FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
SBC billboard images are based on a large collection of real billboards and other advertising material from the early 1900s through the 1990s. Many SBC billboard images are direct copies of actual billboards while others have been re-sized or clarified for modeling purposes.
The most common image size of outdoor billboard signs in America from the early 1920s through the 1960s was 22-feet wide by 10-feet high. When re-sized to HO scale the dimension becomes 3” x 1.375” which is the size of all SBC billboard images. It is also the size of Walthers HO billboard frame kit #949-4215 formerly #933-3133.
The billboard images in SBC files are set to print at a width of 3 inches which is 22 feet in HO scale. The files can be adjusted to print out at other popular scales equivalent to 22 feet. For N scale adjust the width of individual SBC billboard images to 1.65 inches.
For S scale adjust the width of individual SBC billboard images to 4.125 inches. For O scale adjust the width of individual SSBC billboard images 5.5 inches.
For best results we suggest setting your printer to its highest resolution and using a 32-pound hard-surface, bright-white, matte finish computer paper.
Most prototype billboard images were in place for just 30 to 60 days – not long enough to become noticeably weathered. The decorative frame around billboards and the lattice work below the image might show modest weathering, however, they were generally well maintained. The back of billboards including any supports might show heavy weathering.