Label: This is exciting!

Yes! We now have a clear path forward. We have always had a plan, but this is different. I can feel the electricity in the atmosphere. It is all coming together. I feel buoyant. The turnout issue is a non issue. The solution has already presented itself. There is something about seeing a vision materializing that just rev's me up. In my mind's eye I can see an extensive 1/384 layout that includes water features, bridges and foliage. As Teddy Roosevelt would say, “Charge!”. Yours from a low orbit, omscaler

Label: OMG again again!

Last installment related the omscaler was laboring to get things in order (I skipped the obvious 'back on track' pun). We got that done. But now the actual retainer is giving us fits. We will prevail. This is critical. The entire project is at stake. As you previously read, there was a delay regarding the possibility of printing track components. Omscaler was busy during the delay gathering actual historic car reporting marks from websites thereby building a large database of this information. Now we do have track specifications and a working test track. (we still needs turnouts [switches]). Now, we would like to execute the plan. But, we gotta' get the retainer right. And we will. omscaler

Label: OMG! Here we go again!

Last installment, omscaler related the account of the “reworked” test track. Well, now it seems that the “improved” trackage looks better but, now tolerances are “improved” as well. What does this mean? Well, fellow travelers, it means the as usual erstwhile (and patient) omscaler must now “rework” so called equipment retainers. The old retainers are now too thick and prone to tear off. Not a good outcome for industrial equipment at all. Hopefully, by the time you, the reader see this, all will be well. Still persistent, omscaler

Label: More complicated

And now it gets more complicated. As I complete the “reworked” test track, I can see where there is the need for a turnout (also called switch). The reason being that when the main oval is complete, there is no way to put equipment into/ on the track. This is one aspect that readers may not yet comprehend. Specifically, The Omega Scale Railway is so small that it is powered by a sub-surface conveyor. The turnout then is necessary to put equipment onto an oval track. This is, a matter of fact, what happened before. Your omscaler got the cart out in front of the horse. I got the oval assembled without the drive cable. I did leave a panel on one side for the purpose of mounting the drive unit and placing cars with their subsurface retainers on the track. However, this was not what was needed. So, now we have our ducks in a row. And forward we go! (Hey look I'm a poet!) Omscaler

Label: “The Laws of A-Track-shun” [The Laws of Attraction?]

Well, as you readers know, last installment of The Omega Scale heralded the completion of the test track. And, to be honest, it worked nominally well. However, to be completely honest, the level of “reworking” was quite high. And that is the problem with being somewhat of a perfectionist. Perfectionists like me now see the idea of “if you're going to rework it, at least make it better.” so, that is what is now in progress. This will delay some other efforts but will make the perfectionist in me happy. BTW, I wonder why I can't be like this as far as my own housekeeping chores? Oh, well I guess I can't be perfectionist in everything. Pick your battles, eh? Anyway, along with reworking the test track, the 0-6-0 shifter now needs reworking. It got “damaged” during the initial break-in of the test track. No pun intended or enjoyed. The plus side of this is that the shifter needed details added anyway.  Also, a boxcar was “damaged” too, but has how been repaired. It looks like all this “damage” is giving new meaning to the term “test track”. Still persistent, omscaler

Label: It's time to say “Whew” again.

Yes, it's time to say “Whew” again. I just put together the critical test track. Where the “whew” comes in again is that the omscaler again has gotten too excited and pushed to hard and had to back up and redo. So much for “enthusiasm”. Yeah, enthusiasm, that sounds a lot more dignified. But, back to the matter. We have a test track. In other words, our omega scale equipment has at least a rudimentary “home”. Now maybe we can “successfully” fast track (pun intended) more equipment development. Still excited, omscaler

Label: Procrastination and the battle for craftsmanship

Well, dear readers, I sit here writing the next installment of The Omega Scale Railway blog. Yesterday, I was diligently working on the completion of a full fledged test track. I only have a short straight section at this point. Anyway, as I completed certain components, I saw that what had happened your erstwhile omscaler had once again gotten into a bit of a rush. Stuff wasn't going to work right. So, what to do? There was no other choice but to stop. Scrap the current materials and get back to basics. Coach Bear Bryant would relate. So, that is what I did. Your omscaler is happy to report that progress is once again on track. Specs are on spec and so on. Lesson relearned. Once again, an anticipatory(?) omscaler