Happy New Year!

Midnight is coming. Bringing a brand-new year for us. A time of new beginnings, new projects and perhaps new friends. Omscaler has his list of 2025 goals ready. Do you have yours? This next year is hoped to be a landmark year for The Omega Scale Railway. A lot did get done in 2024. This past week saw work an even more improved turnout design. Omscaler hopes to implement one soon. The funny thing is that all current turnouts are the latest design and none really need replacing. We will see how it turns out (excuse the pun). omscaler

 

T’was the night before Christmas

And all through the house omscaler was dreaming of the New Year ahead. Yes. Christmas will soon be here. The previously mentioned PS-1 boxcar is complete. Omscaler is now working on an improved turnout. There are also plenty of projects for the next year. Omscaler hopes everyone gets what they wanted for Christmas. Merry Christmas to all! Omscaler

 

Shhhh....???

Some readers may wonder about the “hidden” aspects of The Omega Scale Railway. Today, omscaler will reveal some secret info not readily seen by outsiders. During the construction of the latest boxcar, internal supports were used. Over time omscaler found that most railcars needed this to help maintain the proper shape. This method also makes the car more durable and easily handled. In the case of the boxcar, about a dozen were needed. These internal braces or angle braces as they are called are not seen from the outside. So now, blog readers, you have some “inside information” about The Omega Scale Railway. By the time this is posted, omscaler hopes the boxcar will be be complete. Until next time, omscaler

 

Reporting marks

One facet of railway equipment building is assigning and applying a reporting mark to each car, locomotive and caboose. The first planned rebuilt boxcar is SOU, 123376. This is the Southern Railway reporting mark with the car number. Part of the rebuilding was reassigning a new number. The old car was SOU, 23376. omscaler wanted to make the car more realistic and did a little research. The old number was incorrect for the car type series but a similar number was located in a historic roster of the actual equipment. Hence the addition of a one in the first position. The new car will be a Pullman Standard type one, known as PS-1. This car will be the first car identifiable as this type. More are planned as part of the general car upgrade. Moving forward, omscaler

 

Marching toward 2025

Around The Omega Scale Railway, November and December are next year planning months. At this point it looks like the list of goals may be complete, subject to revision. It also looks like there will be plenty to keep omscaler busy in the new year. Also, the actual number of original goals is less due to reaching them in 2024. However, new goals have been added. This past week saw making of more back stock parts. This time it was wheels. Some were already made. The final number desired is two hundred. (Yipes!) A building aid was made to help making the new PS1 type boxcar. This week will see more parts making as well as the boxcar. And what about you, reader? Do you make goals? Omscaler would encourage you to do so if you do not. Staying busy, omscaler

 

Thanksgiving is fast upon us!

Welcome back blog post readers and welcome new post readers. The next group of parts were underway last week. This time it is the “shoe”. A sliding pad that the rail equipment moves around on. Readers may not know it but no wheels actually turn on the railway cars and locomotives. Simplicity is key around here. Somewhere in the “archives” is a picture of a poultry transport car. How appropriate for this time of year. The picture is online and can be found by a search engine. Omscaler would put it on the blog but the size may not fit the blog format well. Anyhow, we hope that all have a great Thanksgiving and see you next post, omscaler

 

A tree makeover?

 

Yes, blog readers. Omscaler was unable to tolerate the deciduous tree in the McCorkle back yard. One thought that was communicated to the public at large was that the tree “looked like a Martian vomited on it”. Nothing for it but to remove the tree and rework it. The rule is, “If you ain’t happy with it now, you ain’t gonna’ be happy with it later.” (This rule can work for marriages as well.) Sadly, somehow this tree slipped by the excruciating quality process Omscaler runs around here. Thankfully the tree has been redone and omscaler is sleeping well once again. Also, last weekend a new phase was started on The Omega Scale Railway. Approximately fifty coupler hooks were made ready for installation. About ten were already made which were joined by about forty more. All were prepped and painted black. More back stock parts of different types are planned. Add to all this is that Eddie has a new set of hand trucks. This is a “reward” from the supervisor for his hard work. Furthermore, the oil barrels were remade too. No slouching around here. See you next post, omscaler

 

Tree one and two

The McCorkle yard is now hosting two very tall trees. Yes. We have a very tall pine and an unidentified tall tree in the backyard. The front steps have shrubs on both sides as well. Omscaler is thinking that the technique needs to be improved for both trees. This improvement effort will probably wait on other projects. These projects include sorely needed parts back stock and older railcar upgrades. It looks like a turnout upgrade is in the works as well. More details next post, omscaler

 

Only God can make a tree

 Once omscaler heard a poem saying, “Only God can make a tree”. Omscaler is sort of wondering if calling on the Divine is in order at this point. Methinks I am being too dramatic. However, the foliage project ran into last weekend with no acceptable results. Some pre-made foliage material was purchased at a well known hobby store. We will see if an installation will be completed as of this post. Until next post, omscaler

 

No oil shortage here

As seen in last post, Eddie was hand jacking a crate. This last post pic shows Eddie still hand jacking a crate but there are five oil drums on the freight house dock now. Four of them are fifty-five-gallon drums and one thirty-five-gallon drum. Also, the really big crate has finally been muscled to the rail car loading dock area. Another thing is that now there is a Steamer trunk out front of the end door. The work just keeps piling up. Currently, omscaler is working on trees and bushes. Hopefully, by the end of this week we will see an example. Until next post, omscaler

 

A curling good time

Let me recount what the above phrase alludes to. I call your attention to the September 17^th, 2024 post. In that post I put information about resetting turnouts due to a measurement error. In the case of the most Southerly turnout, which is on the main line, so much damage was done to the sub layer that the turnout base was unstable. Fortunately, omscaler recalled a method of paper crafting that could be used to save the day. Specifically, paper quilling was used to make a very short pillar. This proved to be very strong and usable. This past week, more paper quilling was used again to make shipping crates for the Union City freight house. The above photo shows workers and said crates on the South facing dock. Now we have workers and work for them to do. Omscaler believes more of this time honored paper craft will be used in the future. See you next post, omscaler

 

Looks like Eddie is at work

Last week saw a lot of trial and error trying to make figures. Omscaler thinks he has enough figures to put one or more to work on the railroad. To be clear, results are less than what was hoped for. Nevertheless, omscaler is going to install the best efforts as soon as possible. The figure work will be ongoing but other projects are going to take priority so as not to bog down too much with the overall plan. More info later, omscaler

 

Figure project still underway

As readers can tell, the initial figure making effort needs to be improved. A number of figures are made, but all of them look somewhat two dimensional. However, as this post is written additional study has been made and the figure project will continue. Omscaler is hoping to have a representation of many different walks of life. The Omega Scale Railway certainly needs a work crew. Ordinary citizens will also be included. Still working on figures, omscaler

 

Trouble in Murphysboro

 Trouble in Murphysboro

Last week saw an unexpected problem arise in Murphysboro, the original module. Omscaler is sharing a post, all or in part, which was posted to a forum in which he participates.

“This past week word got around that the evil Dick Tracy© villain, “Big Head” was skulking in the freight yard. This put local law enforcement as well as railroad police on high alert. The accompanying photos were taken by a Jackson County Chronicle photographer, ostensibly from the roof of the Hull house.”

Readers should check the above picture for a description. As it stands now, figure making is progressing. Omscaler feels that there is still a way to go to get the desired effect. Continuing to work, omscaler

 

 

Still “figuring” it out

Figure making is still ongoing. Previously, a number of trial efforts were done. These proved to be off dimensionally. Omscaler determined that he had to really hone in on measurements. No easy feat in this scaler. Exact specifications were written on the master project sheet for immediate use as a guide and for future reference. The next figure built was much more close to what was needed. Initial figures will be railroad workers. General population figures will be next. Hoping the figures continue to add up, omscaler

 

Another faux pas

 Yep. A faux pas. It has come time for omscaler to “fess up”. What has happened is that a flaw has been discovered. The problem is that none of the turnouts have been recessed when they were installed. All fourteen of ‘em. Everyone. Omscaler thought a little funny that equipment going through the turnouts seemed to move somewhat roughly. “Odd,” I thought to myself. Some days after it dawned on the erstwhile omscaler that the turnouts had not been recessed as they were on the previous module. So, this week’s priority is to correct that error. This work has already been facilitated by a discovery that will be helpful. Before the error was discovered, omscaler began working on figure building. One idea that was tried was quilling. This did not work as hoped but the method can be used to make repair support pillars if they are needed. A silver lining to the turnout resetting cloud. Until next post, omscaler

 

Sandy soil in west Tennessee

 As of last Sunday, all terrain segments have been put in place on the Union City module. The rail yard area is bluish gravel gray. The other area, town area, is sandy soil color. The passenger depot and freight house are operational. Fourteen turnouts were installed. A new record for The Omega Scale Railway. These turnouts were reduced in length by sixty-six percent, more or less, compared to the Murphysboro module. There is still a lot of shakedown activity to be done. Also, turnout switch targets need to be installed as well as the NC&StL express office, McAdoo builders lumber shed and material bunkers, Browder grain elevator and smaller businesses. As has been said before, “Plenty to do on The Omega Scale Railway”, omscaler

 

A handshake for jobs well done

As the last spike was driven on the interchange, Tom McGinty shook hands with “Choctaw” Jones. Both were congratulating each other and their respective Gandy Dancers for getting the tracks down in Union City. Both men are Captains to their respective crews. At this point, all track is down and passengers and freight is moving. Gravel is still being poured in the freight yard and the permanent passenger platform tiles will be down soon. McAdoo Builders, on line customer, needs a lumber shed and material bunkers. Also, the NC&StL needs an express office. Still much to do, omscaler

 

Rail traffic

Last week saw the laying of rail on the Union City main line. Since the main line is now open, regular passenger and freight traffic now have a direct route to the city of Mobile. The NC track gang was busy laying ties as well. Immediate needs are the spurs to the freight house and completion of the interchange track. This week should see progress on these and other points. Still working away, omscaler

 

 

Ties being laid

Tie laying was started last week at the North end of town. Only a small amount of progress has been made. Also, the east yard area is completely ballasted with all turnouts in place. The so called “Boys from Bruceton”, NC&StL track gang, arrived Monday to lay ballast as well. The end of this week should see all main line ties in place. We are looking forward, omscaler

 

One good turn deserves another, again

Omscaler is continuing to work on turnouts. So far, fourteen ground throws have been built. Twelve support sections are being made. Two others already having support sections. In addition to turnouts, ballast sections have been built. These feature a method using an embossed side which gives a realistic slope to the side of the ballast section. If blog readers look close enough to the older pictures of tracks, a stair step appearance can be seen. This new method eliminates the steps and looks better in omscaler’s opinion. More updates to come, omscaler

 

Still laying the groundwork

Omscaler continues building sub layer roadbed support. One thing that took place last week was redesigning the standard turnout. The old turnout length was three inches. The new turnout length is one inch. This was necessitated due to the planning of an interchange track. This track area caused the main yard area to be shifted to the North. The old turnout length was found to be problematic in not allowing enough room for usable straight track sections. In other words a cramped condition was created. Initial testing of the new turnout was done at the South end of the interchange track. Although this was successful, yard turnouts have yet to be installed and tested. The geometry in the yard area is more acute and may yet cause problems. Keeping fingers crossed, omscaler

 

Implementing new ideas

As this post is written, the building of the Union City module is well underway. Not to be trite but the method of construction of the top layer is being done in a modular way. The main drive channel sections are being built as one half or three eighths inch wide sections. The length varies according to the need. After this, main terrain sections will be installed. The number of turnouts needed for this module is a record twelve. Sounds small but, trust me, it gets bigger as you begin building. Still, the newest turnout building method will help. The a fore mentioned PS-1 boxcar project has turned out well and more car diagrams have been included in the laser project file. All in all, things have gotten very busy on The Very Small Railroad. Onward and upward. Or is it downward? Onward and littler? You pick one. Until next post, omscaler

 

Where are we headed?

Now that the Hull house is complete, the next phase of The Very Small Railroad will start. Specifically, the sub-roadbed building will start. This is on the new Union City module. An idea for an improved PS 1 boxcar has been implemented as far as the basic car diagram is concerned. This improvement will go hand in hand with the overall railcar upgrades being planned. Unfortunately, omscaler can only do one thing at a time so we will just move forward one thing at a time. This is not to say that work on one project will be halted in order to work on another. Sometimes inspiration strikes. Still inspired, omscaler

 

Repro post

 Well, the big day finally arrived. Last Thursday the Hull house was completed and installed on the module. I have to say this has been the most challenging build I have done. It was supposed to have been started in February. The more time it took, the more I seemed to have to do. If one looks closely at the pics, lines that are supposed to be parallel are not. Angles that should be right angles are not. If I seem to be satisfied overall, I am not. However, on the plus side, this is another landmark project for the Very Small Railroad. The William Hull house actually exists in Murphysboro, Illinois. The home is an asymmetrical, Italianate style building. Formerly a bed and breakfast, it is now believed to be a private residence. I have never seen a roof like this one. I hope I never get the urge to build one like it again. The real house has much more exterior decoration. One each upper and lower windows were left off by accident. The actual roof is very dark gray. We did learn a more precise way to use the hobby laser as evidenced by the porch railing and “wrought iron” front fence. The direction the house faces may be changed in time. Where to next? The Union City, Tennessee module beckons. Gearing up for the next phase, omscaler

 

Note to readers: This post in large part is a duplicate post that was entered on the TrainBoard forum last Friday. Omscaler posts there under the name gmorider.

 

 

Is the project growing?

Omscaler has noticed something always happens. As projects are being worked on the timeline for completion somehow automatically expands. The the Hull house project for example. Omscaler keeps thinking, “If I do one more step then the project will be complete”. The next thing I know, I am thinking “It would be good to make this addition”. And so it is with the Hull house. Right now the house proper is complete. The porches are done. The family has moved in. So what is the hold up? As it turns out, omscaler has decided to add a front fence. It is a challenge to make a wrought iron type fence in this scale. Therefore a compromise will be used. Ya’ gotta’ do whatcha’ gotta’ do. It is expected that the last part of this project will be completed by the end of the week. With much anticipation, omscaler

 

Happy Fourth and happy Omscaler

 Happy Fourth of July to all the blog readers. Omscaler is happy to report that much progress has been made. However, we are not quite there yet. The front porch roof is complete but not installed. The porch railing is installed but may be removed and redesigned. The reason for this is that omscaler accidentally discovered a better way to use the hobby laser to more precisely make parts. A side project was started involving stock car sides and ends using the new method. Results are promising but need some adjustments. Experience gained with this should help all laser cut projects going forward. Omscaler is very happy with this new approach. Also, the previously mentioned foot ailment is practically healed up as well. Have a great holiday, omscaler

 

Trudging along

Omscaler has had to move very slowly, literally. What happened was a few weeks ago omscaler sustained an injury to the left foot. Walking was so uncomfortable that a lot of pressure was put on the right foot. At one point, both feet were problematic. However, the left foot returned to normal while the right one worsened. As this post is written, the right foot is almost well but not quite. During the time period omscaler was asked to repair some bicycles for neighborhood kids. Due to the discomfort, work was slow. For the same reasons The Omega Scale Railway project languished. At this point, the front porch roof is being worked on. Due to this being a Mansard type roof, design and installation is slow. We do have a working plan though and hope to finish the week of this post. Getting back to normal, omscaler

 

One down

And one to go. The back porch to the home is complete and residents have already moved in a few weeks ago. The family was able to enter by use of gang planks at front and back of house. The movers also used them for entering with furniture. The back porch has steps in place. All in all, the home is shaping up. Due to Father’s Day, building has run a little behind. Looking forward to getting back to work, omscaler

 

On to new lows

Yes. The main roof is done. Next will be front and back porch. Actually, the back porch will be first. After porches will come trim. Omscaler has been mulling over the yard and fence as well. All in all, this should turn out to be a fine house for the occupants. The next project in the wings should be the Union City module. We need to lay track. Still planning ahead, omscaler

 

Whew! Back to normal.

Omscaler is very happy to report that the blog posting has gotten back on normal schedule. That being said, the Hull house roofing is under way. This particular roof is the most unusual roof seen by omscaler. The house itself is an asymmetrical design which means the roof is also asymmetrical. All this means that careful planning is required to get the appearance as close as possible to the real thing. This aspect requires some extra time to achieve this effect. Anyway, we expect to be almost complete by next post. Measuring twice to cut once, omscaler  

Ooops! Major error.

Readers may have noticed that this post has come out over two hours late. This is possibly only the second time since the blog’s inception that this has happened. The cause was a convergence of circumstances augmented by omscaler not planning properly. The contributing factor’s were going out of town last Friday for a family member’s high school graduation and the Memorial day weekend. The local library was closed for the holiday and omscaler did not visit the library on Friday. Doing this would have prevented the problem. As a side note, for the time being omscaler does not have internet at home. Thus the need to visit the library. At any rate, The William Hull house has all walls up and the roof deck as well. Next will be the roof proper and then porches. Details will follow. Humbly moving along, omscaler 

Do I have a bay window (or two)?

Many years ago people with a large stomach were said to have a bay window. Omscaler reports that he has two bay windows. Neither on his person. Omscaler is very happy to say this. As this post is written, both bay window assemblies are ready to install. Also, going in are main walls. We take little steps at this point. As a point in fact, some additional laser cutting was needed for a wall section. Making slow progress, omscaler 

I am floored

Currently in progress are the bay window assemblies. These are two story bay windows. Hence the upper bay windows will need floors. Omscaler feels up to the task. Also, new laser techniques were used to assist in the making of the bay window walls. All in all, the new methods are producing a crisper appearance. Looking forward to the next steps, er’ floors. Omscaler 

Am I in pane (again)

Yes. Omscaler is in pane. Making panes that is. Actually, windowpanes may all be complete as of this post. More specifically, panes were applied to all frames including front and back door windows. Naturally what follows is installing frames and doors to house walls. This will be done before attaching walls to each other. Looking forward to seeing the completed dwelling, omscaler

 

Not a townhouse

Omscaler is continuing to work on the William Hull House. Many components are ready for assembly. We have been able to use a new method to make bay window sections. This approach gives a cleaner appearance and is easier to assembly correctly. Actual window glazing will use the puddled glue method for the same reasons. Regarding the above caption, it was pointed out to omscaler that this is a free standing dwelling and not an attached townhouse. Omscaler needs to be correct on as many points as possible. Building on, omscaler

 

Introducing the new passenger depot

As a point of fact, the depot had a “soft opening” last Thursday. The Omega Scale Railway is very proud to have this addition to the railroad. The old depot building still stands and is now used as the Obion County Chamber of Commerce. The original station featured Spanish tile porch roofs. Curved porch roof supports, wainscoting and two sets of double doors. Also, the building has an asymmetrical four sided bay window. Since the depot is located on a sixty-degree rail crossing, the building has an irregular shape. If readers live in or visit west Tennessee, perhaps a visit could be made. On to the next set of projects, omscaler

 

Done and done for the depot

 

It is expected that as of this post, the Union City, Tennessee, Union Station is complete. Omscaler is very proud to have this historic landmark represented on The Omega Scale Railway. This station will provide for passenger service to have a destination and departures between this town and Murphysboro, Illinois. Now, all that is needed to lay track on the Union City module. Also, to make a circuit, curved track sections are needed. The Very Small Railroad always has plenty to do. As a side note, omscaler enjoyed visiting the Gadsden Train Show this past Saturday. Looking forward to the next one. Still working and planning, omscaler

 

Roof railing by any other name

As this post is written, all passenger depot walls are installed, and the main roof is now placed. The walls extend above the roof and omscaler is deciding what to call this extended feature. Research indicates that this is called a plain parapet. The reference photo shows some type of tiling running the length of the parapet. This is the current feature being made. After this and chimney installation, the next step should be the Spanish tile porch roof. Omscaler is not sure if this will be done by the time this post is posted. So, omscaler will keep readers posted. Working near the top, omscaler

 

Walls are up

 All main walls are installed on the new passenger depot. Two measuring errors were discovered. Fortunately, they only required small extension sections. Omscaler felt like he dodged a bullet though. The main roof is prepped and ready to install as well. Further details readers will note is that final vertical attachment of walls still remain to be done. The Spanish tile porch roof is waiting as well. Downspouts will be done after that. We will need a chimney too. It is all about the details. Working and fine tuning, omscaler

 

Trial and error

Yes. Last week saw three methods used to make Spanish roof tiles for the passenger depot. Omscaler is not one hundred percent satisfied with the final decision but we think it is the best for appearance sake. First effort was making tile sections that were one sixteenth inch wide by two and a quarter inches long. This turned out to be very tedious and looked realistic. It was decided that if one eighth wide sections were used and overlapped even more, time could be saved. This result looked realistic as well. However, something seemed amiss. After careful study, the problem was identified. In both cases the appearance seemed too large. A third idea was tried and that is the method that will be used. It involves careful linear cutting at an angle. So now omscaler can move forward with actual usable roof components. This method is also faster and less tedious. Just the break we need. Hanging out on the roof, omscaler

 

We are having a groovy time.

As omscaler mentioned last post, we were pressing on. Or more literally, embossing on. We are making wide grooves in terra cotta colored cardstock. Does that mean we are “grooving on”? Not actually that much fun, but the results will be worth it. Readers may wonder what the time frame is for the project. Omscaler wonders a little “hisself”. Last week was unusually active in non-OSR activities. This week is shaping up so far to be more conducive to building. And so we will. Omscaler

 

Thank you Spain

Once again, omscaler has posted an enigmatic caption. This is due to the current structure being built. As readers may recall, it is the Union City, Tennessee, union station. The awning roof is made with Spanish tiles. Omscaler had a choice. To either make a simple roof or be more historically realistic. Omscaler decided to go for it. The tile roof called for learning a new fabrication method. Fortunately, a working plan and the necessary tool were at hand. So far the result is promising but not without drawbacks. We press on. Literally as readers will find out. Until next time, omscaler

 

Dip, dip, brush, brush?

A non-dipping success. Curious readers may wonder what this is about. Let omscaler explain. Last week we laser cut window frames for both the passenger depot and Hull house. Saturday saw us working on a way to reinforce the frames due to their very light construction. The first trial was dipping them in clear PVA glue. This was problematic. Omscaler decided to revert to the previously used method of using a clear sheet of plastic. Then brushing on a thin film of glue. After this, the window frames were place in the glue. This was followed by brushing on more glue. As a side note, one frame received the above treatment except clear nail polish was used. The fumes from this contributed to the idea to use only glue. Now you, dear readers, have a idea about what goes into making window frames on The Very Small Railroad. Still sticking around, omscaler

 

The laser’s edge

Omscaler has been at work making two new structures for The Omega Scale Railway. The one that is furthest along is the Union City Union Station. It was home to both the GM&O and the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis railroads. This will provide an immediate opportunity for interchange between the two roads. Parts for the station have almost been completed. The hobby laser used does indeed save time in cutting the same. After this will come parts for the William Hull house. A historic and former bed and breakfast home in Murphysboro, Illinois. See you on the edge, omscaler

 

A tale of two autos

 As promised, here is more information about the two automobiles mentioned last post. Our account begins with a decision to make more autos for The Omega Scale Railway. It was also decided to try a new material. That material was air-dry clay. An entry on the internet said it was easy to make your own. A simple formula was located, and necessary supplies gathered. Omscaler ended up with approximately two cups of the stuff. This for two autos that are about one-half inch long. Still plenty in storage (the refrigerator). The first attempt went wrong due to omscaler microwaving the batch too long. Air-dry omscaler. Air-dry. Once we got the method down, two “roadsters” were made. One, a red model with a white roof, belongs to Oscar Edgefield, Railroad Superintendent. The second, belongs to Miss Penelope Van Dyme, a local businesswoman. As a final note, The Murphysboro module has the sub-base glued to the base. Pencil markings showing rail line placement have been drawn on the sub-base. Also, two structures are in the works. Busier and busier, omscaler

 

Happy Seventh Anniversary!

Wow! How time flies! It has indeed been seven years since the start of this blog. Nine years since work started on The Omega Scale Railway. Last week saw the addition of two automobiles to the Murphysboro module. More on that later. Also last week we saw the start of the new Union City, TN, module. Big things are happening on The Very Small Railroad. And to all you “Valentiners” have a great Valentine’s Day, omscaler

 

Well and done

As of last Thursday afternoon, all seven turnouts were completed. All seven turnouts utilize material heretofore avoided in the past. Three turnouts were done with a vinyl insert and four were done with a polystyrene insert. Previously, cardstock had been used. However, material weakness made this unsuitable. Once the card began bending, there was no way to straighten or reinforce it enough to continue use. Most of the time the turnout worked very poorly. Now that the new material is being used, trials indicate a longer and more rugged working life. Currently, the southbound Gulf Coast Special is boarding and will depart for the port city of Mobile. This will be followed by an empty hopper extra headed south for Streamline and Captain mines. On a construction and building note, this past Saturday saw the preparation of a batch of air-dry clay. Soon this material will be tried out for vehicles and figures it is hoped. Also, the Union City module is soon to be assembled. Two structures are on the way as well. Staying very busy, omscaler

 

Still heading up

Omscaler is still heading up. Up the turnout upgrade hill that is. As of this writing, two complete turnouts are done. Several more components are ready made and waiting. The next turnout is number three of seven. After these are done, the turnouts come in pairs whereas the earlier ones lead to stub tracks. More clearly, crossing from one parallel track to another requires two turnouts. This has the potential to stall rail traffic when the pair is removed for replacement. Seems like OSR dispatch may have their work cut out when this happens. Omscale feels they are more than able to handle the challenge. Until the next upgrade, er, update that is, omscaler

 

Up the turnout upgrade hill

As mentioned previously, omscaler is busy working on upgrading seven turnouts. The first one is already done. However, what was revealed was that the “frog area” needed a rework as well. In reality, the old problem of frog weakness still remained. Somewhat improved but still there. Fyi, a frog is the metal plate that keeps rail car and locomotive engine wheels tracking correctly as the turnout is crossed. So, omscaler returned to the drawing board for a redesign. We think we have it now, we hope. Keeping you posted on the turnout rebuild trail, omscaler

 

Those pesky switch-stands!

Last week was spent working on switch-stands. Things seemed to start out okay but when it came time to do a trial fit, not so good. The reason was that the base was too big. Well, back to the drawing board. Fortunately, the base was able to be shortened. Shortening the base also meant that rod guides on the base had to be redone as well. We did not have much room to spare. The base measure 5/16” by 5/16”. The so named sliding wedge could only be so long before it interfered with the next parallel track and roadbed. As it turned out, omscaler was able to work through the challenge. After redoing the measurements, work began on making seven new turnouts for the Murphysboro module. When this is complete, one of the 2024 goals will be met. Still working ahead, omscaler

 

Better and better

As this post is being written, the glue is drying on the latest project. Specifically, a “target” was attached to the switch stand on a new turnout. The old turnouts did not function as well as was hoped and were prone to warp during use. So, last week, omscaler rolled up his sleeves and began designing an improved turnout. This has been an ongoing periodic effort since The Omega Scale Railway’s inception. The first attempts were very clunky. This last design may be number six on the list of trials. Here is what we have. The new turnout is about ten-percent the size of the current ones. It uses “drop-in” installation. It looks much more realistic. And, pending a shake-down period, it works better. This is a win-win-win-win for The Omega Scale Railway. Pending final installations, this will be an attained goal for the new year. Then, onward and upward, omscaler

 

New beginning, new goals

As this post is being written, the new year is fast upon us. Omscaler has already made goals for The Omega Scale Railway for 2024. Honestly, some things did not get done in 2023. These were reinstated for 2024 as well as new goals for the year. 2024 promises to be even busier than last year. The first thing slated is a turnout upgrade. The previous ones did work but did not wear well. Omscaler has a better design in mind. Then what? That will be determined soon. One thing under consideration is figures for the OSR. Place looks like a ghost town. With the completion of the passenger train, the entire local area looks overcrowded and technically, the train has no place to go. We hope to change this soon. More on this later. All supplies are believed to be on hand so building can start on many projects. See you in the new year, omscaler