Fox or Shawplan nameplates?

[Beacon]

Hi,

 

I need to order quite a few nameplates over the next few weeks and wondered if anyone had any preferences for either of these companies. There seem to be very few that are not now available from both sellers.

 

As far as I can tell, Shawplan are generally cheaper and it is simple to browse the names on the website to choose the correct ones although the pricing involves cross checking the various codes. There doesn't seem to be any way of ordering/paying online that I can see though.

 

Fox seem to be more expensive and do say that there can be a delay if a name is out of stock. It is also slightly harder to browse their site without searching for a specific name or using the printed catalogue, but they do have a nice easy ordering online system which suits me well.

 

Any nameplates I have already have tended to be with the locos, often limited editions with etched plates etc. or those I've picked up cheaply at exhibitions or model shops and don't have the packaging for so I'm not sure who they're made by.

 

Any opinions anyone?

 

Thanks.

[charliepetty]

Hi,

 

I need to order quite a few nameplates over the next few weeks and wondered if anyone had any preferences for either of these companies. There seem to be very few that are not now available from both sellers.

 

As far as I can tell, Shawplan are generally cheaper and it is simple to browse the names on the website to choose the correct ones although the pricing involves cross checking the various codes. There doesn't seem to be any way of ordering/paying online that I can see though.

 

Fox seem to be more expensive and do say that there can be a delay if a name is out of stock. It is also slightly harder to browse their site without searching for a specific name or using the printed catalogue, but they do have a nice easy ordering online system which suits me well.

 

Any nameplates I have already have tended to be with the locos, often limited editions with etched plates etc. or those I've picked up cheaply at exhibitions or model shops and don't have the packaging for so I'm not sure who they're made by.

 

Any opinions anyone?

 

Thanks.

 

I have always found Brian at Shawplan excellent, the quality is good too. Modern Image is what they specialise in though, Fox is good for Steam.

[Flood]

Like Charlie says Shawplan's plates are excellent and are normally my first port of call.

I say normally because I did need a set of original style HST plates and the choice of these is very limited from both Shawplan and Fox. I purchased a set for Highland Chieftain from Fox and their quality was just as good as the Shawplan plates I have had previously although they were a little bit more expensive.

Give Brian a ring for starters, he's always happy to help. Again, though, he only really does modern image plates. Either Fox or 247 Developments do steam loco plates.

[Allegheny1600]

I too would always go for Shawplan plates as my first port of call, followed by Modelmaster if the ones i want are not available from Brian,

http://www.modelmasterdecals.com/JacksonEvans_Product_List.php (good range of "modern" and "steam")

I like modelmaster plates as they are really easy to order from online, they use paypal as well and the quality is great!

Cheers,

John E.

[Guest Illustrious37]

My I add another option just for confusion. I've used C.G.W nameplates (no connection) which are available through International models. They don't have an online catalogue unfortunatly but their plates are very good and I've found they have covered existing Hornby printed plates where others wouldn't. I've also used Shawplan plates whick are excellent too with an excellent range and online cat. No experience of Fox plates though.

[Beacon]

Thanks everyone. I'll have a look at some of the others mentioned later. Perhaps I'll try ordering a few from each and see how I get on. Shawplan seems to be the popular vote from most people though.