A detail that seems to be forgotten quite often when dealing with L&P is the dead blocks on each end of every car. There were (usually) two blocks of wood, sometimes even cast iron, mounted on either side of the coupler so that buff forces would be transmitted through them to the frame, instead of through the couplers. Also knowns as man-mashers, because of the fact that they were designed to come into contact, but were exactly where a brakeman had to stand in order to couple cars. They're a large part of why L&P couplers were so dangerous.
They're also a critical part of what made them work, and frequently omitted from models using L&P couplers. I would submit that backing moves with properly equipped cars would be much more reliable.
They're also a critical part of what made them work, and frequently omitted from models using L&P couplers. I would submit that backing moves with properly equipped cars would be much more reliable.
" border=0> When I get around to building my fleet, I will definitely be using them, for the operational advantages and the unique detail. 
