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FREE-MO.ORG | Official site for the Free-mo model railroad module standard
The latest in HO scale modular model railroading
The Free-mo Concept: San Luis Obispo Model Railroad Club at San Rafael, CA in February 1996 at the Pacific Coast Region Convention.
Free-mo was developed with the idea that a set of standards focusing mainly on module endplates would enable faithful modeling of prototype trackplans and operations in a modular environment. The length and track configuration of a Free-mo module or module set is up to the modeler. Free-mo takes the boredom out of running trains monotonously around a double or even a triple track mainline. With Free-mo, less is more.
Free-mo operates like a permanent or sectional layout but still retains its modularity (Free-mo is actually more modular then existing double track modules). Free-mo layouts are operated with a single track mainline in a point to loop, loop to loop, or point to point. Layout sizes can vary to any size conceivable.
The Free-mo mainline is centered on a two foot end so modules can be inverted 180 degrees and still mate up to the adjacent module without modification to wiring or track. The Free-mo mainline also takes advantage of stronger industry support of code 83 rail.
Free-mo was developed with the idea that a set of standards focusing mainly on module endplates would enable faithful modeling of prototype trackplans and operations in a modular environment. The standards just mandate the ends where modules connect together, leaving the length and track configuration up to the modeler. This in turn yields extremely flexible standards that work! For example, if you want to build a module that is 5 feet 7 and 3/4 inches long with an angle of 19 degrees and a 2% grade, you can do it with Free-mo!
Free-mo enables the modeler's creativity to shine through their modules. No longer are modelers confined to fixed-length modules of 4, 6, or 8 feet long. They may build a module to their own needs and dreams.
Site Details/More Info: URL: http://www.free-mo.org/ (Added: 08-Jan-2017)
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Ideas for Building Modular Model Railroad Layouts.
Building a modular train layout that is portable and flexible is a design challenge for many clubs and home-based modellers. Bill Payne of our Nottawasaga Model Railroad Club tackled the problem and created such a terrific modular concept that we are often asked for a detailed explanation when we attend regional shows.
Our modular units are designed to:
Roll on wheels
Allow for height adjustment
Be easily lifted and carried by several people
Stand up to heavy use and abuse
Interconnect with our other modules
Site Details/More Info: URL: (Added: 08-Jan-2017)
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NMRA Introduction to Module Standards and Recommended Practices.
INTRODUCTION TO MODULE STANDARDS & RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
- NMRA Bulletin March 1990 -
These standards and RPs have been assembled from data sent in from module groups that are actively building and operating these units in all parts of the country. It is clearly indicated that there are two distinct types of operation desired so we have set up two separate sets of figures in order to accommodate both groups.
WHAT IS A MODULE?
A module is a portable section of table type structure which is but one part of a large group of like tables which when all assembled together form a large and fully operating model railroad. They are built by individuals as part of a home layout or specifically for use interfacing with others in a large setup. All are built to a set of standards that allow each unit to interface exactly with other units anywhere in the overall system. A module may be a single table or a group of tables which must be capable of interface at each end but may deviate between these ends so long as the type of operation is not compromised or restricted. By being portable, they may be disassembled for transporting to conventions or public displays. Many clubs are formed for the specific purpose of building module layouts as space for a permanent layout is hard to find and is very expensive when available
WHAT IS A SECTIONAL LAYOUT AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM THE MODULE TYPE?
A sectional layout is built in a similar manner but each unit is constructed to fit in a specific spot in the overall layout and will not fit in any other place. As new units are built, they must be designed to fit in a particular place and will not interface anywhere else. Some sectional layouts may be built to NMRA standards but most are to a set of figures agreed upon by the group as interface is not a factor to be required.
Site Details/More Info: URL: http://www.nmra.org/introduction-overview (Added: 08-Jan-2017)
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NTRAK Modular Railroading Society, Inc
NTRAK modules were designed to bring model railroading to the public at conventions, exhibits, and shopping malls. In the past a person wanting to see model trains in operation had to seek out a club or home layout that was open to the public. These layouts were often designed for the convenience of the owners and operators, and not for public viewing. The modular layouts have the flexibility to be fitted into many different size and shape areas. They offer close up viewing and maximum train action. Long trains passing each other are always attention getters and are a feature of the NTRAK layouts. While designed for large public display layouts, the NTRAK modules are being used for home layouts and for club layouts as well. For the modeler, the NTRAK modules offer a number of advantages over a fixed layout. We are such a mobile society and the modules make it very easy to move a layout from one home to the next without destroying all the work that went into it. Our smaller homes, apartments, and mobile homes all lend themselves to N scale layouts. Persons who want to run longer trains have the opportunity to take a module to one of the many NTRAK meets during the year and to be part of a large layout. There they can run their longer trains and meet other N scale modelers.
Site Details/More Info: URL: http://ntrak.org/ (Added: 13-Jan-2017)
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Pennsylvania - Royersford Modular Model Railroaders
Royersford, PA - When Lansdale’s North Penn Model Railroad Club lost its lease in 1994, that club dismantled its model railroad display and dissolved, but several of the former members began a new club in Oaks the following year.
Unfortunately, after six years of building, and before even one public show could be held, they lost their home there, and had to repeat the demolition and moving process.
After that experience, members decided that wherever they moved the club in the future, they would build a "modular" railroad layout, to allow it to be easily moved when needed.
RMMR was formed early in 2002, and presented its first show in August of that year in Norristown. Most of the founding members had been members of the Oaks Model Railroad Club. Some have gone, but others have joined us. Although we are still not a large club, we have been able to improve the display layout and present successful shows for several years, and hope that the club will grow, and remain successful for a long time to come.
Site Details/More Info: URL: http://www.royersfordmodular.org/ (Added: 08-Jan-2017)
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