We hope this page will answer any questions you may have about the HMRS transfers, but if you can't find the information you need please contact us

application & use

Q1: How do you apply Methfix transfers?

A1: Cut around the required design with a sharp knife, lift the tissue with the knife and peel from the backing paper. Lay face down where required and wet well with a mixture of three parts methylated spirit (denatured ethyl alcohol) and part water. With large transfers it is best to wet the model with the mixture first. Carefully adjust the position if necessary then press down firmly with the fingers - do not use a cloth or blotter. If there is any tendency for the transfer to peel away from the surface as it dries this can often be overcome by damping with the spirit mixture and pressing down again. After at least 10 minutes, soak the tissue with water and peel off when it has released. Leave several hours to harden, then wash off surplus gum. A protective varnish may be applied if desired. Some paints, especially matt finishes, contain silicone additives are which water-repellent and may cause adhesion problems. To avoid this you can matt your own paints by adding a small quantity of magnesium carbonate (from any chemist) and stirring well.

Q2: My Pressfix sheets have lost their stickiness - what can I do?

A2: Simple! You can use them as Methfix! (provided you are in a jurisdiction where possession of meths - i.e. denatured alcohol - is legal.) Pressfix transfers are basically Methfix with an adhesive layer added!

Q3: Some of your transfers are very difficult to see due to being either very small or the same colour as the backing paper, can you do something about this?

A3: We have investigated the possibility of using a different colour backing paper but that is not possible at this time. Some sheets come with a guide sheet showing the transfers in black on white print and we hope to increase the provision of these in the future. It is suggested that for the very small decals a magnifying glass and light are used - a magnifying lamp is a very useful tool when applying transfers.

design of sheets

Q1: Do your private owner wagon sheets include numbers as well as letters?

A1: Yes. Each sheet includes numbers in matching height and style to the letters.

Q2: What do the measurements of your private owner wagon letter sheets refer to?

A2: They refer to the height of the letter/number.

Q3: I notice that some of your private owner wagon sheets are described as having "condensed" lettering. What does this mean?

A3: Signwriters used condensed lettering when they wanted a name to be in large letters but did not have sufficient length on the wagon for letters of the normal width in relation to height. You will need to check with your specific prototype and judge whether a condensed style was used.

range & development

Q1: Do you produce transfers in any scale other than 4 and 7mm:1ft., and do you plan to in the future?

A1: No. We only produce transfers in 4 and 7mm:1ft. and have no current plans to expand our range to other scales.

Q2: I notice there are gaps in your range and that some eras/railways are not covered. Are you planning to do anything about this?

A2: We are always hoping to expand our range and fill in the gaps but it depends very much on the availability of suitable artwork (see next) and potential sales of any given sheet.

Q3: I have produced transfer artwork which may be suitable for you to use as the basis for a new transfer sheet. Would you consider this?

A3: Yes please! We are always looking out for new artwork and will consider producing anything - within reason.

Q4: I have drawing and/or computer aided design skills which I could use to produce artwork for you? Are you looking for volunteers?

A4: Yes please, very much and thank you! We are always looking for volunteers. Please contact us!