I keep interrupting myself...

 Yep. It happened again. Something happened besides the usual fine weather distractions. For some reason I decided to pull out my Scan-n-Cut electronic die cutting machine and try something. The last time I worked with it I got so put out at my non success that I put it away intending to try again later. Omscaler had a lot on his plate with the OSR at that time. (Still do.) That was over a year ago if my memory is correct. Any way, I got online and did some studying of pertinent tutorials. Then I took a deep breath and on a recent Saturday afternoon took another swing at it. Success! I was able to dial in the project enough to get workable output. Some clean up trimming is required but it looks like the time saved is still significant. However, at this point, the hotel project needs to be removed from the back burner and moved along. Omscaler is hoping that he can steel himself enough to do the right thing. Bracing up, omscaler

 

Working while raining

Today is the perfect day to be an Omega Scaler. Outside is drippy. Inside we are making good progress. We have something enjoyable to do while the weather is drippy. No sitting around and moaning that the good old summertime cannot be enjoyed. Once again The Omega Scale Railway has proved its worth. The hotel is coming along nicely but omscaler cannot tell when the completion date will be. A few moments ago, the cornice sections were finished and awaiting attachment. The front and side walls are ready too. The base is done. The back and roof remain. But we will get ‘er done. Omscaler

 

Day trippin’

As of this writing I am returning home after spending some time at a relatives house. Earlier that day I returned home from house sitting for another relative. The earlier trip concluded a three night stay-over and the last was a combination birthday cook out. By combination I mean celebrating more than one birthday. Frankly I am feeling a little stuffed. Good to spend time with the younger family members. The place I stayed was practically speaking, the heart of railroad central. This is the place that I wrote about before that aggravated drivers going to work. I definitely wish all the old depots were still in place and passenger trains still ruled as people movers. Even at that, this is still a fine place to watch trains if you are not headed to work. The old Alabaster depot has been moved to a spot near the high school stadium. Check it out if you have time. Still reminiscing, omscaler

 

Different folks, different views

Last Saturday I stopped in to the local model railroad club to say hello to a friend. As we were sitting there watching the (model) trains go by the subject turned to rolling stock. We were watching some modern equipment roll by on the layout and the remark was made about how long modern equipment can be. The friend said that some modern types were too long to negotiate certain curves on his home layout. I mentioned that my modeling goals were centered around the late nineteen forties steam to diesel transition era. This choice gave me the leeway to model thirty-eight foot boxcars and refrigerator cars. I could include outside wood braced boxcars in regular service. The hopper types were twin bay cars of thirty-four foot length. I confessed I had to fudge a little bit to allow “Ike” type wood rack cars due to their later manufacture, but that is another story. Getting back to current model railroading. Today’s modeler will often get some very colorful high horse-powered locomotives and likewise colorful rail cars. To each their own. I appreciate what I see being used and often find it interesting even if I have no plans to utilize the same at home. As someone paraphrased, “Model railroad variety is the spice of life”! I hope readers will leave a comment or more about their own preferences and why they like it. See you along the right of way. Omscaler

 

More trains

As I was preparing to write this blog post by brewing up some green tea, I heard the sound of a train horn. I live in a small town dominated by the railroad tracks. Two sets in fact. This is actually music to the ears of someone like me. However, a few weeks ago, about 1:00 a.m. I heard a train horn. Moving up the grade into town. Then in a little while (after falling back asleep) I heard another. Then another. Then later some more. Later that morning, you guessed it! Another train. It seemed like the whole railroad world had woken up and decided to come through my town. I have not noticed the same frequency since. Last post we were writing about someone asking me “Why so many trains?” I wish I had someone to ask that question of now myself. “Why so many trains?” ”Why so early in the morning?” I may never know. Back to The Omega Scale Railway. As of this post we are working on window framing and how to fabricate it. It is a slow process but we want something that looks as sharp as we can make it. Still being diligent, omscaler

 

Why so many trains?

Recently, I was asked this question by someone who had to contend with stopping at a rail crossing until the train passed. This had to potential of happening every work day. I explained that the area was home to a number of cement plants and limestone quarries. Also, there were other industries in the area. Overall a very busy railroad place. Has been so for almost a century. Fortunately, the person was able to use another route after a little exploration which limited the problem somewhat. I myself usually enjoy watching trains go by and consider myself lucky when I see one. One man’s bread and butter and so forth. Anyway, omscaler is still working on the Hamilton House. Also, fighting the sunshine too. Yours not hardly distracted, omscaler

 

Back in the day

Yep. More reminiscing. Once upon a time the little burg of Murphysboro Illinois was the de facto headquarters of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. All activity was directed from the depot. This was actually a big comeback for the railroad after being destroyed during the “late misunderstanding” (American Civil War). But progress was indeed made and the railroad became prosperous. Competition was stiff but persistence paid off. Time passed and railroads were getting larger or perhaps getting out. Chicago was the big lure for carriers and in year 1946 the Mobile and Ohio was joined with the Gulf,Mobile and Northern to step onto the industrial stage as the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio. Chicago was indeed reached and goods began to flow into and out of the Windy City. When the banana boats docked at the Port of Mobile, Chicagoans could count on fresh fruit in a very short time. Coal from Illinois might make its way to South America. Busy times for busy people. The GM&O was so successful among travelers, shippers and employees that the good reputation of the road lasted and was lamented long after it ceased to exist. Funny how life happens sometimes. Still keeping the dream alive and thanks for stopping and reading. Omscaler