Up the turnout upgrade hill

As mentioned previously, omscaler is busy working on upgrading seven turnouts. The first one is already done. However, what was revealed was that the “frog area” needed a rework as well. In reality, the old problem of frog weakness still remained. Somewhat improved but still there. Fyi, a frog is the metal plate that keeps rail car and locomotive engine wheels tracking correctly as the turnout is crossed. So, omscaler returned to the drawing board for a redesign. We think we have it now, we hope. Keeping you posted on the turnout rebuild trail, omscaler

 

Those pesky switch-stands!

Last week was spent working on switch-stands. Things seemed to start out okay but when it came time to do a trial fit, not so good. The reason was that the base was too big. Well, back to the drawing board. Fortunately, the base was able to be shortened. Shortening the base also meant that rod guides on the base had to be redone as well. We did not have much room to spare. The base measure 5/16” by 5/16”. The so named sliding wedge could only be so long before it interfered with the next parallel track and roadbed. As it turned out, omscaler was able to work through the challenge. After redoing the measurements, work began on making seven new turnouts for the Murphysboro module. When this is complete, one of the 2024 goals will be met. Still working ahead, omscaler

 

Better and better

As this post is being written, the glue is drying on the latest project. Specifically, a “target” was attached to the switch stand on a new turnout. The old turnouts did not function as well as was hoped and were prone to warp during use. So, last week, omscaler rolled up his sleeves and began designing an improved turnout. This has been an ongoing periodic effort since The Omega Scale Railway’s inception. The first attempts were very clunky. This last design may be number six on the list of trials. Here is what we have. The new turnout is about ten-percent the size of the current ones. It uses “drop-in” installation. It looks much more realistic. And, pending a shake-down period, it works better. This is a win-win-win-win for The Omega Scale Railway. Pending final installations, this will be an attained goal for the new year. Then, onward and upward, omscaler

 

New beginning, new goals

As this post is being written, the new year is fast upon us. Omscaler has already made goals for The Omega Scale Railway for 2024. Honestly, some things did not get done in 2023. These were reinstated for 2024 as well as new goals for the year. 2024 promises to be even busier than last year. The first thing slated is a turnout upgrade. The previous ones did work but did not wear well. Omscaler has a better design in mind. Then what? That will be determined soon. One thing under consideration is figures for the OSR. Place looks like a ghost town. With the completion of the passenger train, the entire local area looks overcrowded and technically, the train has no place to go. We hope to change this soon. More on this later. All supplies are believed to be on hand so building can start on many projects. See you in the new year, omscaler

 

Step by step again

As omscaler sits writing this blog and waiting for “Santee Claws”, it occurred to him that the lead caption seemed familiar. So, what was done was add the word again. We are indeed working on passenger car steps. It was good that a working plan for making the steps was thought out. Makes things simpler. Omscaler loves simpler. These are the last parts to be done to complete all the cars. Should be, I say should be, done by this post appearing on the blog. Then it is rock and roll time for passengers on The Omega Scale Railway. Have a wonderful Holiday, omscaler

 

Top of the roof

Last Friday, a final prototype roof was assembled. This was the result of up to eight previous models. Omscaler was glad and relieved to finally have a realistic roof example. A lot was depending on the roofs looking correct. The debate now is whether or not to make the actual clerestory windows. Part of the issue is visibility of the same once assembled. The guesstimate is fifty-fifty. An initial trial may be attempted. Then we will install roofs to cars. Then cars to running gear. Omscaler remains optimistic. Until next post, omscaler

 

Measure two times, then three times (and maybe four?)

Good advice should always be taken. Last week, omscaler had completed attaching all walls to floors of the current passenger car project. For some reason, it was decided that the last two worked on, coaches by the way, should be placed end to end to see how they looked. Omscaler was taken aback to see that the end of one car was wider than the end of the other car. “How can this be? ” That was the question. A mistake had been made, was the answer. What to do? Omscaler thought to himself, “We’ll just go ahead and use it as it is.” Hmm... Is this the real Omega Scale Railway philosophy? Anyway, since the “problem” was noted in the evening, omscaler retired for the evening. The next day was an early car service appointment. While omscaler was sitting and waiting, he realized that the old adage, “If you are not happy with it now, you will be less happy with it later”, was beginning to play in his mind. “That tears it. Nothing for it but to fix the problem.” So, upon reaching home, the mission to fix the coach was begun. The coach was only 1/32 inch wider so that was what needed fixing. Challenges were: Do not detach the linear window; do not destroy the coach side; do not damage car reporting marks. Carefully, carefully cutting began. The side floor angle was cut through. The ends were glued with angles on each side. These were cut away from the sides, even on the side that was left attached. This was done to try to cut down the length of one side of the floor. Disassembly complete, a 1/32 strip was carefully cut away. Since the side floor angle piece was cut, a more exacting replacement angle was needed. This was to avoid obstructing the windows. As side gluing took place one end side door was torn off. “Perfect!” (and maybe other words...) Anyway, after repairing the door, the side was attached. Omscaler almost forgot to trim the end walls. “Slow down, slow down.” Finally, all repairing was done. As this post is composed, clerestory roofs are being figured out. A challenging process. Tweaking along, omscaler