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 (yes, exactly one hundred years ago this year!). The models are in S-scale (1:64). 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'.
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 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. And, yes, I documented and counted each one of 'em!
Projects
I took this photo experimenting with my camera's zoom lens to see if I could get a better depth-of-field focus. I'm happy with it. It features the recently-completed Pre-Size SP box car.
As I reflect on the limited amount of time I have to dedicate to this hobby each week (being self-employed, pretty much working 7 days per week, and being mentally exhausted at the end of the day), I recently realized that I was treating it and this web site as "yet another job". This caused some stress within me, and that defeats the purpose of a hobby. Realizing this, I will focus this web site more on what I really want to do in the hobby at any point in time. This means content will appear to be randomly updated from time to time. However, these are my overarching ongoing projects:
- Scratchbuilding a PRR N6b cabin car (last updated December 6, 2024).
- Upgrading photos to their larger versions (currently working on the ones in the "Equipment" section).
- Planned: adding benchwork to support two more modules.
- Planned: creating a pair of turnouts to test some concepts for turnouts on modules.
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 in June 2024. This web site is being maintained by my using several of my company's other software applications.
Site Last Updated on December 6, 2024