"Decals vs. Sculpted on Details?" Topic

I'm considering producing some vehicle models, in 1/100th scale, and am investigating a number of options on how to handle the final surface detailing for them.

At issue is that raised surface details, and/or panel line scribing can be added to them, for an additional cost on the prototypes, which equates to a more expensive end product, and delays release for a while. Granted, probably not a whole lot more, when amortized over the life of the production run, but more up front costs initially.

There will be some raised detailing added to all of the models already as a baseline (e.g. major features), but I would like to add other surface texturing as well, to make them look more interesting.

So, I would like to know if people absolutely prefer to have all raised, and/or scribed detailing on these, or if some of you will consider self-adhesive type decals for at least a portion of that?

These are thicker than most decals, and don't need to be moistened prior to attachment – they are basically like peel and stick labels in terms of ease of attachment, and repositioning.

The advantage of the latter option is that it is cheaper, and provides much more flexibility for you to customize your models as you see fit, so each model can be unique, or your vehicles will be different than those of others, if desired. You can add more, or less detailing as desired. I can also get them on the market quicker.

Obviously, the models would need to be sealed for protection/durability, if the decal option is selected, but since many people do that already I imagine that isn't too much of a concern for those that use this method to protect their paintjobs.

Sorry, I can't provide more details on the models at hand currently, but hope to do so soon.

Please let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Rob

Just my 2 cents…

I presume you mean for the decals to be for things such as fuel cans, helmets, sandbags, shovels, etc. on top of the vehicles. That being the case, I personally wouldn't buy models where I had to use decals for those "detail" items. Decals are 2-dimensional, I want the "things" on my models to be 3-dimensional, as the models are.

Mind you, I'm not averse to decals per se – I use them constantly on vehicles, planes, and shields – but I like the stuff that should be 3-dimensional to be 3-dimensional.

Apologies if I've misunderstood your question, and be advised that I'm old and grumpy, so my opinion may be mine alone.

No, the details are for things like panel lines, engine gratings, and other thin/flat details that are only slightly raised on a vehicle, or sometimes not at all (e.g. recessed panel lines and seams).

Thanks for the honest opinion.

If it's present on the real thing, I like it to be present on the model. In the case of national markings, etc., I prefer them to be waterslide or rub-on transfers. I have not yet come across any self-adhesive stickers that don't look like just that: stickers. I immediately think "toy" when I see them.

Ken

Truthfully, the only sort of thing where a thermographic decal would be appropriate would be for adding details like zimmeritt. Low-relief detail just doesn't look quire right. It harkens back to the old Tootsie Toy diecasts. That isn't to say that it can't be done well. Some of the 1970s Rocos took that approach. They just don't look as good as later efforts.

On a tangent, it there is a definite difference in attitudes between model builders and wargamers. The former wants a lot of detail and is willing to spend time applying it. On the other hand, the wargamer wants a minimum of effort to get the piece onto the table – in that case six parts and a spray paint job work for most of them.

Now, having said that, Archer Transfers has 1/35 texture decals – wood, rivets, etc. link

Wyatt

I think Wyatt's tangent is more of a key point: model builders don't need help (and may see it as interfering with their own efforts?) while gamers will appreciate any quick method that allows them to add a bit more sparkle to their minis. Thus an optional set of stickers can be discarded by the former group (who would most likely do their own thing anyway) and be welcomed/used by the latter.

The issues of ease-of-application as well as durability would affect how non-modellers feel in the long run: if the stickers are a PITA to use and/or get ratty soon the time and energy spent using them will be seen as wasted effort?

I would rather have the detail cast into the product. My decal application is not the most professional looking.
I would rather see thedetail stand out from painting, washes or drybrushing.