Now we’re moving!

As of this post, the previous account of the new turnout style has been tested, tried and installed. Also at this point, the other older turnouts should be having an upgrade as well. The new tie marking guide is helping to get new track on the module more quickly. Omscaler needs to plan the next phase of construction. Currently, there are still three boxcars in the shop for upgrading due to being put on the back burner. More railcars to be re-shopped plus additional cars, locomotives and other stuff to be made. Still having fun, thankfully, omscaler

“Top Secret” revealed!

As aficionados of the Edinburgh annual tattoo know, Top Secret is the name of the crack Swiss drum corps. Omscaler aspires to be a crack Omega Scale modeler and with that thought in mind another upgrade was decided upon. This time, the fourth time I believe, the turnouts are being upgraded. An innovative design was developed that solved the problem of the “floating” switch point. Omscaler thinks the overall appearance will be improved as well. Just to be informative, the floating switch point was sometime “picked” by rail equipment and this caused delamination of the point. This was turning into a huge and frustrating problem. Now, I can sleep better at night. Yours, slumbering by night and working by day, omscaler

Still with the Serendipity!

Where omscaler left you, the reader of this blog, last post was, omscaler was going to reveal the next silver lining to the cloud. As was stated all the trackage was going to be replaced. To remind readers, some trackage was built with 110# Vellum”, some with 110# smooth. What is going in is 100# Bristol smooth. Before starting, omscaler decided to do a “test” assembly with the new stuff. Preparatory thought revealed a plan to set up the track components and glue and color and mark ties and rails “at the desk”. The new method has allowed precise gluing and more accurate tie marking with much less “mis-marks”. This will naturally improve the appearance of the track right of way. Then, it is on to the “secret” development with equipment upgrading and construction as well. Industriously, omscaler

More serendipity!

First the clouds, then then the silver lining. While omscaler was checking supplies for confirming inventory levels (shuffling through cardstock), two different types used for track components was discovered. There should only be one type used for this. What is specified is 110# smooth (business card) stock. What was discovered was “Vellum” 110# cardstock. What happens when you use Vellum is that Vellum is not as smooth as 110# smooth. The rougher texture somehow acts a little like a sponge when glued. The results seem to be drying out at a thicker profile. This explains some strange equipment performance on the track in the affected areas. On closer inspection, the appearance at the central gap is odd as well. How did this happen? Omscaler suspects that he may have “asked” for Vellum by mistake. It seems like I got 110# smooth almost by chance during a later purchase. Or, and this is a big “or”, the sales person gave me the wrong stuff. We may never know. As a result of the discovery of the problem, omscaler decided to source some additional stock at an office supply store. We checked the price of a full pack. $17.99 plus tax. We asked about single sheet price. $0.81 per sheet plus tax was the response. Since we had some of the correct material on hand, omscaler decided to think about it and research some more. My subsequent stop was at a craft store. I went to the art supply aisle and began looking. What attracted my attention was Bristol 100# smooth. I decided to make a design change right there on the fly. When I returned to my lair, excuse me, craft studio area of my apartment, I compared the thickness of the new cardstock to the thickness of a measuring gauge I use to correctly mount running equipment on railcars. What I found was that they were apparently equal. It was almost like the problem corrected itself. Serendipity! Now, all I have to do is replace all the current trackage. But, you know what? Well, we will explain that next post. Jumping for joy, omscaler

Upgrading the equipment

Omscaler is currently upgrading rolling stock. Firstly, a truck redesign was called for to improve performance. Omscaler did not like what he saw in the day to day performance. Both appearance and behavior needed improvement. But, we are getting it done! Also, another “secret” project is being researched. If this happens it will be a step forward, though perhaps not a real big step. We will see what happens. I remain optimistic. In another project idea, omscaler is researching “Pullman” green. Reader input on this is welcome. Working away, omscaler

Back chirping along

Yes it is good to have basic power back at work. We did run a little behind as was warned in the previous post. I did have some explaining to do to the “Punctuality Police”. Also, a minor repair was called for when a coupler pocket failed. We beefed it up and got back in business. Just another day for omscaler. As noted before, rolling stock is back in the shop for upgrades. Hopefully, this will not take too long. Part of my brain is crying out for a 2-6-0 Mogul locomotive. Another part of my brain is calling for a least two cabooses. I think I will listen to my brain. Still thinking, omscaler

Power back to work 

As of this post, the rebuilt shifter should be back on duty. I say should be because this particular piece of effort has indeed been an effort. What omscaler found out was the conflation of two different equipment diagrams. This problem was seen in the last shifter having an “air borne” boiler appearance. It was not too bad but it was noticeable. The hashing out of the discrepancy added more time to the project. The good news is that the problem was discovered and remedied. What is next? Omscaler wants to do an outside braced wood boxcar for a new project. What is needed is a dual purpose road engine and one or more cabooses. More than half a dozen boxcars are in the shop for upgraded running gear. You pick your mark and you start. I hope next post shows much progress on all counts. Omscaler