N Gauge Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Huw on August 03, 2011, 03:00:21 AM

Title: Inkjet printers
Post by: Huw on August 03, 2011, 03:00:21 AM
HI All

I am using some Scalescenes prints for some of the buildings that I am going to place on my layout.
I have just found out that NO Epson printer will support transparent film which make printing out the windows on some of the models difficult to say the least.
Just thought that I sould mention this.

Huw in Aus
Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: Jonathan Clapp on August 03, 2011, 04:12:46 AM
what happens if you do?
Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: longbridge on August 03, 2011, 09:53:01 AM
Thanks for letting us know that Huw, I just bought a new printer from Officeworks but settled on a Canon.
Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: m1racleman on August 03, 2011, 10:32:02 AM
I bought a BROTHER and I find that it will print on just about anything short of plywood.
Having said that, I must try it with a peice of 0.5mm ply as it does extremely thick card easily
Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: jonclox on August 03, 2011, 11:03:14 AM
Quote from: Huw on August 03, 2011, 03:00:21 AM
HI All

I am using some Scalescenes prints for some of the buildings that I am going to place on my layout.
I have just found out that NO Epson printer will support transparent film which make printing out the windows on some of the models difficult to say the least.
Just thought that I sould mention this.

Huw in Aus

Could you get round the problem by using a sheet of card or similar as a backing sheet............as is sometimes done in laminating.
The card would just 'stiffen' the transparent film against the printhead .
edit....the leading edge might require light sticky taping to the backing sheet
Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: m1racleman on August 03, 2011, 11:10:25 AM
Quote from: oldrailbug on August 03, 2011, 09:53:01 AM
Thanks for letting us know that Huw, I just bought a new printer from Officeworks but settled on a Canon.
Wise move !!
I think  Canon and Brother are the only ones to get. All the others cost more in ink than a new printer.
Kodak ink is fairly cheap but the printers are useless for anything much other than standard paper printing
Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: EtchedPixels on August 03, 2011, 11:14:01 AM
I have a laser printer. Best thing I ever did on the printing front. The output is much more matt than most inkjets, it doesn't run when it gets damp while assembling stuff, it'll print onto overhead transparencies (but use laser safe ones .. inkjet ones will melt!) and I don't get fleeced for ink all the time.

Did cost a bit more but it's more than paid for itself by now, and it's not quite so good for glossy photos.

Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: Huw on August 03, 2011, 11:45:19 AM
Thank you all for your comments.
When I use the film, it will sometimes print a small amount then eject the film.
Other times nothing happens and the film does not feed.
Have tried backing with paper does not work.
Not concerned about ink use have an Ausy product gives a continuous ink supply.

Will go to a print shop with a usb stick.

Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: EtchedPixels on August 03, 2011, 05:25:49 PM
Quote from: Huw on August 03, 2011, 11:45:19 AM
Thank you all for your comments.
When I use the film, it will sometimes print a small amount then eject the film.
Other times nothing happens and the film does not feed.
Have tried backing with paper does not work.
Not concerned about ink use have an Ausy product gives a continuous ink supply.

Will go to a print shop with a usb stick.



Ah.. before you give up try setting the paper type/size by hand if you can and turn off any autodetection - some printers are fooled by the transparency and think they went off the end of the paper
Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: joe cassidy on March 25, 2026, 11:42:30 AM
My 7 year old Epson XP 452 printer gave up the ghost yesterday.

It's final words were :

"The printer's ink pad is at the end of its service life. Please contact Epson Support."

Is this Epson's way of saying "go buy a new printer" or can the ink pad be replaced ?

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: Newportnobby on March 25, 2026, 11:44:55 AM
Strewth!!!
A 15 year :bump:
Nice one, Joe :)
Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: EtchedPixels on March 25, 2026, 11:48:59 AM
Quote from: joe cassidy on March 25, 2026, 11:42:30 AMMy 7 year old Epson XP 452 printer gave up the ghost yesterday.

It's final words were :

"The printer's ink pad is at the end of its service life. Please contact Epson Support."

Is this Epson's way of saying "go buy a new printer" or can the ink pad be replaced ?

Thanks in advance.

There are ink pad replacement kits for most Epsons although I've no idea if just getting a new printer would be the better investment.
Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: joe cassidy on March 25, 2026, 02:02:25 PM
That's what i have done Alan.

There are people in France offering to change the ink pad for 45 euros but I preferred paying 70 euros for a new printer.
Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: PLD on March 25, 2026, 02:35:08 PM
Quote from: joe cassidy on March 25, 2026, 02:02:25 PMThere are people in France offering to change the ink pad for 45 euros but I preferred paying 70 euros for a new printer.
Has the value of the Euro really plummeted that mutch??
It was less than a fiver last time I changed one, and for your printer can be had for £5.60 on Amazon right now... :hmmm:
Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: joe cassidy on March 25, 2026, 07:36:17 PM
Thank you for your helpful comments.

Is the price you quoted delivered duty paid Paris ?
Title: Re: Inkjet printers
Post by: Dorsetmike on March 25, 2026, 09:20:39 PM
I use an OKI colour laser I print A4 self adhesive "labels" brick or stone images (Downloaded and colour edited if required) stick them on A4 card then cut out the building walls using a plotter cutter, doors and windows are etched brass - painted as required, stuck on the "inside" of the cut out walls, then stick clear film "glazing" which also helps keep the doors and windows in place. Roofing is Slaters plasticard

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/2855-090326220814.jpeg)
Some of the results - the bay window and dormers on the right hand terrace in the back row are white metal castings; buildings other than the terraces made in a similar manner.