderator
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Posted on: Dec 31, 2012 - 4:49am
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Nice work Dick, thank you for doing that!
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wclracer64
New Member
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Posted on: Dec 31, 2012 - 5:59am
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Great info all around! Thanks guys!
Bill
Stop with all the negative waves Moriarity! |
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Drew Cook
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Jan 1, 2013 - 6:59am
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Great compilation of shots of different PT boat number-styles, Dick, thanks!
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TED WALTHER
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Jan 1, 2013 - 7:12am
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David;
You are correct, I also have studied Corsairs and the early ones (F4U-1 and F4U-1A's especially) from Guadalcanal to Torokina-Green Island era(Jan 1944).
Dick;
I like your idea here, if you could expand it, this would make a great "PT Number "Collage poster!
Take care,
TED
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Jeff Sherry
Advanced Member
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Posted on: Jan 11, 2013 - 1:58pm
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SNAFU? My Dad's boat PT-342, Ron 24, was also called "SNAFU" Anyone have any info on the 342 boat?
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