[stalag8611]

I seem to be stuck in a rut.
What are tampo-pad decals? Can I buy them? Where? Are they easy to apply or strctley for professionals.
I realize tampo-pad decals are on almost every diecast we buy, and they are certainly better looking than standard decals, but I've never seen them advertised.
Just curious.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by stalag8611

I seem to be stuck in a rut.
What are tampo-pad decals? Can I buy them? Where? Are they easy to apply or strctley for professionals.
I realize tampo-pad decals are on almost every diecast we buy, and they are certainly better looking than standard decals, but I've never seen them advertised.
Just curious.

I'm not aware of any commercialy available tampo-pad decals? I thought these were factory-applied at the source ala NASCAR diecast graphics.

Anyway, I used to have a kit - I think it was a Revell 1:32nd Typhoon which came with a "dry-transfer" set of markings - the first I've seen and dealt with. You had to use a blunt tool to 'burnish' the decal onto the surface, and the utmost care must be taken so that the thing doesn't fall apart on you.

Just my .02 cent opinion.

[stalag8611]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

I'm not aware of any commercialy available tampo-pad decals? I thought these were factory-applied at the source ala NASCAR diecast graphics.

Anyway, I used to have a kit - I think it was a Revell 1:32nd Typhoon which came with a "dry-transfer" set of markings - the first I've seen and dealt with. You had to use a blunt tool to 'burnish' the decal onto the surface, and the utmost care must be taken so that the thing doesn't fall apart on you.

Just my .02 cent opinion.

Just recently I ordered two sheets of Swastikas of various sizes and styles from an unnamed hobby shop in the mid-west. What arrived was two sheets of "dry-transfer" regular Luftwaffe crosses. I'd been down that "dry-transfer" road before, plus they weren't what I ordered, and I sent them back. Too bad we can't latch on to some tampo-pad swasis.

[Berkut76]

There is no such thing as tampo-pad decals. Since waterslide decals are one thing while tampo pad printing is automated paint on process if you will,resulting in much better quality and durability. You can read more about it here: http://www.aki.co.uk/page/tampo_pad_printing

I think it was a Revell 1:32nd Typhoon which came with a "dry-transfer" set of markings

I bet that "dry transfer" marking is another term for vinyl printed stickers, which are a pain to apply since you only get one shot to get it right.

Regards,

Sergey

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Berkut76

I bet that "dry transfer" marking is another term for vinyl printed stickers, which are a pain to apply since you only get one shot to get it right.

Regards,

Sergey

Right on the money, Sergey. Which is why I never use "dry-transfers" in the first place.

[pulqui]

Tampo pad transfers can only be applied with somewhat expensive machinery. I guess that someone that is extremely determined might be able to do it at home but the effort will probably be too high.

Lets see what they are: They are transfers that are printed, using a photogravure process, and are then transferred onto the model by a machine equipped with a tampon (not the kind women use!!! ), hence tampo printing. This tampon is a block of soft silicone rubber that is used to transfer the marking from the flat printing plate to the model. Being soft the tampon will adjust itself to the contours of the model and make sure that the transfer adheres well. The inks used will stay wet long enough to allow for the transfer from one surface to the other and will not permanently adhere to the silicone transfering pad.

The model is held in place by a jig and the process is repeated automatically very fast. It beats having somebody dipping "water transfers" in lukewarm water and then applying them to the models.

If interested on seen what this machinery looks like see here:
http://www.tampo.co.uk/thecompany_pa...gexplained.asp

Here is a very easy to undertand schematic of the printing process:
http://www.tampoprint.com/gb/3techni...ondruckee.html

[mikeb1958]

Originally Posted by pulqui

This tampon is a block of soft silicone rubber that is used to...

That's not what a old girlfriend said about that.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by mikeb1958

That's not what a old girlfriend said about that.

I saw this one coming! Dude, you crack me up.