Details make the difference

Omscaler was thinking about a past post regarding one or more well done model railroad layouts. The term layout usually means the place where a model railroad resides. All the noteworthy layouts have this in common: The layout is as close to the real world as possible. This can be very challenging when one has to shrink the model railroad to fit the available space. Layout builders have been very skilled at meeting this constraint. Needless to say, these results definitely inspire omscaler. Going forward, The Very Small Railroad is long overdue for a more lifelike appearance. We need people, animals, vehicles, structures, foliage. All of these will have to be developed in the proper scale. We love pioneering here on The Omega Scale Railway. Just adds to the fun. But which direction should we take? Initial experiments are now taking place. By the time this post is published, we should have a handle on the way forward. Brimming with anticipation, omscaler

 

A landmark project

Hello again, blog readers. By the time that you are reading this post, ten new fifty-ton open top hoppers will be placed on the Murphysboro module. As the header caption states this is a landmark project. It has been at least three years since such a large group of railcars has been built. It is of particular note that comparatively speaking this group has a much higher level of fidelity to the prototype than the first group. These cars represent the actual hopper cars used by the GM&O railroad during its heyday. Also, as previously written, the individual car numbers are the actual numbers used by the railroad. Here on The Omega Scale Railway, we do strive for realism. As for the original group of cars mentioned above, they are going to be replaced over time with more prototypical equipment. This will probably be done singly or in pairs as time permits. “What is the next project”, readers may wonder? That, dear folks will be announced soon. Immediately, maintenance work will be done on the module. It is much needed. Doing the upkeep, omscaler

 

Still a little more

 Yes, the hopper cars a moving, albeit slowly, toward the finish mark. The previously mentioned stirrup step former is now a reality. The final form still needs to be fine-tuned. This construction aid is one of many omscaler has come up with over the course of developing The Omega Scale Railway. After the stirrup steps are attached, all that remains should be attaching the car bodies to the center beam assemblies. These center beams are already complete and awaiting the installations of the car bodies. Omscaler is expecting that the mounting of the bodies will need some fine tuning as well. Seems like it always does. Until next post, omscaler

 

“Gluing” toward the finish line

Omscaler is pleased to report that most of the hopper group are nearing completion. What remains now is brake wheel and brake wheel platforms along with stirrup steps. Hopefully, this will go smoothly. Omscaler has an idea for an assembly form for the steps. This form will be able to work on all freight cars and perhaps many locomotives as well. This form will allow for multiple groups of four steps. This alone will speed up production. Looking forward to being speedy, omscaler

 

Component success!

 Your erstwhile Omega Scale modeler has achieved another goal. The hopper end frame configuration had been previously problematic. When something doesn’t look right, it doesn’t look right. Lesson we learned here a long time ago. I am happy to report that the new method looks realistic. At least more so than before. Omscaler has only done the frames for one hopper. The new method allows for a strong bond while looking the right size. An important consideration in context. The rest of the batch will follow. Still "hoppering" along, omscaler

 

The new old boxcar

As readers will note, the M&StL boxcar has been improved. Omscaler was not satisfied with his own work on this one. Therefore, the boxcar was re-shopped. Part of the reason was the availability of better graphics for reporting marks. The other was that the ladders were sub-standard. The result is a definite improvement. There are still visible flaws to be seen. However, omscaler will try to adhere to a better construction standard in the future. As readers may be able to tell, this side project was interjected in the midst of the larger hopper project. The hoppers are in the process of having end frames installed. With the final details, this should bring a completion to this major project. Then, onward and upward. Working with anticipation, omscaler

 

A visit to a cultural venue

Last Saturday the 35^th Annual Coosa Valley Model Railroad Association train show was held in historic downtown Gadsden, Alabama. The location was the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts. What could be more “cultural” than model railroading? And in a riverside town to boot! In fact, the whole area is replete with history and scenic beauty. Noccalula Falls, Coosa River, Weiss Lake (Crappie Capital of the World), Cherokee Rock Village and for Civil War buffs, numerous military sites. Anyway, yours truly won a door prize. Just made my day! A few more things. The main permanent layout is seventy-two feet long. It features actual buildings and activities from Gadsden’s past. A least five layouts were on display. Numerous dealers were present as well. The visit to the Falls showed it to be in full flow with a plentiful mist blowing off. The nearby park area was hosting a Barbecue Cooking Competition. Smelled wonderful. Cool and windy though. All in all, a nice day trip. Back home and working, omscaler