Walls are up

 All main walls are installed on the new passenger depot. Two measuring errors were discovered. Fortunately, they only required small extension sections. Omscaler felt like he dodged a bullet though. The main roof is prepped and ready to install as well. Further details readers will note is that final vertical attachment of walls still remain to be done. The Spanish tile porch roof is waiting as well. Downspouts will be done after that. We will need a chimney too. It is all about the details. Working and fine tuning, omscaler

 

Trial and error

Yes. Last week saw three methods used to make Spanish roof tiles for the passenger depot. Omscaler is not one hundred percent satisfied with the final decision but we think it is the best for appearance sake. First effort was making tile sections that were one sixteenth inch wide by two and a quarter inches long. This turned out to be very tedious and looked realistic. It was decided that if one eighth wide sections were used and overlapped even more, time could be saved. This result looked realistic as well. However, something seemed amiss. After careful study, the problem was identified. In both cases the appearance seemed too large. A third idea was tried and that is the method that will be used. It involves careful linear cutting at an angle. So now omscaler can move forward with actual usable roof components. This method is also faster and less tedious. Just the break we need. Hanging out on the roof, omscaler

 

We are having a groovy time.

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

 

Thank you Spain

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

 

Dip, dip, brush, brush?

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

 

The laser’s edge

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

 

A tale of two autos

 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