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). 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 first module shortly after its completion
My layout is modular/sectional in nature. The first module is finished, and the second one is under construction. The third module is planned for 2026. Click the "Layout" button to read the full story, with lots of photos. These modules will form a scene centered around the Hazel coal mine in Canonsburg, PA. Its tipple is featured on the first module, shown here. 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 counted each one of 'em as I added them to the building!
Latest Changes
The second module is under construction.
- January 03, 2026:
Module #2 has some "ground". - October 10, 2025:
More Gatorfoam board arrived; starting module #2. - October 3, 2025:
Bought a handy scenery cleaning tool. - September 26, 2025:
Reminiscent of the 1980s movie Back to the Future, a 2024 Lamborghini appeared in 1924 Cannonsburg. - September 5, 2025:
Finalized next module's design.
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 January 2025. This web site is being maintained using several of my company's other software applications. Software is my full-time job, so hopefully you can support my efforts, as I don't have an advertising budget.