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
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
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
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
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
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
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
