What is Free-mo?
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!
To Free-mo or not to Free-mo
Submitted by bschremp on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 9:44pm.Free-mo holds many advantages for the occasional modeler with limited space. In considering "To free-mo or not to free-mo". I offer you the following youtube video's that offer a unique perspective of a free-mo setup. Log onto youtube's main page & search "Tracy's Shay Running at Supertrain" and or "2860 at Supertrain". Two videos that show about eighty percent of a two day show layout from the trailing car of two trains. The videos show the diversity in a layout that had twenty plus individual members modules, along with a group owned yard module.
Freemo a Family Affair /Big Valley Alberta
Submitted by bschremp on Mon, 10/05/2009 - 10:20pm.Modules, campers & tents began to arrive on Thursday evening. My family set up the tent trailer as I returned to Calgary for the Green River module set in Calgary, a trip of some 120km (80miles) we were ready to unload first thing Friday morning. The modules were unloaded & uncased by 10:00 a.m. track cleaning & roughing in was the order of the morning, as the late arrivals where uncased & incorporated into t
Model Railroad Hobbyist Magazine interviews Chris Palomarez at NTS 2008
Submitted by Mike Roqué on Wed, 08/13/2008 - 9:07pm.MRH has posted their video of Les Halmos interviewing with Chris Palomarez at the NMRA's 2008 National Train Show.
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Modular Signal System: Overview
Submitted by Gregg Fuhriman on Fri, 11/16/2007 - 9:57pm.The Modular Signal System (MSS) provides for basic Absolute Block Signal (ABS) functionality in modular model railroad formats such as Free-mo. This system is NOT a requirement of Free-mo; it is an optional enhancement.
MSS was developed by Northern California Free-mo (NorCalF) and San Luis Obispo Free-mo (SLO-mo) over the past few years to animate trackside signals in a prototypical way. Though in its present form this system only models the most basic form of ABS, having signals change aspect in response to train movements over Free-mo layouts has added significantly to the realism and enjoyment of operating sessions, not to mention enhancing visitor's viewing experience.
Converting Conventional Modules to Free-mo
Submitted by Chris Palomarez on Fri, 10/12/2007 - 12:14am.
Out with the old, in with the new: The old ROW compared to the new one being planned.To date integration of double track conventional modules has often been a very onerous topic. Usually it is depicted as conventional modules either jury-rigged into a Free-mo layout via adapter modules or completely revamped for native Free-mo compatibility. The first method presented has been abandoned by myself as a usable solution since there is no guarantee that the Conventional Module owners are abiding by the Free-mo spec for mechanical and electrical conformance. However, we will upgrade old modules to extend their useful life if they present features of great use to a layout. Conventional modules that are unmodified have led to many problems in the past for setups. While as a temporary solution this might get a group going, it is really necessary to attend to the long range goal of just getting a grip and converting a Conventional Module into a real Free-mo.
Welcome to the new website!
Submitted by Chris Palomarez on Mon, 10/08/2007 - 5:22pm.
SP 4688 tails the end of the MARSPOT local to Wilmot: 2005 Western Prototype Modelers meet. La Habra, CA.I have often hoped and pondered in the past if Free-mo would find acceptance and perpetuate a critical mass to the point where I no longer could be the sole proprietor of the website. The time actually came last year when several people offered to help me because I could no longer keep up with the demands that the website required to keep it up to date.
I was the webmaster for 10 years to get the specification out to the masses over the internet. I firmly believe that none of this would have happened if it was not for the web. It has been gratifying to see an idea not only accepted but flourish. Today we turn over a new leaf and now the new free-mo.org website will be in a position to handle the demands of a North American phenomenon!
Dynamic Content and the New Website
Submitted by Mike Roqué on Sun, 04/15/2007 - 6:04pm.We are happy to announce the launch of the new official Free-mo website!
Our new site is powered by Drupal, an open-source content management system that will allow us to publish content much easier and much more frequently.
