Change is coming

Yep, that's right. Change they say is inevitable. And so it is. The clock is ticking. Hopefully, the plans for The Omega Scale Railway will begin to accelerate. Much is needed. I recently read that growth is caused by change but not all change is good. Sounds like a time for a little caution. Sometimes the work here is slow but I am always guided by a vision of equipment that looks realistic and has a quality appearance. I sometimes visualize this almost constantly when I am thinking about The OSR. The vision of sharp looking locomotives and cars drives me forward. I am working through the change. See you next time, omscaler

The search continues

Last post I mentioned I was looking at laser paper cutting. So far, I have located two distributors, located in Atlanta and Chattanooga. Wow, why can't things be simple? Also, how much power do these things use? How noisy? Are there fumes? What about service? Questions abound. Anyway, work on the railroad continues. There is nothing like a well thought out design. Almost finished with the Murphysboro module redo. However, the sunny outdoors beckon. Resist temptation, I must, to paraphrase Yoda. Steadfastly, omscaler

Back tracking?

Hello again blog readers. Last blog post was about the model train show in Gadsden, Alabama. I mentioned just a few of the highlights. One thing I did was have a lengthy discussion with a gentleman operating a very well done Z scale layout. Just for your information, he had a Japanese high speed train painted in the actual colors of the real train. And guess what? The train colors were in the format of...drum roll...”Hello Kitty”. That's right, both inside and out. It seems the Japanese people really like Hello Kitty. Also, this person showed me a laser cut building kit from Germany if I recall correctly. This got me thinking. What if I could do some things on The Omega Scale Railway with laser cut items? One on hand, our philosophy is everything is doable with simple tools and supplies. On the other hand, realism is an admirable goal. What a conflict! It looks like omscaler will be researching newer technology in the near future. Anyone have any input on laser cut paper? See you next time, omscaler

Uh Oh! I goofed!

Last post I stated that the Coosa Valley Model Railroad Association Show was at 125 Locust Street in Gadsden, Alabama. The correct address is 210 Locust Street. The venue there is called 210 @ The Tracks. I apologize if my error has caused anyone a problem. The tracks are in fact straight out the front door near the middle of the street. The eastbound tracks cross the Coosa River on the old swing bridge. The bridge is stationary now. It used to open for river steamboats. The old depot is near the bridge and is now, I believe an office. To give a little report on the show itself, it was well done. Some vendor tables were unused. Some great layouts were operating. A lot of vintage collectibles were available. Other things were for sale as well, including pre-made modules. Some of the technology used on various layouts was cutting edge. I met some really interesting people.  I really enjoyed the trip. And as a final icing on the cake, I did visit the falls and drove a little bit on one of the country roads on top of Lookout Mountain. Back safe and sound, omscaler

There is no business like show business

Guess what? A few days after this post, there will be a train show in the city of Gadsden, Alabama. This show has presented for over thirty years. The venue at 125 Locust Street is a new one for the Coosa Valley Model Railroad I believe. The last show was at the Gadsden Civic Center. Located on the bluff above the Coosa River. The new venue looks like it is adjacent to the downtown historic restoration area. This area looks great and like a new 1920's city street. They did a great job with the structures. Also, Gadsden is a great destination for outdoors and sports people. The picturesque Noccallula Falls and Lookout Mountain Parkway come to mind as well as fishing on the scenic river. Looks like a road trip! See you there! Already packing, omscaler

Spring has sprung!

Where I sit right now, the sky is a happy blue, looks like the rain is through and things are movin' along. Sounds like a song doesn't it? Nevertheless, it now looks like the outdoors will compete with the indoors. Gotta' get out more. Get more air. Maybe go some places. No foolin'. By the way, how was your April Fool's Day. I hope you had a good one. A little foolishness goes a long way. You may be wondering what all this has to do with The Omega Scale Railway. Only peripherally does it matter. A little recharge, a little refresher helps everyone to be on point when it is time to get things done. And so we will. Get things done. After the turnout project and some regular track laying we gotta' get those flat cars. Gotta' have 'em. Still busy, omscaler

Patience is rewarded

Yep, per last post, I said I would have to work more slowly. I am happy to report that the previously referred to turnout construction method does indeed work. Boy am I happy. This template will let me fabricate the turnouts at the work table and then install them where needed. And, by the way, I recently drove across the real railroad tracks in the town where I live. And guess what? There just a little distance down the line was a complete turnout laying by the tracks. How neat is that? The thing looked just like it was ready to drop into place. Amazing! I had forgotten that the real railways do this. This turnout looked heavy. But the track workers and equipment get it into place just the same. But anyway, we can easily change from one track to another on the very small railroad, that is The Omega Scale Railway. Again, 'til next time, omscaler