Today we find a whole new RiverRail web site with a whole lot of new features. Let’s take a look at what has changed:

A New Theme

The web site has a refreshed look and feel with a more modern appeal. After 25 years it was time to give the site a fresh new look with a sleek navigation and more accessible content. This included changing how the railroads and sessions display providing more concise information on the calendar and session list pages. The logo on the railroad pages was moved to a more visible location and we added future sessions to the railroad pages.

Some features of the new theme:

• The Login/Logout button was moved to the top right of the page so it’s easier to find.
• The Session menu automatically updates to show the next 10 operating sessions.
• The Railroad menu automatically updates the listings as railroads are added, updated or moved to legacy.
• The photo galleries menu automatically updates as new galleries are added.

Updated Railroad and Operation Sessions Plugins

I updated the existing plugins to manage your railroad and create operating sessions to provide some additional features. For the operating sessions plugin, you can now select the railroad (auto selected if you have only one) for the session. This will then list all of your sessions on your railroad page, as well as display the layout name in both the calendar and session list pages.

I also added some additional features to the operating sessions:

• Added a Doors Open Time to let operators know when it’s a good time to show up.
• Added support work Work Sessions and Social gatherings in addition to operating sessions.
• Added an option to allow owners and local operators sign up before our invited guests.
• Moved the fields around in the editor to make it easier to read.
• Enabled the Blocks Editor to keep things current with the latest WordPress.
• Added a waitlist option, removing the extra board that was no longer used. When a session fills up, operators can get on the waitlist. As people mark off, the person on top of the waitlist is automatically moved onto the call board, and an email is sent to the operator.
• Added a method for owners to manually add operators to their sessions, even if the session is full.
• Added a method for owners to remove operators from a session (please don’t abuse this).
• Added a way for an Operator to exchange their slot with another operator.

New Photo Gallery

I also created a whole new photo gallery system that is much easier to use than the old version. The new plugin also automatically publishes the gallery and connects it to a railroad so there is a much more hands off approach to the site. Now it’s time for owners and operators to get their photos updated!

There are a lot of other little features, but I will let you look through the site and find them. Enjoy the new web site!