As omscaler mentioned last post, we were pressing on. Or more literally, embossing on. We are making wide grooves in terra cotta colored cardstock. Does that mean we are “grooving on”? Not actually that much fun, but the results will be worth it. Readers may wonder what the time frame is for the project. Omscaler wonders a little “hisself”. Last week was unusually active in non-OSR activities. This week is shaping up so far to be more conducive to building. And so we will. Omscaler
Once again, omscaler has posted an enigmatic caption. This is due to the current structure being built. As readers may recall, it is the Union City, Tennessee, union station. The awning roof is made with Spanish tiles. Omscaler had a choice. To either make a simple roof or be more historically realistic. Omscaler decided to go for it. The tile roof called for learning a new fabrication method. Fortunately, a working plan and the necessary tool were at hand. So far the result is promising but not without drawbacks. We press on. Literally as readers will find out. Until next time, omscaler
A non-dipping success. Curious readers may wonder what this is about. Let omscaler explain. Last week we laser cut window frames for both the passenger depot and Hull house. Saturday saw us working on a way to reinforce the frames due to their very light construction. The first trial was dipping them in clear PVA glue. This was problematic. Omscaler decided to revert to the previously used method of using a clear sheet of plastic. Then brushing on a thin film of glue. After this, the window frames were place in the glue. This was followed by brushing on more glue. As a side note, one frame received the above treatment except clear nail polish was used. The fumes from this contributed to the idea to use only glue. Now you, dear readers, have a idea about what goes into making window frames on The Very Small Railroad. Still sticking around, omscaler
Omscaler has been at work making two new structures for The Omega Scale Railway. The one that is furthest along is the Union City Union Station. It was home to both the GM&O and the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis railroads. This will provide an immediate opportunity for interchange between the two roads. Parts for the station have almost been completed. The hobby laser used does indeed save time in cutting the same. After this will come parts for the William Hull house. A historic and former bed and breakfast home in Murphysboro, Illinois. See you on the edge, omscaler
As promised, here is more information about the two automobiles mentioned last post. Our account begins with a decision to make more autos for The Omega Scale Railway. It was also decided to try a new material. That material was air-dry clay. An entry on the internet said it was easy to make your own. A simple formula was located, and necessary supplies gathered. Omscaler ended up with approximately two cups of the stuff. This for two autos that are about one-half inch long. Still plenty in storage (the refrigerator). The first attempt went wrong due to omscaler microwaving the batch too long. Air-dry omscaler. Air-dry. Once we got the method down, two “roadsters” were made. One, a red model with a white roof, belongs to Oscar Edgefield, Railroad Superintendent. The second, belongs to Miss Penelope Van Dyme, a local businesswoman. As a final note, The Murphysboro module has the sub-base glued to the base. Pencil markings showing rail line placement have been drawn on the sub-base. Also, two structures are in the works. Busier and busier, omscaler
Wow! How time flies! It has indeed been seven years since the start of this blog. Nine years since work started on The Omega Scale Railway. Last week saw the addition of two automobiles to the Murphysboro module. More on that later. Also last week we saw the start of the new Union City, TN, module. Big things are happening on The Very Small Railroad. And to all you “Valentiners” have a great Valentine’s Day, omscaler
As of last Thursday afternoon, all seven turnouts were completed. All seven turnouts utilize material heretofore avoided in the past. Three turnouts were done with a vinyl insert and four were done with a polystyrene insert. Previously, cardstock had been used. However, material weakness made this unsuitable. Once the card began bending, there was no way to straighten or reinforce it enough to continue use. Most of the time the turnout worked very poorly. Now that the new material is being used, trials indicate a longer and more rugged working life. Currently, the southbound Gulf Coast Special is boarding and will depart for the port city of Mobile. This will be followed by an empty hopper extra headed south for Streamline and Captain mines. On a construction and building note, this past Saturday saw the preparation of a batch of air-dry clay. Soon this material will be tried out for vehicles and figures it is hoped. Also, the Union City module is soon to be assembled. Two structures are on the way as well. Staying very busy, omscaler
