The reshopping

What is taking place on The Very Small Railroad at this time is the reworking of the 0-6-0 shifter (switcher). This locomotive has been reworked before. The issues were: the rework actually did some more damage, the retainers as well as the retainer shoes were hybridized during the previous work. The locomotive needed to be upgraded to the new G6 combined coupler/retainer pin configuration. So, as of this post, we are building a new tender with the aforementioned upgrade included where applicable. Also, the old tender had some damage for the same reasons as the locomotive. The design of both tender and locomotive will sport some improvements too. This project is moving at a snail’s pace so that the best job possible can be accomplished with some procrastination thrown in for good measure. Inching along, omscaler

More progress on the very small railroad

As was previously pointed out, a number of projects were under way. Omscaler is happy to report that the final turnout upgrade has been completed. This will make yard operations easier and more efficient. The reason for this is that the design on the turnouts was improved. Little things mean a lot. The appearance is somewhat better as well. Next will be a 0-6-0 shifter upgrade. One and done. Omscaler

Forging ahead              

As we continue to take extraordinary measures as advised by our leadership, my condolences are offered to those who have suffered loss and hope to those who are ill. Sometimes we all just do the best we can. Much of the best we see now is heroic effort by the medical community at large, law enforcement, fire departments and sometimes regular but needed workers just doing their job. Our gratitude is extended to all these people. As for omscaler, I am thankful I do not need to go out much. I actually was in a position of unemployment last Fall. For certain reasons I was considering continuing work. But since nothing worthwhile materialized, I eventually decided to retire. This put me ahead of the curve concerning the need to stay at home. For this I am thankful. Obviously I spend the time doing the necessary things and working on The Omega Scale Railway. I am glad I have this project to do and I am proud to offer some of the resulting work and my thoughts about it on this blog. I work and forge ahead hoping for the best for all of us. God bless us all. Forging ahead, omscaler

The last few weeks

The last few weeks have certainly been interesting. Much time at home. Practically all time at home. What omscaler has done with some of the time is clean and reorganize the work area. A plan of needed and most used parts was developed. Labels for the parts containers were augmented. A list of equipment to be made was written. Problem areas on the module were noted and included in planned upkeep. All of this together is somewhat extensive. There is no shortage of projects for the foreseeable time frame. As seen before, some projects vie with others for priority. However, omscaler will get ‘er done. Industriously, omscaler

Proud citizens

Yes, the long awaited passenger depot and headquarters are finally operational. The local papers were buzzing with the news. As if on cue, both freight and passenger business increased significantly. It is certainly clear track ahead for the GM&O. In the near future there will be an official dedication of the new structure. The mayor is expected to make some remarks and there is a rumor that the governor will be in attendance as well. The police department has pledged full cooperation for handling the crowd and traffic. Details about this will appear in the papers prior to the ceremony. It seems like the entire town is a beehive of activity. Still buzzing myself, omscaler

The big move!

Yes! The day had finally come! On the night of March 14^th, 2020 at ten P.M., the Gulf Mobile & Ohio Railroad diverted all traffic through the turnouts located at the north end and south end of the main line onto the main siding. At the same time railway employees began loading an assigned boxcar and likewise an assigned flat car that were both located at the Murphysboro freight house. Also in the line up was a boxcar that had been loaded some weeks before. The purpose of the rolling stock was to transport all administration, passenger operations and express parcel service to the newly completed passenger depot. Previously, all local railroad activity was using the freight house. This arrangement was burdensome to say the least. Now the office and executive activity will be located upstairs. The passenger and baggage activity will be on the first floor. This move as stated will started at ten and go until completion. The railroad has all hands available on the job. This should last no later than first light and perhaps much sooner. The depot itself is complete. The porch, as yet not built, will be done in stages so as to allow foot traffic safe access to the depot. Specifically, if workmen are building over one of the three doors the door will be blocked and the other two doors will be used. After the porch is done, foot traffic will be routed through the appropriate walk in doors. As a further note, one door will be for railroad employee use only. The baggage room doors will have a similar treatment as well. It has been noted that a celebratory atmosphere permeated the workers and public as well due to the opening of the new depot. I am sure a party will follow the move. Looking forward to the party, omscaler

Another day trip

Saturday omscaler went to a Spring Fling in Attalla, Alabama. This trip was not particularly oriented toward trains, but I decided to go anyway. The last time I went to this area, I did see a “caboose” type railcar. As readers may recall, it had a new paint job. Apparently what happens is that a brakeman or conductor can ride in this “shove car” and take car of business but it is not a “caboose”. Oh well, things change. Back to the trip. I did snag a picture of the truss bridge on the main line near highway 77. The bridge looked dark brown. Perhaps not painted in a long time. I parked downtown and saw a lot of people looking at a lot of antiques. I checked some out as well. I did not see any train sets or even model railcars nor did I notice any toy trains. I did see some miniature goats, some wearing bandanas. It seems I arrived too late to see the miniature cow. Oh well, maybe next time. I also got some pics of the old building. I did also swing by downtown Gadsden and took some more pics. I got one of the old Coosa River swing bridge as well. While I was there, I located the venue for next months train show. See you there, omscaler