The feeling of success

Sometime after midnight, Tuesday morning, November 27^th, a successful coupler test was performed. This phase of the project started with a paper mock-up of a coupler pair about 1/20th scale in size. I closely studied an animation and a diagram of the Janney coupler. I did this hoping to make a prototypical looking Omega Scale coupler. Next I made a simpler flat cardstock mock-up of the same. I began to realize that as I reduced the size of the coupler, the mechanism was going to be difficult to impossible to replicate. When I made a test coupler as near as possible to scale size, my fears indeed came to fruition. There was nothing to do but scramble back to the drawing board. So back to the drawing board I went. Nothing new here. Done it many times. Fortunately, little time was needed to get it right. So now we have the much sought after coupler design. There will be adjustments. That goes with the territory as well. It's all good, omscaler

Being thankful

As I sit here this Thanksgiving Day evening am being thankful. I am not hungry. I am not cold. I am not wet. I am not lonely. I am not poor. I have a place to sleep. Some cannot say these things. As we are in the Holiday, I hope things get better for everyone. Speaking of better, the coupler project is moving forward at a slow pace. I feel it won't be long until results are positive. Nevertheless, this component has to be right. We will keep working. Recently someone asked me to do an article on The Omega Scale Railway. I was pleased someone was interested. As I stated in this article, I have not seen any other 1/384 scale railroad modelers. Actually, not other 1/384 modelers of any sort. Online search efforts have not turned up such. Maybe this will change in the near future. Happy Black Friday, omscaler

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