Peter's Model Railroading | My Library | Magazine Authors
Magazine Articles By Paul Schmidt

A Primer on Yards

This brief article describes a classification yard, a storage yard, and yard limits. A diagram of a compressed version of a model yard is included, as well as two prototype photos (yard and a tower).

Adding Weight to Tank Cars

How to insert sand to add invisible weight to tank cars.

And the Winners Are...

The 2001 Readers' Choice Awards includes S-scale's American Models' Budd streamlined passenger car set, and S-Helper Service's A and B set of EMD Phase II F3s.

Buying Your First Train Set

Comfortable File Handles

This Workshop column covers using wire nuts at the end of files that have no handle, and using paper clip containers (those with a magnetic lip near their opening) for holding spikes.

Diesel Air and Electrical M.U. Connections

Multiple-unit electrical cables and hoses, brake lines. Includes prototype photo of an F3.

Easy Decal Alignment Jig

An easy-to-make jig that helps accurately align decals, especially individual letters and striping. The secret is in the parallel lines scribed onto a Plexiglass panel.

Getting Started in Traction

Prototype and model photos. Definitions, media resources for research.

How Many Locomotives in a Train?

What parameters are used in the real world to determine the number of required locomotives.

Prototype Info

When Norfolk Southern and CSX divided Conrail, they established two holding companies: NS set up Pennsylvania Lines LLC (hence the initials "PRR" on newer engines), while CSX set up New York Central Lines LLC (NYC).

Sharpies Work Best After a Flat Finish

Using Sharpies pens.

Simple Drill Holder for Layout Construction

Using a 45-degree PVC pipe to hold a second drill.