Making flags,decals?

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Brewerpaul

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I'd like suggestions for making scale flags,preferably on realistic looking cloth. My current Constitution comes with a sort of generic looking flag, but I'd rather have a US flag of the appropriate period flying atop. Next up in my shipyard is the Pride of Baltimore II. IMO, we Marylanders have the best looking state flag of all, and we use it all over on clothing,mugs,lanyards...you name it! In addition to the US flag included with the kit I'd like to make a scale Maryland flag to also fly.
I'd like to make decals for the lettering and graphics on the POB. The stern lettering and graphic are distinctive and I'd like to replicate them. I don't think rub on lettering would do. Any and all suggestions welcomed.

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For fabric flags, firstly have a look at BECC flags and decals. They have amazing quality fabric National flags, ensigns and state flags from around the world. I know for certain they do have. 1795-1818 period Stars and Stripes. Not sure about a Maryland state flag however. Another option is printing onto fabric inkjet paper. I’ve done it in the past quite easily, just make sure you get paper that’s less than 180g thickness otherwise they tend to be too thick.

BECC’s also do vinyl lettering in different sizes and some different fonts, not too sure if the times new Roman look of that Pride of Baltimore is available though. However again you can pick up inkjet and laser jet decal sheets from most large hobby stores - you can in Australia anyway. Make sure you get the right paper for your printer as they come in either ink net of laser jet. Design what you want and print. Cut out and use just like any decal. You can get clear backing or white background paper also depending on what you want to make.
 
As far as making your own decals goes - you can get decal paper for your inkjet printer from Micro-Mark. And as Atamini says you can design and print right on your computer. If you don't have the font (lettering style) you are looking for there are many free font sites from which to get them. As for your flags I have seen some available on line but I don't remember where - halfheimers kicking in again - lol.
 
There is a very good method of making scale flags described if you do a Google search for ‘Nazgul flag vasa’. The Vasa forum describes the use of thin aluminum (eg from a Coke can) with printed fabric glued to it. The glue hardens and the fabric can then be peeled from the shape of the aluminum to look just like a flag shaped by the wind. This was used on Nazgul’s wonderful Vasa model.

Peter G.
 
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