This is my first try at making a web page. I'm learning by trial and error, and I am sure there will be plenty of errors. I have been a stage hand, a projectionist, hand-truck delivery boy, film inspector, Navy reactor operator, lumberyard worker, and railroad track worker. I was a gandydancer for 32 years, and during that time I've done just about every task a trackworker can do, but mainly I was a track welder for 27 of those 32 years. I have recently retired and find that I am more busy than at any time other than my Navy days. It isn't bad enough that there are too many things I want to do... now I want to do a web site.. uffda
I have been making a Teardrop camping trailer, and wanted to show what I have been doing. I ordered some plans for a 10 foot trailer from Kuffel Creek Press (go here Kuffel Creek Press.) The plans have been very good, and I am very pleased with the basic trailer design. Mr. Hauser, of Kuffel Creek has done the hard part, working out the design details, making up material lists, and even a specification on the axle, so I did not have to re-invent the wheel, so to speak. I am an incurable tinkerer, though, and so I could not help but stray from the plans a bit. When I worked at a local lumberyard, one of the main things I did there was building pickup truck toppers. Our methods of framing the shell and putting on the skin were very different from the methods in the Kuffel Creek plans. I had a strong preference for my methods, and so departed from the construction methods in the plans.
My intention is to show various stages of construction, with some commentary on methods, materials, and mistakes. This site is a work in progress and will proceed on my own timetable. Please feel free to make comments and inquiries as you see fit. I'll respond accordingly, and as my time and abilities permit. I think.
tom koehler
first page the frame the floor the sides the roof the flooring the shell wiring and insulation sheet metal molding the hatch lid doors fenders light fixtures cabin cabinets solar panel tanks other stuff