Designing New Tank Graphics for the DR

[elroyjetsn]

Been tossing around some ideas for new tank graphics. The old one are blisterred and faded-nasty...

Here are some of my ideas, any thoughts suggests??

http://www.chinariders.net/gallery2/...2_itemId=10496

Thanks

[BillR]

Numba 1
or
Numba 3
are my favorites.

Gonna get them cut in vinyl :?:
I've seen a few examples my friends did on their RC planes.

Bill

[SpudRider]

I really like tank graphic #3.

Spud

[elroyjetsn]

Originally Posted by BillR

Numba 1
or
Numba 3
are my favorites.

Gonna get them cut in vinyl :?:
I've seen a few examples my friends did on their RC planes.

Bill

We have a big color laser printer at work. First, need to find the right media to use. The tank is white plastic, so either clear plastic or white will do, but it has to be laser compatible. Hoping to cut it out by hand.

Can you laser print on Monocote? We do have a hobby store nearby.

[elroyjetsn]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I really like tank graphic #3.

Spud

Yah, me too!

Wonder what process they use for coming up with factory production graphics. If they just slap any old thing the graphics dept. comes up with or it's more involved.

[elroyjetsn]

What do you guys think?? :?

Graphic supered on the tank.

http://www.chinariders.net/gallery2/...2_itemId=10521

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by elroyjetsn

What do you guys think?? :?

Graphic supered on the tank.

http://www.chinariders.net/gallery2/...2_itemId=10521

That looks really nice. I like it much better than the original graphic.

Spud

[BillR]

Originally Posted by elroyjetsn

We have a big color laser printer at work. First, need to find the right media to use. The tank is white plastic, so either clear plastic or white will do, but it has to be laser compatible. Hoping to cut it out by hand.

Can you laser print on Monocote? We do have a hobby store nearby.

Don't know that you could use a laser printer, since the film is heat activated.
I remember someone doing Monocote on a printer. IIRC, it was using an inkjet on the paper side.
Let me do a little research and I'll get back.
Bill

[BillR]

Several links to RC projects and making decals.

Using MonoKote and Frisket to make the decal:
http://www.top-flite.com/reviews/trimgraphics3.html
http://www.tompierce.net/rcplanes/MD...0/html/gfx.htm
http://winshiprc.tripod.com/how_to_apply_checkers.htm

Custom graphic cutters:
http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/f...tom-vinyl.html

Using transparent labels to print your own. This thread used both laser and ink-jet printers. I'm not sure what sizes over 8x11 are available.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_32.../tm.htm#326889
I checked a couple of the supplier links:
This link even has a picture of a custom motorcycle tank........ :wink:
http://www.decalpaper.com/category-s/3.htm

AND, this is a "mighty fine" example of what can be done....... 8O
http://www.geocities.com/traviscouch/extra5.html

For what you have designed, either the custom graphics or the label printer will be the best bet.
Also, a coat of clear after application will help keep the edges down.
Bill

[elroyjetsn]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

That looks really nice. I like it much better than the original graphic.

Spud

Thanks!

Started out just trying to reproduce the factory graphic and it seeemed the more i worked on it the worse it got.. So, i thought, why not give the bike a little personality.. like the Super Sherpa which struck my fancy.

Thought of "yellow gecko" first, but saw this Publisher Clipart monitor lizard. Abstract and 3D looking at the same time.

[elroyjetsn]

Originally Posted by BillR

Several links to RC projects and making decals...


For what you have designed, either the custom graphics or the label printer will be the best bet.
Also, a coat of clear after application will help keep the edges down.
Bill

Using Model Airplane covering's great idea. Fuel proof, non-fading colors and durable.

Really like the water float material, too! Want something that is color copier printable. Planning on applying a clear vinyl/MA covering material over the decal when done.

Thank for all those links and ideas!

Looks like i may do a frame up rebuild of the bike so it all looks fresh and new. Dunno.. :?

[elroyjetsn]

On second thought... think i'll try a good high pressure cleaning and see how she looks before doing the teardown. Do wanna make sure all the bearings get fresh grease at least. :mrgreen:

[elroyjetsn]

Maybe i won't do a teardown after all... Dry Sump system best left alone! :roll:

[BillR]

Always something new to learn how to do........... :wink:

Looks like even on the Japanese bikes

Bill

[elroyjetsn]

Originally Posted by BillR

Always something new to learn how to do........... :wink:

Looks like even on the Japanese bikes

Bill

Good point Bill,

Who knows what crud has settled into the oil reservoirs in the frame...

Would be nice to powdercoat too, but that may not be possible on a dry sump frame..

Better get plenty smash washers.