It’s about the details

Omscaler did a bill of materials on the recently completed covered hopper project. Also, one was done on the just completed M&StL boxcar. This rail car is a landmark project due to the fact that it represents a historic mid-west railroad. In addition to the history a number of innovative methods were used to build the car. The new methods are believed to save time and parts. The boxcar itself is of an older type featuring wood sheathing with incised individual boards, end horizontal boards and a vertical brake wheel stanchion. The inspiration for the car is from a railway museum which has restored a car of this type. Even though the car is of an older era, omscaler decided to make one anyway. We are always flexible on The Omega Scale Railway. It is more fun! Just to complete the details, the parts for the boxcar numbered fifty-eight. The covered hoppers may be one hundred and eight per car. Omscaler needs to double check this. Have a fun New Year, omscaler

It’s that time of year!

Merry Christmas and Happy Belated Holidays! We are posting this late due to not setting up a memory jogger and Holiday excitement. Omscaler is reviewing this past year and planning the next. The anticipated wood sheathed boxcar is almost finished. The boxcar needs a brake wheel and stirrup steps. Otherwise, we are done. Omscaler is still working on an improved rod flare tool as well. The next project? We need module maintenance. There has been a little wear and tear. Always something to do on The Very Small Railroad. Omscaler has a standing to-do list of things. This does keep us on our toes. Omscaler hopes everyone is safe and travels to their destinations likewise if you are traveling. Again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Omscaler

 

Sad time for many

As omscaler begins to write this blog post, he is mindful of the tragedy that recently came about. The powerful tornado system that took lives, injured many people and destroyed buildings seems unprecedented. What an awful time for those affected. Christmas is not going to be the same for these folks. Please take a moment to remember our neighbors and help out if you can.

  Right now on The Very Small Railroad we a still wrestling with a reporting marks printing problem. Color rendition from the computer to print is a little off the mark. Also, the previously mentioned part that was thought to be too short was not. A happy misunderstanding for omscaler. We take all the breaks we can get around here. Omscaler was able to develop a new production tool last week. This tool lets us make a needed part with a better profile as well as preventing burned fingers. A definite win-win. Omscaler loves it when this happens. This past Saturday a further improvement was conceived for this same tool. Should double output for rail equipment running gear. A win-win-win? It just gets better and better. Well back to work, omscaler

 

A typical day

Readers may wonder what a typical day on The Omega Scale Railway is like. A recent occurrence may shed light on this question. Omscaler had geared up to make a new boxcar for The Very Small Railway and was busy making the needed parts. Omscaler began to ponder the question, ” Wouldn’t it be good to make some of the needed parts for the next project”? As often happens at times like these, omscaler decided to deviate a little from the project at hand and make enough parts for ten additional rail cars. This did indeed eat into the time needed for the current project. Fortunately, the time used was not too long and will benefit the next project that uses these parts when the need arises. One thing omscaler has learned is that the temptation to get sidetracked often presents itself on The Omega Scale Railway. (Pun intended.) As has been state before, part of the reason is due to a large backlog of potential projects. Omscaler just lives with it and moves on. Right now, omscaler has to deal with the fact that one of the current project parts was cut too short. Fortunately, this has become a somewhat rare happening and will be easily remedied.

    Another peculiarity of The Very Small Railroad is the power system. We now live in a time when locomotives are often equipped with Direct Command Control. If readers are familiar with this feature, they know how sophisticated model locomotives have become. DCC is the wave of the future for many modelers. Due to the locomotives on The Omega Scale Railway being attached to a subsurface cord, omscaler often explains that we have DCC also. “Direct Cord Control” that is. Always time for a little humor on The OSR! Chuckling along, omscaler

 

Will we do it?

Yes. That is the question. Our efforts on The Very Small Railroad consists of two main efforts right now. First. A new drive linkage is being developed. Omscaler thinks it will be operational by the end of this week or sooner (we hope). The old one worked but gave us problems going through turnouts. This new one should perform better. Second. We have an older type boxcar in the works. Details to follow. Management of the GM&O Murphysboro division was both proud and happy to receive the first group of covered hoppers. A customer in Tennessee, The West Tennessee Sand, Gravel and Cement Company, has won a bid with the Illinois State Highway Department to supply material as a secondary supplier. It seems that the demand in Chicagoland and elsewhere has exceeded supply as far as state suppliers go. Lots of new road building and maintenance going on. However, still more new cars will be needed. Omscaler plans to rise to the challenge. Gearing up for success, omscaler

 

Just a little more

Just a little more information regarding the covered hoppers that is. Some of omscalers readers always want the nitty gritty details. Omscaler will share a few (or more). The covered hopper project began on September thirteenth and concluded on November seventeenth. Each hopper consists of ninety-six components all of which had to be fabricated. Just to be precise, the Frisco hopper is not the correct color. The color came from the previous Frisco covered hopper which had been scrapped. Apparently omscaler felt compelled to use the same color before a good prototype photo was located. By the time it was, we were so far along that no color change was made. Se la’ vie. As a matter of fact a number of improvements were used to make the project more realistic. While we realize that there are still flaws present we feel that this effort has indeed reached a milestone. The next time even better methods will be used. Some salient points in this regard. The car end frames will be improved. Omscaler thinks the current ones are still too bulky. The under frame is a little wide and could use some refinement as well. A more uniform hatch treatment will be used also. What else? Nothing comes to mind but we will see. The next project. Right now an improved drive linkage is in the works. A very interesting M&StL outside braced wood boxcar is a strong contender for first place. Then what? That as they say will sort itself out. Readers, please feel free to share your ideas in the comment link. It says “no comments” or has a short phrase of someone else’s. Omscaler knows this is counter intuitive but just click on it and type away when you get to the comments page. It will be reviewed by me and posted. Curious and busy, omscaler

 

Summit fever again!

Your erstwhile omscaler is nearing the completion of the final three covered hoppers in this group of railcars. By the time readers see this, they should be 100% complete. Part of the delay came from a vacation day last Tuesday. Traffic on this one was much better than the nightmare traffic experienced last trip. First stop after fuel was the tourist information stop at the Georgia state line (west). After the helpful staff confirmed that my planned route was low traffic and good roads, I left for breakfast at Villa Rica. Then omscaler drove to Cartersville to visit the historic passenger depot. After taking pics, I thought to myself, “I better go ahead and leave to get across the tracks before a train comes.” Lo and behold! As I was just about to get in the car, I heard a train horn from the north side of the area. I thought at this point to just wait and watch the train go by. This as it turned out later was a fortuitous decision. Omscaler then drove through the north side of Cartersville to the freeway. Next stop was Adairsville to get more pics of the depot which was historic and figured in the “Great Locomotive Chase” during the American Civil War. The downtown area is quite picturesque due to the Victorian architecture. Next, headed up the freeway to Dalton, home of carpets and railroads. The visitors center is located in the historic Dalton freight house. The track side loading dock is now a train watching platform. There is also a Southern passenger car on display. The helpful staff lady was kind to show me the television screen that looks out through one of the large windows. This screen receives input from the railroad. The screen has a diagram showing the actual real time signal conditions. All signal aspects were showing red the entire time I was there. Nothing moving. The only train I saw was indeed back at Cartersville. This freight house has an important museum inside. The displays demonstrate the founding of the textile industry here by a young woman. Humble beginnings to significant industry. Omscaler asked the staff person if the old passenger depot still existed. She said it did and game me directions. She also said it was a closed restaurant but the owner was planning to reopen. Turns out omscaler has been in this restaurant on a previous trip some years back. “Deja Vue all over again”. Omscaler knows this has been a long account but as the man said, “One more thing”. Next stop was Prater’s Mill. Interesting place. Mill, lint house(?), cotton gin, mill store, barn, Doctor’s office, six by ten feet(!), barn and...caboose. Tracks are not nearby to my knowledge. I guess the caboose is for a more widespread appeal. Train nuts being what they are. Thus this and the next late lunch stop ended this day trip. Refreshed and working, omscaler

 

New equipment on the property!

About 8:15, PM, Central Standard Time, a brand new thirty-four foot covered hopper was placed on the Murphysboro module. This is the first of four being produced. The reason this one was finished ahead of the others is that omscaler had a friend who wanted to see the railcar. This person had asked about it after we had shared our model railroad activities when I visited the local model railroad club. Since he was kind enough to ask to see the finished work, omscaler decided to push one to completion so as not to prolong his wait. Another reason the lone covered hopper was completed ahead of the others is that some innovative construction methods were being used. This improved the timing enough to go ahead and get it done. Some more improvements will be tried on the remaining three as well. Should not be too long now. Hastening the day, omscaler

 

Back on track

Yep. We have been busy working on the group of four covered hoppers. Right now we have roofs attached to sides, end sheets in place and two sets of center vertical supports in place as well as one set of car end frames. Omscaler has been able to develop a better way of attaching these parts which is naturally a big help. Still a lot more to do. This project is the most detailed car project to date. However sunny weather is beckoning us out doors. Temptation is dogging us. We will persevere. Shoulder to the wheel. Omscaler

 

 

We took the plunge!

Yes! We blasted out of town a few days ago and headed for the great outdoors. But not before we stopped at the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia. And boy what an interesting(?) first leg of the trip. We left Leeds(AL) at a little after 7:00 a.m. We wanted to get fuel in east Oxford in case Georgia gas prices were higher. We did so and tried to get on the freeway. There were locations where fog was somewhat heavy everywhere on the road. Omscaler got gas went to the on ramp and noticed ten or more cars coming up the ramp. Still hazy with sleep I said to myself, “I did not notice this being a two lane road.” What my foggy brain did not realize was that cars had turned around on the ramp. The reason was that the freeway was now a parking lot. After a few moments of mental processing we decided to go to Hwy. 78 East. I guessed that super thick fog on Cheaha ridge had either stopped traffic or had resulted in an accident. After a few miles I was able to get back on the freeway. Smooth sailing all the way to Villa Rica and breakfast. Umm, umm, delicious! After this things got interesting. I had decided to try to go through downtown Atlanta to Get to Interstate 85 north. The last time I was on the 285, traffic was slow and heavy. This decision also turned out to let me experience traffic that was slow and heavy. I eventually got on 85N and drove on. After a few miles up I85, I looked over at the southbound side and noticed traffic was not moving. “How do people live like this?”, I wondered. Anyway, after trundling on for a while, I came to the Duluth exit that I wanted. I got info from the admission person and learned that the miniature train used to reside at the Jimmy Morgan Zoo in Birmingham. He said I could choose this train or the full size one that toured part of the grounds and shop. I told him I had already ridden the little train when I was a boy so I would take the big one. Sometimes things really do come full circle. What an interesting museum. Franklin D’s railcar, steam locomotives, an E8 streamliner and a lot more. I told the conductor I had accidentally climbed up the ladder to the E8. He said the door was locked. After the train ride, I showed the conductor and engineer my sample of an Omega Scale Railway boxcar that I carry around. They were appreciative and invited me to visit the inside of the locomotive that pulled the tour cars we had ridden. I am writing another thank you to these men for their courtesy and favor. Next, omscaler drove to Roswell for a visit to Blue Ox Model Trains. This store has an outstanding inventory! I have not seen this much model railroad inventory in years. After a brief chat and getting some directions (Don’t want to get lost. Do we?), I headed for I-575 north. And here omscaler experienced...wait for it...heavy traffic! After what was a long time, we were able to head to Ellijay for check-in and supper. Whew! The next day I visited and hiked at Fort Mountain State Park. My goal was to see the stone serpent effigy. This effigy is reported to be between 850 and 930 feet long. I only checked out a short section of the site. The identity of the builders remain a mystery to this day. Next I wanted to go to one of the apple orchards for fried apple pie. It was delicious. Then I made my way home. The week of this post should see more progress on the covered hopper project. Roofs are complete now and we will work on smaller parts next. Refreshed and diligent, omscaler

 

Blue skies and cool at last!

 Yes sir, we have real Autumn weather at last. Great news for all of us that hate humidity. Got out recently and walked at the park walking track. Refreshed omscalers brain it did. The only problem we see now is a conflict between staying in and building The Omega Scale Railway and going outside and being in the great outdoors. Per last post omscaler can report that all wheels are installed and running gear is ready to receive car bodies. Currently car roofs are being fabricated. After that we will have to decide which components are to be done. Enjoying the options, omscaler

 

Blue skies...and warm

Per last post, omscaler is still looking for cooler temps. And looking, and looking. I know it will come. Just when? Anyway, enough complaining. Let’s complain about something else. Omscaler is still working on the covered hopper project. As of this writing we are assembling freight car trucks. I have to admit it is a little time consuming since we are working on four cars plus one set for an upcoming car project. Lots of wheels needed. Plus additional parts. But we will work and work until we get it all done. It is what we do. Moving forward, omscaler

 

October already!

 Omscaler is a little surprised. Surprised that Summer is gone and it still is warm and humid. However, we believe that spectacular Autumn weather will appear soon. This a great time for outdoor railfanning and hiking and other outdoor stuff. Omscaler has been chomping at the bit to get outside. Chores and errand are looming but we will get it done. Then, hit the the road. Road trip! Where will we go? Answer will be listed in future blog posts. We are still building covered hoppers slowly but surely. Working along, omscaler

 

Procrastination pays off!

 As post readers noted last week, we had one set of car markings done and as mentioned we have done all sets. Next we began roof hatches and as it stands one set is done with three more to go. There are eight roof hatches per car so we have a good bit to do. Readers will have noted in the tag line a reference to procrastination. This is due to last Saturday having no work done. No work but driving that is. Yours truly, omscaler, decided to blow off everything and leave town. What was luring us out of town (note: us is celestial “us”, actually just me.)? Answer: Goats! An announcement came out a few weeks ago about a friend on a public social platform we all know about concerning a goat beauty contest. A what? After further investigation it was discovered that the contest was part of the annual Dancing Goat Folkfest in Ellijay, Georgia, U.S. (for our international readers). Dancing goats, arts and crafts, great scenery. We gotta’ go! And so we did. Cranked out of bed at 5:30 a.m., local time. Rambled to the gas station. Rambled into large retail outlet for junk food and beverage. Then hit the road. Stopped at Oxford for “chicky biskit” and headed for Georgia. Finally rolled into Ellijay about a quarter till noon. Checked out the downtown displays and then located the other venue. I was too late for the goat beauty contest but got to visit with friends who had a participant, “Yoga”, in the show. A nice lady and her husband from Gadsden, Alabama, U.S., who own Lookout Mountain Goat Ranch, an arts and crafts learning studio. (Check it out!) After this I headed to Falls Creek Falls located in the Rich Mountain Wilderness Area where I hiked slowly but surely to the falls. (Only a half mile round trip.) After this I went ahead instead of returning to the highway. I was rewarded with a paved road and more scenery. I ended up at the Iron Bridge cafe located across from a one lane steel truss bridge over the river. Bridge looked a hundred years old. I went inside and asked where I was. (I was on Aska Road at Shallowford Bridge Road.) Next I asked where the road went. The person said one direction was very rambling and the other went to Blue Ridge. “Thank you”, I said. Then got in the car and went to Blue Ridge. People all over! No parking! Slow driving! Looked like Gatlinburg on a railway! Got pics of a parked locomotive and the old depot and caboose and converted boxcar (now gift shop). Next I headed for food and then home. Got in about 8:00 p.m., that night. Whew! How did procrastination pay off? Well now omscaler is “inspired’’! So now I can enthusiastically get back to work! And how did Yoga do? He came in third place. There is always next year! Looks like we both need to put shoulder or hoof to the wheel as the case may be. Working with enthusiasm, omscaler

 

The inch worm rules!

As mentioned last post, we are inching along. We did make a decision on a new method for making ribbed car sides and these are awaiting reporting marks. So far, one set of car reporting marks are installed. The rest of the reporting marks are standing by. Hopefully by week’s end these will be done as well. Then the rest of the project should be cutting out parts and assembly. Where omscaler lives right now is experiencing persistent heavy rains. It is a great time to work indoors. Wherever our readers are, stay safe, stay dry and stay well. Omscaler

 

Inching along

Hello again blog readers. Just a brief update for you concerning the previously mentioned covered hopper project. As of this writing, A group of four pairs of sides are complete. Four sub-roofs are also done. A pre-production car side was done for evaluation purposes and the results were not acceptable. As omscaler stated before, this project would involve a higher level of craftsmanship than the first covered hopper. So early Saturday morning was spent discovering a better way of building car sides. This process went on into Sunday as well. We now believe we have a working method to get the desired results. Monday will prove to be busy with non Omega Scale Railway errands and family time due to a recent birthday but Tuesday promises to be resuming work at full throttle (insert pun here). Working on the work at hand, omscaler

 

Update and new project

The bungalow is finished less the previously mentioned porch trim. What is lacking now is the porch railings. The first attempt at the railings was substandard and not installed. The sidewalk proper is done but some other details are not. Due to the railing problem, the bungalow project will be installed temporarily on the module. The details will be put on hold. This is not usual for omscaler but due to the backlog of projects vying for attention this will let us move forward. What is on the work order is four covered hoppers. We may simultaneously work on a couple of boxcars also. A tall order I know. The work order sheet lists twenty-seven line items. Plenty to do. Omscaler hopes readers had a great Labor Day. Digging in, omscaler

 

Finishing touches...

 Last week the Gerald McCorkle family finished moving the entire household into the new bungalow. All that was needed was the front porch trim and a poured sidewalk and a few more details in the front yard. As mentioned we are going to make a covered hopper for the railroad. The earlier covered hopper had to be scrapped due to inferior components. This new covered hopper will be a step above in quality. At least that is the goal. We have some ideas about how to make this happen. Looks like the pressure is on now! Cooking high, omscaler

 

Thar she blows!

Er, thar she bunglows that is. We have a new dwelling. A Craftsman style bungalow just like grandma had. This structure is a much needed and welcome addition to the town of Murphysboro. We hope to have a good number to follow. The next project? As previously stated, a covered hopper is vying for attention. And frankly we can use more of everything. Who doesn’t need more of everything? The burners are full. We will get to work immediately and make it happen. Cooking away. Omscaler

 

Well, not again!

Yes, we have no bananas. A completed bungalow banana that is. Anyway, you know what I mean. We have four walls and a roof. Front and back steps. This actually makes the structure move in ready. And from what I have learned, they did. Somewhere along about Thursday omscaler began working on the upgraded drive linkage. This was very distracting as far as the bungalow was concerned. Omscaler gets deep in the weeds on something and can’t let go. Normally this is a good thing. In this case one project interfered with another. However, the new linkage has been road tested and even though not perfect shows promise. Omscaler has committed to redouble the efforts on bungalow completion. Yours diligently, omscaler

 

And fun we have been having!

Wow! So much done! As of the writing of this post, we have four walls up! Hopefully, by the end of this week, a picture will be posted. Keep your fingers crossed. We still have a way to go yet. Porch railings, flower beds, mail box, Gerald McCorkle. Gerald McCorkle? More on him later. Anyway, we are moving along full bore to get the project done. And the next project? Omscaler is itching (modeler’s rash?) to do a rail car. A covered hopper specifically. A drive linkage upgrade is also being worked on simultaneously with the bungalow. Working along, omscaler

 

Complexity is our new friend?

As of the previous post, omscaler stated the next build will be a bungalow. In the interest of trying to keep the project moving along, a work order was filled in. Omscaler has been using these forms for sometime now and although one was not used for the hotel, we decided to make one for this project. This form now has twenty-seven line items. Some of the entries do not break down the sub-assemblies needed for more complex components like windows. So far we have completed all basic shapes and have made detailed texture for the roof. However, this simply means the easy part is done. Now for the fun part. Did not omscaler tell you the fun never stops on The Omega Scale Railway? Still having fun and more fun, omscaler

 

From riches to rags?

Last post recounted the completion of the fabulous Hamilton House hotel. We are proud to announce the next project. The decision has been made to construct a single residence bungalow. Omscaler hopes to get started on rail cars in tandem with the build of the home. We need more cars and more structures. After the house, we are thinking about small weather board houses. Very humble structures indeed. Murphysboro also needs to build the mayor’s house. Can’t have wet politicians can we? (This surely has to be a lead-in for a joke.) Anyway, building-away, omscaler

 

Yep. We did it again.

Yes. Omscaler finds himself where he has been before. What happened was in order to keep to our exacting standards we ran two full days late completing the hotel. The accompanying pictures show the hotel in place. The hotel was placed a little north of the passenger depot in order to give guests a more panoramic view of the town. Blog readers may wonder that the building does not look very large. It is indeed a partial model placed on a partial city block. The real hotel this structure was based on resides in Eureka, Nevada and is The Jackson House hotel. Due to the number of problems taking place in our western states omscaler does not know if the hotel is accepting guests at this time. Perhaps some of our readers living out west can give us an update. What is the next project for The Very Small Railroad? Upgrades and new structures as well as maintenance are vying for first consideration. We shall see what happens. Readers are welcome to have input here. Hoping to hear from you. Omscaler

 

The last few inches?

As of this post the much vaunted hotel project lacks only the exterior balcony railing and the north wall hotel sign. Completion is so close omscaler can taste it. It may be at the point of release (Tuesday at 6 o’clock A.M.) that all will indeed be complete. Then erstwhile travelers as well as “drummers” will have a more upscale place to stay. Occasionally drummers who found themselves out in the countryside at end of day had to prevail on local farmers for a place to bed down. Often a place in the barn was offered (at a charge). This apparently resulted in a number of farmer’s daughter incidents and some shot gunning as well. Yours securing the countryside, omscaler

 

Success and not success

 Last post omscaler related how he had tested the Scan-n-Cut with some satisfactory results. More testing was done involving a transfer of a graphic file from the computer by USB drive and by print out from a printer. Both results were less than satisfactory. A further test was done using a manual method employing a cutting guide which had been built some months ago. Without using an actual clock we are “guesstimating” that time for either method is somewhat close. What this means is that if omscaler cannot learn how to speed up the machine process the usefulness of the machine is lessened. Oh well. We are used to these kind of challenges here on The Very Small Railroad. There is another project that could be handled by the cutting machine. But that is a story for another time. The hotel project still needs the back wall and the roof as well as exterior components but progress is moving along more normally. Your earnest worker, omscaler

 

I keep interrupting myself...

 Yep. It happened again. Something happened besides the usual fine weather distractions. For some reason I decided to pull out my Scan-n-Cut electronic die cutting machine and try something. The last time I worked with it I got so put out at my non success that I put it away intending to try again later. Omscaler had a lot on his plate with the OSR at that time. (Still do.) That was over a year ago if my memory is correct. Any way, I got online and did some studying of pertinent tutorials. Then I took a deep breath and on a recent Saturday afternoon took another swing at it. Success! I was able to dial in the project enough to get workable output. Some clean up trimming is required but it looks like the time saved is still significant. However, at this point, the hotel project needs to be removed from the back burner and moved along. Omscaler is hoping that he can steel himself enough to do the right thing. Bracing up, omscaler

 

Working while raining

Today is the perfect day to be an Omega Scaler. Outside is drippy. Inside we are making good progress. We have something enjoyable to do while the weather is drippy. No sitting around and moaning that the good old summertime cannot be enjoyed. Once again The Omega Scale Railway has proved its worth. The hotel is coming along nicely but omscaler cannot tell when the completion date will be. A few moments ago, the cornice sections were finished and awaiting attachment. The front and side walls are ready too. The base is done. The back and roof remain. But we will get ‘er done. Omscaler

 

Day trippin’

As of this writing I am returning home after spending some time at a relatives house. Earlier that day I returned home from house sitting for another relative. The earlier trip concluded a three night stay-over and the last was a combination birthday cook out. By combination I mean celebrating more than one birthday. Frankly I am feeling a little stuffed. Good to spend time with the younger family members. The place I stayed was practically speaking, the heart of railroad central. This is the place that I wrote about before that aggravated drivers going to work. I definitely wish all the old depots were still in place and passenger trains still ruled as people movers. Even at that, this is still a fine place to watch trains if you are not headed to work. The old Alabaster depot has been moved to a spot near the high school stadium. Check it out if you have time. Still reminiscing, omscaler

 

Different folks, different views

Last Saturday I stopped in to the local model railroad club to say hello to a friend. As we were sitting there watching the (model) trains go by the subject turned to rolling stock. We were watching some modern equipment roll by on the layout and the remark was made about how long modern equipment can be. The friend said that some modern types were too long to negotiate certain curves on his home layout. I mentioned that my modeling goals were centered around the late nineteen forties steam to diesel transition era. This choice gave me the leeway to model thirty-eight foot boxcars and refrigerator cars. I could include outside wood braced boxcars in regular service. The hopper types were twin bay cars of thirty-four foot length. I confessed I had to fudge a little bit to allow “Ike” type wood rack cars due to their later manufacture, but that is another story. Getting back to current model railroading. Today’s modeler will often get some very colorful high horse-powered locomotives and likewise colorful rail cars. To each their own. I appreciate what I see being used and often find it interesting even if I have no plans to utilize the same at home. As someone paraphrased, “Model railroad variety is the spice of life”! I hope readers will leave a comment or more about their own preferences and why they like it. See you along the right of way. Omscaler

 

More trains

As I was preparing to write this blog post by brewing up some green tea, I heard the sound of a train horn. I live in a small town dominated by the railroad tracks. Two sets in fact. This is actually music to the ears of someone like me. However, a few weeks ago, about 1:00 a.m. I heard a train horn. Moving up the grade into town. Then in a little while (after falling back asleep) I heard another. Then another. Then later some more. Later that morning, you guessed it! Another train. It seemed like the whole railroad world had woken up and decided to come through my town. I have not noticed the same frequency since. Last post we were writing about someone asking me “Why so many trains?” I wish I had someone to ask that question of now myself. “Why so many trains?” ”Why so early in the morning?” I may never know. Back to The Omega Scale Railway. As of this post we are working on window framing and how to fabricate it. It is a slow process but we want something that looks as sharp as we can make it. Still being diligent, omscaler

 

Why so many trains?

Recently, I was asked this question by someone who had to contend with stopping at a rail crossing until the train passed. This had to potential of happening every work day. I explained that the area was home to a number of cement plants and limestone quarries. Also, there were other industries in the area. Overall a very busy railroad place. Has been so for almost a century. Fortunately, the person was able to use another route after a little exploration which limited the problem somewhat. I myself usually enjoy watching trains go by and consider myself lucky when I see one. One man’s bread and butter and so forth. Anyway, omscaler is still working on the Hamilton House. Also, fighting the sunshine too. Yours not hardly distracted, omscaler

 

Back in the day

Yep. More reminiscing. Once upon a time the little burg of Murphysboro Illinois was the de facto headquarters of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. All activity was directed from the depot. This was actually a big comeback for the railroad after being destroyed during the “late misunderstanding” (American Civil War). But progress was indeed made and the railroad became prosperous. Competition was stiff but persistence paid off. Time passed and railroads were getting larger or perhaps getting out. Chicago was the big lure for carriers and in year 1946 the Mobile and Ohio was joined with the Gulf,Mobile and Northern to step onto the industrial stage as the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio. Chicago was indeed reached and goods began to flow into and out of the Windy City. When the banana boats docked at the Port of Mobile, Chicagoans could count on fresh fruit in a very short time. Coal from Illinois might make its way to South America. Busy times for busy people. The GM&O was so successful among travelers, shippers and employees that the good reputation of the road lasted and was lamented long after it ceased to exist. Funny how life happens sometimes. Still keeping the dream alive and thanks for stopping and reading. Omscaler

 

Fighting the weather

Yes, omscaler has been fighting the weather. The weather here has been sunny with clear blue skies and somewhat balmy. Readers may wonder about fighting the weather under these conditions. The problem is that omscaler has developed “Spring Fever”. And a pretty severe case too. Symptoms include sitting on the porch and looking at the sky. Going for drives in the country. Going to the park and walking. And lately, weeding a flower bed. Thankfully, there several at hand to week. Also, sitting inside and just thinking about going outside. Perceptive readers will notice that these activities had no mention of working on The Very Small Railroad. This is because no work has been done on The Very Small Railroad. However, good news is at hand. The symptoms are subsiding and omscaler is beginning to feel more normal. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Returning to diligence, omscaler

 

Where did they stay?

 As blog readers know, The Omega Scale Railway town on Murphysboro will be receiving a hotel in the near future. This building is for short term stays primarily. Some guests may stay longer but the better part of long term stays were arranged at boarding houses. The usual terms were in fact room and board. This means a room for sleeping and three meals a day at the dining room table. Fare was often delicious but not for the calorie conscious. Such boarding houses were operated as for men only or women only. The one near the passenger depot catered to railroaders and was located just a short walk east. There were probably a number of other boarding houses but the hotel and the boarding house referred to were the only ones omscaler saw on the Sanborn fire map. At any rate a little information is better than none. Still working on the building, omscaler

 

Another opinion

Sometime ago I was visiting a local model railroad club. This club is over thirty years old I believe. The subject of modules came up. I had remarked that the sections of the layout were heavily built. The person I was speaking with said that indeed they were. The modules were in fact hard for the older members to handle well, being so heavy. This contrasts with an article I have in an old magazine I got at a train show years ago. This periodical covers N scale exclusively. In this issue the article in question explained how to make a module in a box beam configuration. The material used is expanded foam, not to be confused with the white bead foam. I decided to make one of these box beam modules a few years ago and it now resides in the walk-in closet. Neatly out of the way. The only wood is used for the legs and two end panels on the box beam. I can carry it on my head if I so choose to do so. It is very strong in spite of the light weight. During the above mentioned conversation, I suggested simply leaving the old layout in place and construct a “show layout” to transport to train shows. The idea being using newer methods to build, these being lighter. So far, no changes have taken place but in the future, who knows? As readers of this blog know, The Very Small Railroad has a transport box which was used to visit a show last Fall. Such simplicity was sublime! I am a big proponent of modularity. I know the idea has caught on in may instances. Hoping for model railroad progress, omscaler

 

What is a train?

On The Very Small Railroad a train is anything with a caboose behind any amount of railcars. This would put a caboose behind even just a few cars but them’s the rules. Right now we have the Mogul in front of a ten car train plus the caboose. This number actually looks pretty good considering the size of the locomotive. Omscaler does not recall how many cars a real Mogul could handle on flat terrain. This could be a good idea for some research. As said before, this size train actually crowds the turnouts due to their placement. Also as stated, this calls for more “trackage” which we will do as the schedule permits. Right now we are still working on the hotel. After that, probably another structure. What do we need? Your input is welcome in the comments section below each post. See you on the high iron. Omscaler

 

Good to get out to a show

Just a little post about the train show. This was in fact the annual Coosa Valley Model Railroad Association show. This show was not permitted last year due to restrictions by the City of Gadsden. So we skipped a year. This particular show is thirty-four years old. The turnout was pretty good and omscaler was glad to see some people I had not seen in a little while. The location is also very interesting. The name of the venue is 210 @ The Tracks. If you walk out the front door about eleven feet (or less) you are standing between two rails. If you look to the east (turn right), you see the old swing bridge. This bridge does not open anymore but was built to allow passage for tall river traffic. I am thinking about the old paddle wheel steam boats that used to work on the Coosa. Another thing, the venue is located next to a restaurant and they were cooking outside. Boy what an aroma. Anyway, lots to do and see in the area. I hope many more folks attend next year. Until next post, omscaler

 

It is about time!

 Last week’s post described the latest project on The Very Small Railroad. It has been a very long time since a structure was added to the Murphysboro module. The development of the running stock upgrades took way too long. The place has been looking like a ghost town. Only two buildings to see. Fortunately, the upgrades appear to be working. However there is still a pesky friction problem. In spite of this, we did build a twelve car train. This length of train is just about all we can do in three feet due to turnout placement. Guess what? This means we need more modules! Didn’t omscaler tell you the fun never stops on The Omega Scale Railway. We always go back and forth on which project to do next. But as always we will get ‘er done. Omscaler

 

New project announcement

That is right. We have a decision. Our next project will be a building. Not just any building. The structure will be the “Hamilton House” Hotel, located in old Murphysboro, Illinois. However, there are two considerations here. One is that the location will be changed from the original one. Two is that the building will be a “partial model” due to limited space in that part of the town. We may change the second consideration. The final decision has not yet been made. To get started there is plenty to do with drawing a working plan from our chosen model The “Jackson House” Hotel still to be seen in Eureka, Nevada. Now you have some trivia about The Omega Scale Railway that you can tell your grandchildren. See you on the right of way next time, omscaler

 

One down and one to go

 Yes. We have just one locomotive and one tender to finish. Just a short while ago, the 0-6-0 shifter was installed on the layout module. We will do a “shake down” to check it out in short order. Initial running though short is promising. The upgrade on this particular locomotive was a little challenging. Fortunately, a modular design was used and that helped shorten the turn around time. Omscaler hopes that the same will hold true for the Mogul. As a point of information for readers, this is the closest to deadline a post has been prepared in a very long time. Late but not tardy, omscaler

 

Springtime!

So glad to be out of the cold. Today’s weather: perfect. Will it continue? Not likely. Anyway, enough about the outside, let’s get to the inside. All but one railcar is upgraded. We had a “surprise” repair to make on a flatcar. We think this was a fluke and will not be repeated. Both locomotives are in the shop for the same upgrades. After that, who knows? Seriously, omscaler has plenty to do here. It is a little hard to pick a direction but it will happen. A work holder was devised to help with the upgrades and will help us going forward. Omscaler is still taking votes on the next car or locomotive type to be built. Please make your voice heard in the comment section. Looking forward, omscaler

 

A stitch in time

 A stitch in time saves time goes the old proverb. I am finding this to be true as I “stitch” the car upgrades. The group I am working on now consists of four boxcars and one flatcar. Our new materials and techniques may be a little extra challenging on this flatcar due to small dimensions. The previous cars that were shopped did include a flatcar as well and this car works okay. However, omscaler had to fiddle with it a little more to get the job done. The covered hopper had to go to the scrap pile and a better design for this type will be made. See I told you this model railroad is challenging. All part of the fun here. Anyway, back to the workshop. Omscaler

 

And then it was seventy...

Yep. After the frozen came the toasty. I live in an odd place. The winters are most foul until it warms up. The summers have heat exceeded only by humidity. However, we at The Very Small Railroad persevere. Mostly due to air-conditioning. Keeps warpage to a minimum. As far as the specific work goes, There have been some interesting developments. We have developed components that let us eliminate about two parts of running gear and are much simpler to make as well as working much better. We have also decided to use a strong center beam on the rolling stock which helps when shoving cars. The improvement also lets us use a simple rod instead of a formed “J-hook” configuration. This saves time, material and effort. Initial trials have been very successful. We are hopeful for success with multiple car testing at this point. This is why we are upgrading all railcars and may do the same for locomotives too. On another train of thought (you thought you would get away without a pun), The Winter Train Show, hosted by Smokey City Rails, was last Friday and Saturday. I was accompanied by my youngest grandson. It was good to see some folks I had not seen for a long time. I have been informed that the April Train Show will take place in Gadsden, Alabama. I hope to see you there. Working the plan, omscaler

 

Brrr outside!

The outside temp is indeed cold. Omscaler is glad to be able to be indoors and work on The Very Small Railroad and this blog. The real railroaders, however, are also the “real snowmen ( or women)”. They work regardless. Tough people. They work with picks and shovels at times to un-ice turnouts. Rails sometimes need clearing from deep snow. The work never ends. That is why omscaler thought about giving them a little time on this blog. Here’s hoping that all the rail workers stay safe and strong. As we continue into the new year here, we have encountered a challenge ourselves. We are experiencing a lot of friction when we try to move multiple cars. Nasty little surprise it is. Happily we have a working plan to overcome this problem. It is what we do. Omscaler hopes to work on simultaneous projects this year in order to try to get more done. We will keep you posted. Omscaler

 

Happy Anniversary!

Yes! Happy Four Year Anniversary! “Whose anniversary is it”? the reader may ask. “Why”, says omscaler,”It’s ours”! This blog is four years young and you dear readers who have come along on this journey have been a big part of the success of this effort. You have my heartfelt thanks. The blog was in fact begun on Valentine’s Day, 2017. Work on The Omega Scale Railway was started Summer of 2015. Building The Very Small Railway has been as rewarding as it has been challenging. The building has indeed been slow and a study in patience but that is how we learn. And learn we have. We started not from the ground up but from the ”sub-surface” up. Even now we need trees and multi-story buildings. The sky is the limit. (Actually the ceiling.) A little Omega Scale humor. It is omscaler’s firm hope that the year 2021 is a landmark year for accomplishments on The Very Small Railroad. We will certainly try out best. Thank you again and working diligently, omscaler

 

Done and almost done?

Yep. The cabooses are finally complete. They were operable as of last post but lacked some of the details omscaler wanted to include to have a higher level of craftsmanship. So, the most challenging of details were indeed added. This effort did cause one particular detail to be added the day after last post. This effort was well worth the extra effort as the cabooses show forth a higher level of realism. Always a worthy goal on The Omega Scale Railway. The cabooses are GM&O numbers 2831 and 2835. Waiting to whistle off, omscaler

 

Are we there yet (still)?

On long vacation drives, the tradition is for children to ask their parents, “Are we there yet?”. This is done soon after departure and many time repeated during the drive. The purpose of the inquiries are not to gather information but to remind said parents how much a vacation is needed. Omscale makes these remarks with tongue in cheek. As a matter of fact, the cabooses may be at the ninety percent completion as of last posting and will definitely be complete when readers see this post. Barring some kind of disaster. This post will be published on Ground Hog’s Day and omscaler wishes all the very best on this auspicious occasion. Still digging, omscaler

 

More progress

Nope we were not there yet as of last post. I think by this posting we will have a least one caboose in the rail yard. This project was more ground breaking than omscaler realized. I should have suspected this at the start. Waycar, crummy, bobber, all names used other that caboose. The hope is that the work doesn’t deserve the name “crummy”. This is some of the reason that completion time is so long. As a side note there are four, that’s right fout box cars in the shop for upgrading. I hope this is the last group. As for the trees, they have been shunted to the back burner. I hope to get to them by week's end. Shoulder to the wheel, omscaler

 

The week that should have been

If last week had been perfect, it was: “Hello again dear readers!, Well, we have two shiny new cabooses and leafy new trees!”. Since it was not perfect we had more planning and working on two cabooses. A discrepancy in the main deck dimension was discovered and had to have new components cut out. The trees are technically still drying even though they have been dried well by now. We did figure out a way to save time on installing caboose windows. Hooray! So, as of Saturday night past we were attaching caboose walls together. We will see what we get done by Tuesday morning, the post time of these blogs. Getting a little more done, omscaler

 

Blog upgrade announcement!

As readers have already observed, there have been some changes to the information and appearance of The Omega Scale Railway blog. Omscaler has put a some background information about the scale and a cool picture of a GM&O diesel locomotive. The caboose project seems like it has gotten trickier and trickier so it is not done yet. Also, something new, omscaler is working on making trees. Yes trees! First the Murphysboro looked like a beach with no ocean for a long time. Then it looked like some dirt for a long time. Then two buildings with streets and grass (where it is now). So, let’s get some trees going. This is the strangest work I have done so far. But, who knows where it will lead (leaf)? Until next post, keep it on the rails, omscaler

 

Back to work

 

Yep, back to making the dream come true. Here at The Very Small Railroad we hard at work this week. As of this post, and I mean directly, we have cut out caboose door and window openings. We are thinking about how to do window glazing. We have a few ideas and we will make it happen. 2021 looks like it will be a big year for The Omega Scale Railway. I know it will be an even better railroad. I am very enthusiastic regarding the upcoming year. I hope readers are as well. Caboosing along, omscaler