Font question

[g-pa1]

In making signs in a word program for billboards, wall signs, and building names what size font would be used in N scale and what size font would be used for HO? I do realize that different size fonts would vbe used for each application but what would you suggest would look right? In the same stream of thought, what style of font would be used mostly, in the US, in the late 30's through 1950's?

[flaretired]

Font size will depend on the size of the sign and how much info is on the sign. If only a couple of words than the font would be larger. I would print all the different fonts from 2 to 16 and then compare them to the size of your sign. As far as style again it is your choice. Don't forget about the color of the font and back round. I have PrintShop that I use for posters I make here in my building. Have never tried to use it for making signs for my buildings yet. Hope this helps you out. Chuck

[g-pa1]

Thanks Chuck. I do what you suggest and make signs in what looks like the right size however I have also come across signs in N Scale kits that are so small that I would need a magnifying glass to read. I tend to make signs so real people can read them which I guess is ok but then I thought maybe there was some sort of letter font guide that I should be looking at that would be more prototypical size wise. Gene

[nascarpetlover]

Lettering so small is more actually to size and would have to magnify it to read. And some would not make sense as they are more of image than lettering. So size would be up to you on most things, except logos on vehicle doors and such so too speak. Lou

[g-pa1]

I agree Lou, I finally got a Divco milk truck in N Scale and made a sign for the dairy "the udder milk" and it is so small no one can read it. It had to go on the side of the vehicle so it had to be small. Vehicles, building doors and windows and boats are just not going to get signs. Microsoft Word just does not have small enough size font but even if it did no one could read it with out a magnifying glass! Gene

[ginzokid]

Gene, Here is my question. Do you want the viewing piblic to actually be able to read the signs or posters or advertising on your vehicles; or do you want scale relative to 1:1 real size? Knowing you, the reason you are asking is so you can justify signs with your clever sayings on them that people do not need a microscope to read. Here's my take. If the sign is on a vehicle, I wouldn't expect to read anything but the largest letters possible like the company name, but no funny slogan which is usually done in smaller type. As for billboards, anything goes in my opinion, as long as you don't make a 4"x6" sign. That belongs in O scale. As long as you can read it with the naked eye, that would be acceptible to me and your viewing public. The font is of your chosing. Fonts have been around for a long time and only if you are concerned about time frame would some of the newer fonts be out of place. There are a ton of signs available in preprinted form from many manufacturers, but it is obvious that you want to express you individuality here. My suggestion is to go for the smallest size font and type of font that you can read. As for the construction of the actual sign, print the sign in color if you have one and experiment with it. No matter if you only have B&W, or color, once you print the sign on paper, glue it to a backing of cardstock. Then use strip wood to make a frame, painted of course in your favorite billboard color, can you say dark green, put a catwalk on it and a basketweave bottom, a couple of lights and.......golly! This is begining to sound complicated. Nevermind. Just buy a billboard kit or two from the people that have already done the work for you. You can always substitute the actual sign with your printed ones. B-)

[g-pa1]

Pete, You are knowing me all too well!!I am looking at a Bar Mills sign pack that 4 signs can be made from but then maybe I can make it myself out of ah er hey brick... Oh never mind ... for now! Gene