Peter's Model Railroading | My Library | Magazine Authors
Magazine Articles By Matt Snell

A Portable Locomotive Wheel Cleaning Jig

An easy-to-build tool for cleaning wheels while at a show. Includes step-by-step construction photos.

Build a Realistic Flatcar Load

This detailed article shows how to model a steel I-beam load for a bulkhead flat car.

Going Modern on the New Jersey Division

The author models the Conrail Shared Assets Operations (CSAO) railroad. The article is mostly a photo-essay of scenes on his layout. It includes a full track plan, and a sidebar on his CTC panel.

Going Modern on the New Jersey Division Part 3

The author continues his journey on his layout with many photos. There is a sidebar on defect detectors, which contains prototype photos and how he modeled it on his layout.

Homemade Flat Car Loads

The author uses wood to make forms under tarps to simulate loads. He also makes a rebar load. Includes prototype and model construction photos.

Kitbashing Techniques: Building an NS Exhibition Car

Using this prototype as an example, the author describes how easy it is to kitbash an existing kit into a unique model. It includes the various tools a beginner should invest in to make kitbashing easier.

Lessons in Passenger Car Part 2

This installment covers modeling the Conrail 21 car, which is a track geometry car. Includes prototype photos of this ex-SF car, and many step-by-step modeling photos.

Scrap Loads for Gondolas and Hoppers

The author describes how he made the scrap loads for his cars. The key material he used was Magic Scraps®.

The Conrail I know

The various paint schemes, slogans, and adornments are described over the past 40 years of Conrail. The accompanying model photos show these visually, including a special section on the bicentennial.