It’s a lot of work, but it can be done…
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In another thread Nameng is looking to get decals for “Mafia Operated” I took a swipe at the artwork based on a small, backlit photo in that thread. I ran it thru a few of my photo processing programs and this is the best I could come up with. It might be ok when scaled down to 1/35 (or not). Disregard the rest of the photo, it’s the logo that’s important.
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I had started a new thread for the “Mafia Operated” and after I did, I got to post a couple more replies. It’s here: Vietnam M51 Gun Truck "Mafia Operated"
I gave the artwork a try using 3-4 photo processing programs, not sure it’s usable but I gave it a shot. I don’t want to use up the bandwith to re-post the photos here and it doesn’t look like I can delete the other thread…
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I merged the two threads/topics
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Thanks a lot - looks like I can work with the picture you enhanced. Here’s what I have after 30 minutes of work:
Could you please try to tackle the inscription in on the rear plate?
(It says “We kill by contract”)
Thanks in advance and have a nice day
Paweł
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Well, here’s what I have after an hour in Photoshop. Not sure how accurate it is given the jumble. I’m attaching the upres and a version of the upres I cleaned up. It’s really just a lump of noise and chromatic abberations.
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Hello Warren! Thanks a lot for your help!
Unless there is some better photo of the real thing, I will have to improvise! The work you put in this will help me greatly with that.
Thanks again and have a nice day!
Paweł
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Warren, while your efforts are turning out reasonably well, here’s my take:
You’re relatively new here, so you have probably missed the multiple posts in which I’ve said, “I don’t use models for references.”
While the William Atwell model looks well done, it is not the standard by any means. See how low the “O” in “Operator” dips down - partially occluded by the side rail. That’s not how it is in the photo of the actual vehicle. Soldiers (yes, even the enlisted ones) actually did have a pretty good sense of proportion and neatness. I’d use what he did on the model as a guide to what it said, and not so much try to copy it exactly. It’s already suspect. Without a photo of the real thing, you can just imagine that if you had painted the actual vehicle, you’d have made an attempt to make the letters in each word somewhat proportional.
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You’re right, that a model is a poor reference, but 1) it is me that started using it because 2) we don’t have anything better that I know of. So Warren invested his precious time helping me, and I’ll try to do the inscriptions and I’ll take what you said into account. I’m very thankful for @WarrenD for his help.
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I don’t really care what the source is as I’m not the one making the decision if it’s appropriate for the use intended. I was asked to help and did the best I could based on more than a few decades working with my photo software and over half a century of experience with imaging. I won’t bore you with the finer points of chromatic abberations, noise and in general the artifacts created by trying to up-res a 4k jpeg. I’ve made no representations that these attempts would be useful, that is for the people using them to determine.
I build models for fun and I’m sure none of my builds would ever win any awards. I’m starting to remember why I stopped coming here 15 years ago…
Yes, I was here fifteen years ago. Clearly my attempts at being helpul somehow offended you back then as well. 
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I am sorry that my posts have started this . Was just an attempt to enjoy the groups help. Considering the name was changed in March or April of 72 and I left in August just before most of the units left, I highly doubt there will be to many pictures surface of the truck, so any work is appreciated. Please stop the argument. Wayne
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No worries mate.
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Just hate when there is disagreement when there is not a real problem. The number of pictures are scarce, so a little artistic license is expected. I just appreciate that you guys are willing to put in the efforts for me. Thanks again. Wayne
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Appreciate it however it turns out! Thanks, Wayne
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OK, so one side is about done…
I tried to shift the letters a little for the backside inscription and I’ll also alter the side insription for the other side.
Can anybody measure the kit and get me the dimensions of the areas those inscriptions have to fit on?
Thanks in advance and have a nice day
Paweł
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The side of the armor box is 86mm across the top, 82mm across at the bottom, due to the support for the headache rack and 17.5 mm high, top of dump body to top of box. The rear of the armor box is same height, 17.5mm by 57mm wide. There is an antenna base on the passenger side (aka the starboard side, right side) at the upper front corner of the armor box. It is roughly 6mm tall and 8mm wide.
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