A few changes

If you are a regular visitor here, you have probably noticed a format change. I started this blog in May of 2009 just after moving to Chagrin Falls, Ohio. The earliest posts were lost after a hiccup at the ISP host so the archives do not extend back to the beginning. The same template had been used for nearly ten years and some elements were not functioning well anymore. A refresh had been on my mind for a few years but I was uncertain how different templates would affect the presentation. Every now and then this past year, I’ve played around testing various templates with the content and finally found one I like. I hope you do, too.

I found a statement or purpose among the text of the very first post May 27, 2009. Reviewing it nearly ten years later, I think it’s a bit wordy but the sentiment remains the same.

This website is dedicated to documenting model railroad projects with a focus on building, designing and operating model railroads. The target audience consists of other model railroad enthusiasts who are eager to learn and expand their skills and knowledge. I will work towards weekly posts to update current personal projects. On occasion, there may be more than one post per week. I enjoy this hobby on many diverse levels and want to share my experiences with others. It is a great reward to pass along techniques and knowledge so others may find similar enjoyment of a great hobby.

Onward we go into the next decade!

Eric Hansmann

4 thoughts on “A few changes”

  1. Eric,

    On your new banner image I noticed right away the air hoses, but also a distinct lack of coupler lift bars. I have installed more lift bars than air hoses, content to leave the Kadee trip pins as a poor substitute. One other modeler I have known chose to include both air hoses and uncoupling bars and didn’t consider a car complete and fit to be run until it had them. Can you perhaps write a post about the choices you personally make in what detail to include and what to leave off?

    Best wishes for the holidays,

    Galen

    1. I’m not Eric. But I’ll add my to cents.

      I’d say that’s the “op” part coming to light. Eric does lots of ops, and lots of RPM meets. I personally noticed long ago that cut levers were the single most-vulnerable detail on a car. They like to snag on the packaging when packing and unpacking for a meet. Worse, when they are the typical brass-wire construction, they are “strong enough” that the entire car can be banged around in the process.

      I’ve even had cars go to the floor because a cut lever snagged a paper towel during unpacking. If the rest of the car survives, the cut lever will inevitably be mangled beyond repair. After doing that a few times, my mind’s eye just chose to overlook them.

    2. Sorry I forgot to reply, Galen. Dennis makes some good points but I need to point out that half of the cars in that yard image do have uncoupling hardware. The freight cars without the hardware should have Carmer levers installed and I just have not gotten around to installing those. Since that photo was taken, Yarmouth Model Works has offered etched metal Carmer hardware. I need to get “in the mood” and tackle a few installations on completed freight cars. – Eric

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