"MARKSMANN GPS" LABEL (PART 1)
To create the "Marksmann GPS" label on the original prop, Todd Marks used a Brother PT-PC label maker with gold on black label tape.My original plan was to purchase a modern Brother label maker, and some modern gold on black label tape because the print quality on the newer label makers is better than the print resolution of their older label makers.
But, because this is the RPF, where there's no such thing as being too accurate, I decided to first buy a vintage Brother PT-PC label maker from eBay, along with an un-opened roll of vintage gold on black label tape (part # TX-3541), just to see what kind of results I could get. I figured I could always resort to using a modern label maker if need be.
Since the PT-PC is a mid-90's peripheral, it lacks USB support. The only way to connect it is via an RS-232 (serial) cable. It's also worth noting that Windows XP was the last operating system that was compatible with this label maker. Luckily, I had access to an old PC that still had an RS-232 port, so I installed a fresh copy of Windows XP on it. I also installed the necessary Brother PT-PC printer drivers.
The size of the label on the original prop is 1/2" x 2-7/8" (12.7mm x 73.025mm). Using the photo that Todd Marks posted earlier in this thread as reference, I designed my own "Marksmann GPS" label in Photoshop, trying to make it look as accurate as possible.
Even though the PT-PC label maker produces fairly low-resolution prints (by today's standards), I still designed my label as a 300dpi image, just in case I decided to make some labels using a newer label maker that supports higher resolution printing.
I printed my 1/2" tall design on 1" tall label tape to make sure that my image stayed within the printable margins of the label maker. I then used an X-Acto blade to cut out the final label.
Here's what my first draft label looks like. I think it looks pretty close to the original. In person, the label definitely has more of a gold hue to it. The photo makes it look more yellow/ orange than it actually is. Conpared to the screen-used prop, the border line around my label is a little too thick, so I think I'll print a new one with a thinner stroke around the border.
I have also ordered a modern Brother P-Touch series label maker and a modern roll of gold on black label tape. I'm curious so see how labels from the new label maker compare to the one I printed with the vintage label maker.