Details abound

Yes, we are still looking into laser paper cutting. Yes, there are a lot of details. Yes, it seems that costs could skyrocket. Laser technology has come down. Just not completely to earth yet. What I checked into recently called for: the laser cutter (of course), an air ventilation system, drawing software. Optional: an equipment stand, air compressor, maybe a computer upgrade, maybe a new computer, maybe something else. I feel I leave out some things. Yikes! Yes, it seems simplicity may have been left behind. But, the digging continues, omscaler

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