Peter's Model Railroading
This is a hobby web site owned by Peter Vanvliet. Its primary focus is to document the construction of my model railroad, which is accurately based on the Pennsylvania Railroad's "Chartiers" branch as it existed in the summer of 1924. The models are in S-scale (1:64). This web site is updated every Friday. A summary of my past month's activities are shown at the bottom of this page. Most photos contained within this web site can be clicked to view a larger version. All photos on this web site are copyright © Peter Vanvliet, unless otherwise indicated; All Rights Reserved.
What's My Objective?
The current extent of my 'layout', as of April 7, 2024.
My layout is modular/sectional in nature, currently consisting of one module with many more planned. Click "The Layout" button on the left to read the full story, with lots of photos. The module's framework is made out of Gatorfoam boards. I am very happy with this solution, and will continue to use this for all future ones. The module is part of a set of modules that are centered around the Hazel coal mine in Canonsburg, PA. Its tipple is shown in the photo and the module is essentially finished. What you see in the photo took me just shy of three years to build (mostly due to lack of available hobby time). Everything was built from scratch, to scale, and with no compression. The entire structure, as shown, is made out of 1,800 individual pieces. Yes, I counted each one of 'em!
What Am I Working On Now?
I am waiting on some low-humidity day where I can spray Dullcote in the garage over the decals of the Pre-Size Model Specialties Southern Pacific class A-50-6 50-foot box car I recently completed. In the meantime, I am building the GCLaser milk station kit.
What Have I Been Working On Recently?
April 15, 2024
I literally had no time to do this quick update on Friday, as I am swamped right now. I did take 15 minutes to glue the bushes I had made two weeks ago.
I was able to take a new updated photo of the module for this home page, which shows the ~20 low bushes I have glued down. Over time I plan to make more.
April 19, 2024
I added a link in the prototype section of this web site to the page that contains all of the real-world information that I have on the Hazel mine (the
page has been on this site, but I have not had the time to make an actual link to it). I have been thinking
about what my next hobby project should be. Given my limited time and the general stress level of my business' work, I don't think I want to tackle
something really large or involved, i.e. not something that adds more stress. So, I have decided that I'll build the GCLaser kit of a small milk station.
These were common along the branch line that I model, and so I bought one of these kits last year. Now would be a good time to just spend some time here
and there working on building and completing that kit.
April 27, 2024
I made a good start this week on the platform of the GCLaser milk station kit.
May 3, 2024
This week I managed to get the basic four walls of the shed of the GCLaser milk station kit built.
May 10, 2024
I painted the GCLaser milk station kit's platform this week, and added what little prototype
information I was able to find on these types of milk stations.
Shameless Plug
If you are looking for software to help you manage your locomotive and rolling stock inventory and you are using a Windows-based computer, consider trying out my FRSTrainTracker application. I released a new version on January 31, 2024 to fix an issue with running the trial version.