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
