Callie Graphics ..... My first custom fit.

[toto]

Well I decided to dip my toe in the water with Callie Graphics.

 

Have not used them before but folks seem to rage about them.

 

I have sent away a rough design for a set of custom graphics ( which I'll keep under my hat for now ) based on a photograph. They are not particularly difficult but it will be interesting to see what comes back. 

 

If they are not that great, I'll be OK with that as its all been discussed very loosely on the back of a simple email. They came back with a pretty basic description which sounded OK but I'll be interested to see if we are on the same page. I've basically left it up to their discretion. So my fault if it's not quite right.

 

They are for my Freewing AL 37 but depending how they come back could equally fit in on my Freewing PJ50 as well.

 

I would have thought that as a graphics design company, they would have had a way of sending a picture of the model ( one they design for regularly ) with an overlay of the design on it.

 

We'll see. They do get an excellent name so I have high hopes. 

 

I'll break my code os secrecy once the graphics arrive and whether I decide to use them or not.I'm not too fussed either way as they were only. 25 USD plus any import charges that I may get hit for.

 

The nature of the graphics are not tied to anything actually " out there " and are more of a personal / promotional / fun nature. Some might argue that it spoils a perfectly good model ...... I don't take things that seriously myself and don't care if it diminishes any potential resale value. The model will never be moved on ...... vikings ending only.

 

Toto

 

 

[leccyflyer]

Callie Graphics produce quality product, that conform very nicely to the airframe that you put them on. They are very accommodating and listen well in working to achieve what it is that you are looking for. They can only produce what you instruct for though and, especially as regards the size of the markings, you need to be perfectly specific on the scale, as even slightly out of scale markings can be a bit problematical. I found that with the  markings on my Kyosho Spitfire refurb, where the roundels were maybe a couple of percent out, due to the scaling that I requested, which was itself slightly out. So they are a wee bit too big.

 

I recently had graphics for my P-51D refurbishment, in which I changed the model from the USAAF P-51D "Dallas Doll", to an RAF Mustang IV "Dooleybird" and was very pleased with the graphics. One slight glitch though was that they supplied plain red/blue upper wing roundels, rather than the red/white/blue roundels that were in use in 1945 on that particular aeroplane. I was able to get around that easily, adding a CNC cut white ring to the roundels and informed Callie of the error. Future runs of those graphics will incorporate that amendment, which shows that they are listening and paying attention.

 

You shouldn't get hit for import duty on a $25 order which will likely arrive by standard air mail in a few weeks. I wouldn't hesitate using Callie Graphics for off the shelf or custom graphics in self adhesive form.

[Jake Bullit]

TOTO AIRLINES  ?

[toto]

Hi Jake,

 

I did think of that ..... but no. You may have to delve a little deeper to guess correctly. I am sure I will have dropped a hint somewhere on these pages. .... maybe not. 

 

I wouldn't be too surprised though if toto airlines is born at some point or another. Probably just a matter of time. The key word is " Promotional " but I'm not 100 % sure If I have given quite enough away about myself in the past. If not .... my cover is about to be blown.  

 

Cheers for now

 

Toto

[Craig Carr]

Hi toto

 

Used Callie loads.  Spot on and superb quality 

 

but as said above you have to be very precise re scale.  I always ask for the artwork proof before she prints (which she emails across )

 

never been hit for duty either 

 

Callie supplied the graphics for a few of my models here 

[leccyflyer]

Getting proofs emailed is a great idea, you can then print out a paper copy and check absolute size. Nice one.

 

BTW that's an excellent rendition of the faded low visibility roundels on the Vulcan - looks perfect..

[Ace]

27 minutes ago, toto said:

I did think of that ..... but no. You may have to delve a little deeper to guess correctly. I am sure I will have dropped a hint somewhere on these pages. .... maybe not. 

 Dorothy Airlines (only on a Friday night) 😉

[toto]

Ahem ....... its Sandra ...... and on a Saturday ...... full kit including the wives best slingbacks .....

 

Toto ( aka Sandra ) 

 

 

[toto]

Hi Craig.

 

Very impressive. Especially the concorde. Great job done.

 

It's my first time with Callie but now I now that they can send proofs, I'll be taking them up on it. I have other ideas so I'm sure I will be using them more and the results should improve as the relationship builds.

 

Really nice models.

 

Cheers

 

Toto 

[john stones 1 - Moderator]

I'd take a punt at Magic Airlines.

[toto]

Just looked magic Airlines up ....... some colourful graphics there.

 

Not them though

[Chris Walby]

I have used Callie Graphics a good few times and with great service every time. Everything from nose are for my DH Mosquito to a fun (while I was a Beaver Scout Leader)  2019 Mass Build (Lindsay Todd design) Renaissance. All graphics were for a bit of fun on this one.

 

Can't say I am impressed with the Daily Fail style "Callie Graphics ..I took a punt" title, rather negative IMHO

 

[toto]

No negativity meant I can assure you.

 

All I hear are positive vibes so maybe the taking a punt part has been insufficiently thought through .... as it may suggest there is some kind of risk in using them ...... not the tone I intended.

 

The taking a punt part was down to me going ahead with the order without really giving it 100 % scrutiny prior to hitting the button. I've been a bit scant in the exact specification in my desired design requirements. I did not even know that you could receive a proof to see the end result otherwise I may have taken a bit longer over it.

 

I have however qualified my purchase to remove any potential critisism from the finished product as produced by Callie by saying that my description was quite scant and they had offered quite a basic description back in return.

 

I gave them the go ahead based on that ..... I had the opportunity to question further if I wanted to but thought I'd just leave it to their discretion. I also stated that if It's maybe not quite right ....... its my fault. I don't think I could admonish them from any responsibility more than I have done. I was just looking for a quite basic quick result.

 

If the title offends anyone though ..... please feel free to have it changed to .....Callie Graphics for my first custom fit ... or anything else that pleases for that matter.

 

Thanks for posting up the fine example. It's always good to see what can be done.

 

Cheers

 

Toto

 

 

[toto]

Many thanks John.

 

Toto

[john stones 1 - Moderator]

My pleasure Toto.

[dave windymiller]

Here is my Luftwaffe sabre f86 with Calle graphics.  The nose decals (black triangles with white edges) as supplied were way too small so i painted these on.  I could have requested decals of the right scale but i wasnt convinced that they would sit great on the curvy nose!  The rest of the decals were great including the tail.  I opted not to use the red on the fin leading edge and chose to paint it red but the rest were as supplied.   A few more decals would have been nice and i would have happily paid more for these but the ones supplied got the model to looking complete.  Overall for the price i was happy.  I plan to paint the numerous English/German stencil text and use the  sheets that can create a silk screen mask using an inkjet for the numerous smaller decals as i saw used in Jet international magazine (anyone got experience of these?)   

[Richard Harris]

I applied some Callie Graphics to my Beechnut Gum  Pitcairn  PCA-2 back in 2011, they have weathered well and still like new.