Moving higher

Omscaler is happily working on new modules. Previously mentioned is the Alto Pass module. This module will contain straight sections of track. What is needed on each end is curved track. This will make a loop of track. Something not tried before on The Omega Scale Railway. The plan is to make two half curves for each end. The front of the largest module will portray Alto Pass around year 1946. The back of this module will be Shawnee Hills/ Eastern Ozark scenery. It has not been that long ago that omscaler learned that there was an Eastern Ozarks. The idea is that the hills will provide a view block. This is supposed to make the module appear larger than it is by hiding the loop of track. The reason the end curves will be half curves is to provide even more modularity which may be needed in the future. Happily building away, omscaler

 

Another one for the history books

Saturday morning at about 9:47 A.m., the last of four refrigerator cars was complete. This project marks another landmark effort for The Omega Scale Railway. This important railcar type brings closer the last of the types planned for The Very Small Railroad. Point of fact, only the stock car and the tank car types remain. However, the two gondolas and flat cars need a serious upgrade. Altogether, this shows how much there is yet to do here on the OSR. Currently, omscaler is laying out patterns for additional modules. One is planned to be Alto Pass, Illinois. The highest point on the entire GM&O. In steam days, helpers were always needed unless a very light train was moving through. Until the next post, omscaler

 

At the fifty-yard line

This post marks the completion of two of the four refrigerator cars that are planned. Since a better roof making method was used, the roof appearance is neater. Stirrup steps look better as well, but continue to be challenging to build. However, omscaler has had one of his “scathingly brilliant” ideas. We will see how this works for the remaining railcars. Pushing toward the goal, omscaler

 

Still creaking forward

As this post is being written, all that is needed to complete the first refrigerator car is six stirrup steps. As readers will note, normally there is a stirrup step at each car corner. Refrigerator cars came with one at each center door as well. Omscaler is using the last technique learned to make these as this will be a stirrup step closer to scale size. Moving toward completion, omscaler

 

Up on the roof, again

As hinted at, omscaler continues working on refrigerator cars. The first car is ready for the roof to be put on. Omscaler actually wishes he were further along, but we do what we can. Some parts that are from the original ten or eleven boxcars may be used. These are specifically the parts from the running gear. If they can be used, this will save time. Until the next blog post, omscaler

 

More refrigerator car work

At this point, all eight car sides appear to be complete. Next in the plan is attaching car sides to the car decks. This will be followed by car ends. The car sides look a little odd. There was a significant problem matching report mark and graphic applique colors to the color of the car side itself. More on that when pics of the cars are available. Omscaler is still advising hot weather safety. Stay cool, omscaler

 

I have said it before...

We are in some kind of heat wave here and working on refrigerator cars is what the doctor ordered, so to speak. When omscaler makes something new he always learns something new. Never fails. In this case, the decision was made to recut the refrigerator car sides. This turned out very well. The hinges that were applied did not look crisp and the laser cut hinge marks look much better. As this is written, the vertical door latches are being made and will be applied. Again to our readers in hot weather, stay cool (and hydrate), omscaler