Archive How-To's

Getting Framed - Using Your Camera To Make License Plates
by Tim Bongard

WARNINGS:

All Model Car Crafstman How-To articles are intended for adult modelers only. Children should be supervised at all times when using any of these techniques.

Always wear eye protection when doing any modeling.

Use caution with tools and use proper protection from any chemicals or compounds, in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

    Detail Master offers License Plate frames that are guaranteed to make your model look even more realistic. License Plate frames are easy to use and offer a variety of ways to improve your models with recognizable detail. Of all the details I've added to models, these are usually the ones that get the most comments.

    Of course, the easiest way to get great looking license plates for your models is to order them custom-made from The Platemaker, right here on the Model Car Hub. But sometimes you may need a logo plate, or vintage plate that is not available from The Platemaker. It's a little more hassle, but here's a way to use your camera to make photo-reduced license plates. And you'll find out how you can use this methd to make other photo-reduced in-scale parts for your models.

    The trick is to "calibrate" your camera, which sounds technical, but this is really easy. Find your favorite camera and lens, (preferably not with a moveable zoom). If it has interchangable lenses or a zoom feature, note where you have your settings so you can set your camera the same way each time.

    Then make up a set of 5 X 7 index cards. Number each card sequentially from about 4 to 20, using a heavy black magic marker so that they look like those in the photo. Take your camera and your cards outside and find a suitable license plate. Do this in the shade, to reduce shadows and glare.

    Have a friend hold the cards, one at a time, or tape them to the bumper near the plate as in photo. It is best to use a tripod if you have one, but place the camera back from the plate to the lens the distance (in feet) on the card and take a picture. Do this for each card, from 4 to 20 feet, and use the right card # for each shot! Use color print film, and when the roll is done, ask for standard size prints with a glossy finish. If you want to be extra-precise, use 1/2 foot increments and take twice as many shots.

    When the prints come back, you will be able to find the right size plate by placing a license plate frame over the prints, and find the one that best fits the frame. Note the distance on the card from that shot, and this is your "scale calibration" distance for that camera and lens combination and setting.

    Now you can use this setting and distance to make scale posters, magazine covers, signs, upholstery pattern, and anything else that you need "to scale". Just set them up, take pictures, and get the same size prints. It's a real handy trick, and it turns your camera into a modeling tool!

Mounting Your Plates    

Once again, remove the excess tree from around the frame as in photo #1.

Then, carefully clip the frame free as in photo #2.

    If any stub remains to be removed, hold the frame firmly with a pair of flat jawed pliers as in photo #3 and file the nub smooth.

    Photos can be cut to fit the frames with a standard scissors. You may want to mount your plate on thin, flat plastic, for a more substantial backing. Once properly trimmed, they can be glued to the frame using Elmer's white glue or a quick-setting epoxy. Be careful about how much glue you use because the moisture from the glue can foul the emulsion or surface of the color print. Use some care and you will avoid that problem.

    One of my favorite methods of controlling glue is to put a small dab of glue on a smooth surface, and rub it out into a thin layer. Then, while holding the frames with tweezers, touch the back surface of the frame to the thin glue layer. This will put a thin layer of glue on the whole surface of the part, and reduces "squeezy globs" when you mount the license plate to the frames.

    The completed assembly can then be glued to your model. Then everyone will notice your customized plate!

- end of article -

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