1. What is Free-mo?
Presentation by Bob Schrempp, Free-mo SLO Original Presentation By Perry Lambert, Southern Kansas Free-mo Additions By Mike Slater, SE Wisconsin Free-mo Bob Schrempp, Free-mo SLO

2. What is Free-mo? Free-mo = Free Modular
Free-mo is the latest in modular model railroading and was developed to take the boredom and monotony out of running trains around a double or even a triple track mainline.
Free-mo operates like a permanent or sectional layout but still retains its modularity. Free-mo layouts are operated with a single track mainline in a point to loop, loop to loop, or point to point.
3 Clicks
1. Free-mo = Free modular
2. Free-mo is the latest in modular model railroading and was developed to take the boredom and monotony out of running trains around a double or even a triple track mainline.
3. Free-mo operates like a permanent or sectional layout but still retains its modularity. Free-mo layouts are operated with a single track mainline in a point to loop, loop to loop, or point to point.

3. What is Free-mo?
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 with out modification to wiring or track. The Free-mo mainline also takes advantage of strong industry support of code 83 rail.
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Layout sizes can vary to any size.
The Free-mo mainline is centered on a two foot end so modules can be inverted 180 degrees
The Free-mo mainline also takes advantage of strong industry support of code 83 rail.

4. What is Free-mo?
Free-mo's emphasis is on scenery and track flexibility. The standards just mandate the ends in which we join our module together, leaving the length and track configuration up to the modeler. This in turn yields extremely flexible standards that work! For example, you decide you want to build a module 5 feet 7 and 3/4 inches long with an angle of 19 degrees and a 2% grade, you could do it in Free-mo.
Free-mo enables the modeler's creativity to shine through their modules. No longer are modelers confined to 2 foot by 4, 6, or 8 feet. They may build a module to their own needs and dreams.
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1. Free-mo's emphasis is on scenery and track flexibility.
Basically the standards just mandate the ends in which we join our module together, leaving the length and track configuration up to the modeler.
This makes the standard very flexible.
You can module 5 feet 7 and 3/4 inches long with a curve of 19 degrees and a 2% grade
2. Free-mo enables the modeler's creativity to shine through their modules. No longer are modelers confined to 2 foot by 4, 6, or 8 feet.
If you can dream it, you can build it in Free-mo.

5. Goals of Free-mo Single Track Mainline.
Each module contributes to the larger picture when setup, the layout.
Flat scenery profile at Free-mo interfacing end to allow scenery to flow and blend together.
Emphasis on realistic operation via DCC.
1. Single Track Mainline
2. Each module contributes to the larger picture
3. Scenery is flat on the end
4. Emphasis on realistic operations
5. Encourage the use of higher quality materials and methods
Encouraged use of higher quality materials.

6. Goals of Free-mo Pioneer newer/better techniques and good methods.
No gimmicks, just good modeling
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1. Pioneer newer better techniques and good methods. We face some challenges that stationary layouts don’t. We have to pack it up and move it.
2. No gimmicks, just plan old good modeling

7. Core Concepts of Free-mo
The Standards of Free-mo
Interface end 6” x 24”

8. Core Concepts of Free-mo
Mainline track center is 12” from the side on interfacing end.
Minimum radius 42”, preference to 48” +.
Mainline Track Code 83, ballast color is Woodland Scenics Fine Light Gray.
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1. Minline centered on 24” wide end
2. 42 inch minimum radius curves with a recommended practice to use 48 inch or larger curves.
3. Mainline code 83 with light gray ballast
4. Top of the mineline rail is 50 inches off the floor
Track height from floor 50” nominal +/- 1”.

9. Core Concepts of Free-mo
With Free-mo, you can have modules that exactly mimic the gentle curves and any other aspect of track and scenery found on the prototype. Module any angle, any length, self supporting.
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1. Free-mo modules can mimic the prototype. Any angle curve, any length.
2. Minline feeders are 22 – 24 gauge wire and the mainline bus is 12 – 14 gauge wire. We use a pair of connectors on each end so a module can be reversed without changing the wiring.
Main feeder wires AWG, bus12-14 AWG with male/female connectors at each end.

10. Three Methods of Free-mo
Module design patterned after prototype location and track arrangements, including scenery.
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1. Prototype location

11. Three Methods of Free-mo
Module design loosely based upon prototype scene.
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Loosely based off a prototype location

12. Three Methods of Free-mo
Module is free-lanced but still based on prototypical practices. Fictitious module scene could have existed in real. However, we repeat our mantra…No Gimmicks.
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Freelance based off prototype practices.

13. Glen Frazier
Constructed By Gregg Fuhriman

14. Glen Frazier Constructed By Gregg Fuhriman
Based upon the prototype location in California depicting Franklin Canyon on the Santa Fe Railroad circa mid 1990’s.
Based on the Santa Fe tracks in Franklin Canyon in California circa the 1990’s

15. Glen Frazier Constructed By Gregg Fuhriman
Features a 1200 scale foot siding for passing on the layout during operation.
It features a 1200 scale foot siding

16. Wilcox Constructed by Ron Wixon
Wilcox is loosely based upon Wilcox, Arizona.
After much consideration, Ron decided to go with keeping a loose resemblance to the prototype location due to lighter traffic density than what was desired.
1. Based loosely on Wilcox Arizona
2. Ron wanted to have a higher traffic then the prototype so he made some adjustments to the prototype to support more traffic

17. Wilcox Constructed by Ron Wixon
Wilcox emphasis is on switching operations.

18. Shadin Constructed By Gary Green
Shadin loop is a freelance location on the Santa Fe in California.

19. Shadin
Constructed By Gary Green

20. Operation Free-mo allows for realistic operation on modules.
Conventional modules typically set up for a “Continuous Running” Scenario that is not very fun to operate..
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1.Free-mo allows for realistic operations
2. Conventional modules are typically in a circle of continuous running. Where is the run in that?

21. Operation DCC and Free-mo, a good mix.
Powered turnouts are more robust under heavy operating sessions and more resilient to moving than the hand throw type.
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1. Free-mo is all DCC
2. Powered turnouts are more robust than hand throws. It also keeps the 5 digit crane from knocking over a switch stand or details off a car or engine.

22. Operation A dispatcher handles meets via FRS handheld radio.
Signals….we got them too!
2 clicks
1. We use FRS radios for dispatched operations
2. We also have working signals

23. Research Internet Books Rail Fanning Maps 4 clicks
The 4 basic ways to research for a module are
1. Internet
2. Books
3. Rail Fanning
4. Maps, old ones and online maps

24. Watsonville Junction Constructed By Tim Runels
An example of how rails fanning was used
A picture of the prototype on the left and the model on the right.

25. Setting Up
All dimensions and modules for an event must be provided to a coordinator, no surprises.
This is an example of a setup that was drawn before an event. You must know limitations to fit in the space available.
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1. We start by measuring the space and any obstacles that are in the space.
2. This is an example of a layout plan.
You also need to know the limitations to get to the space. Stairs, Elevators, door width, ramps…

26. Setting Up Divide and conquer, so many modules, so little time.
This is Chris Palomarez’ pickup truck stuffed with 22 modules. Pre-planning is essential, as you can see.
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You need to plan what modules are arriving when.

27. Jesus Peña’s North Bay Module Set
Setting Up
Jesus Peña’s North Bay Module Set
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This is Jesue Pena’s North Bay module set being loaded in he truck after an event.

28. Setting Up
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Some members have built racks for their cars to carry their modules.

29. Setting Up
Set up modules first, arrange correctly, level, clamp together, install fitter rails, and repeat..
Divide layout into booster blocks for DCC control.
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1. Put the modules on their feet, arrange in the correct order, then level, set height, clamp together, install fitter rails repeat…
2. We then divide the layout into booster districts
3. Add loose scenery items
4. Run a test train, then add engines and rolling stock
Scenery items.
Engines and Rolling stock are last.

30. Free-mo Groups
We are like a disease, we are spreading.
We are also in New Zealand, South America and England.
There is also a group in Australia that is using the Free-mo standard and converting it to the metric system and connectors that are common there.
Green is a fully operational group, Yellow is an upstart group, Red markers indicate an abandoned group, Blue markers are status unknown

31. Links http://www.free-mo.org http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Free-mo
There is a Free-mo layout on display at the National Train Show with modules from California, Kansas and British Columbia
•Friday, July 8: 9:00am - Noon: Convention Registrants and Trade only
•Friday, July 8: Noon - 6:00pm: Public Show
•Saturday, July 9: 10:00am - 6:00pm: Public Show
•Sunday, July 10: 10:00am - 5:00pm: Public Show
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How do you find out more?
We are on the web at
We have a Free-mo chat group with over 1000 members.
We are setting up at the National Train Show, come and talk to us.

32. NTS 2011
Here is a sneak Peak at what the layout will look like.