An opportunity

That's right, an opportunity not to whine and complain. How about pouting? Pouting seems like it always helps. Well, maybe not. Anyway, in case you the reader is wondering. The critical coupler project is, as I predicted, an uphill battle on a metaphorical mountain railroad. A really steep mountain railroad. We are, as I predicted, running behind. Oh well, what is life without a little drama. Really? Like the man said, “What this country needs is a good five-cent nickel.” Nevertheless, we are gonna' get this right. It's too important. Hope all looking for a great Thanksgiving. I know I will be giving thanks when I get this coupler done. Being thankful, omscaler

Trucking along

Yes, trucking along means I need more trucks, I also need more wheels, I need more floor frames. I need flat cars, hopper cars, gondolas, covered hoppers, cabooses (cabesi, cabeese?), I need more locomotives and track. I need to give the whip a crack? Wow, it seems like the turnout rework was a lot of work. Who knew? Well all this is simply a sign of growth. Plus, the needed repairs on failed components already in service. This is what it's all about. Acting just like a real railroad with a lot of problems. Isn't it great? See you next week, omscaler

It's almost Halloween, am I being haunted?

Yes it's time for spooks, goblins, wraiths and monsters. As I write this, the dread day is fast approaching. I know the readers of this blog will see this after the fact. This will work in the reader's favor. Helping to keep them safe from aforementioned hazards and all. But the question remains, is The Omega Scale Railway haunted? I am beginning to wonder. I have had several occurrences of equipment failure that seemed monstrous in retrospect. Particularly, repairing the damaged places on the rolling stock. Nevertheless, we persist. I wonder if the failure is indicative of an opportunity to learn better construction methods? I have upgraded assembly components for this purpose. As for the previous remark, readers seeing this post after Halloween will realize that the fact they are seeing this after Halloween means that they have survived another year. A cause celebre` no doubt. Presently I have finished the needed repairs and will start on the next project. I will keep doors and windows locked October 31^st and hunker down to wait for the witching hour. (Creeeak...) What was that! Yours trepidatiously, omscaler

Ahh, Fall at last

If you are like me, you are ready for less humidity and more sunshine. The weather is great as I write this. This is the kind of day a locomotive engineer would enjoy. Soon leaves will turn and scenery will be more colorful. And now for a confession. Omscaler finds it hard to stay inside and work on days like this. A hike would be more appropriate. Oh well, it's either too hot or too cold, too dry or too wet. Human nature. I bet this is a good day for a hike on an old railbed. There are a few around. It's all about balance. We shall see. The work on The Omega Scale Railway continues. Albeit with some distraction. Until next week, omscaler

A little music please   

Yes, back in the old days vaudeville performances, at the conclusion the conclusion of an act, the performer might say to the conductor, “Maestro, a little traveling music please”. So now we can travel better to other sections of track, typically called a siding. Whew, the battle wasn't long, but it was intense. You're right, I am being dramatic. But anyway, we got it. As again. Onward and upward, omscaler

Quest for perfection?

Yes, dear readers, you now see omscaler's Achilles heel. “I want what I want.” one man said. Well, maybe it's not that bad. Or maybe it is. What I want is a reliable turnout. What is in place on the Murphysboro module does work, but not up to our usual standards. It now looks like more work is needed to produce the type of better operating turnout that should be the minimum standard. And that my dear reader is exactly what we will do. We do have a working idea and by the time readers catch the next blog post, we will have what we need. So, good luck to all out there who work to improve what they produce. Yours sincerely, omscaler

Captain Applesauce to the rescue

Yes, readers, Captain Applesauce is the name of the Apple Festival mascot. He presides over a number of festival relate activities. From the accounts I saw online, the festival was a great success again. Kudos to the folks in Murphysboro, Illinois. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, as they used to say. The Omega Scale Railway is making very slow progress. Some equipment needed a rework. Fortunately, the upgrade was indeed just that. Improved construction methods are being used or designed. I strongly dislike these delays but as I have related before, they will save time and trouble down the road. I must be diligent for all our sakes. See you next time, omscaler