Free-mo Standards & Recommended Practices Supplement for Branchline Modules

Index

Legend

BL-S x.y, where x. and y are number – example: BL-S2.15
BL-RP x.y, where x. and y are numbers – example: BL-RP 5.11
BL-FAQ abx.y, where ab are S or RP, and x. and y are numbers – example BL-FAQ S1.7, BL-FAQ RP3.2

BL-S = Standard. All Free-mo modules and participants must conform to the requirement/standard stated.

BL-RP = Recommended Practice. These are procedures or specifications which are strongly encouraged for maximal reliability or fidelity.

BL-FAQ = Frequently Asked Question/Answers which explain the reasoning behind a particular Standard or Recommended Practice. Free-mo FAQ Page.

1.0 Introduction

BL-S1.1 Free-mo Modules fall into three basic categories, see S1.5. This document is a supplement to the “The Official Free-mo Standard“. Listed here are the variations and exceptions to “The Official Free-mo Standard” for Branchline Modules. Branchline modules must meet all of the “The Official Free-mo Standard” with the variations and exceptions listed below. This document works in parallel with “The Official Free-mo Standard” and is incomplete without it.

BL-S1.2 “Free-mo modules not only provide track to operate realistic models, but also emphasize realistic, plausible scenery; realistic, reliable trackwork; and operations” (S1.1). “The Official Free-mo Standard” is written for Mainline trackwork. Not everything in the prototype is mainline trackwork. The Branchline Standard were developed as a standard for these less than mainline prototype locations.

BL-S1.3 The Branchline Standards are a subset and not as widely used as “The Official Free-mo Standard“. Most Free-mo setups are Mainline setups. If you build to the Branchline standards your setup opportunities might be limited. Branchline modules are not always accepted in a Free-mo setup. If you build a module to the Branchline standards, you need to inform the run chief that you module is a Brachline module when you submit it for possible inclusion in a setup.

Back to the Index

2.0 Frame and Legs

There are no variations or exceptions in this section to the Free-mo Standards for a Branchline Module.

Back to the Index

3.0 Track

BL-S3.10 Track on the through route of a Branchline Module may be less than Code 83 nickel-silver rail but shall be no less than Code 70 nickel-silver rail. The module owner shall supply transition solutions to code 83 rail at the Free-mo compliant ends for connecting to a Free-mo Standard Module.

BL-S3.11 Sidings, spurs and other tracks of a Branchline module may be less than code 70 but shall be no less than code 40. 

BL-S3.12 The minimum permitted radius on the through route of a Branchline Module may be less than 42 inches but shall be no less than 36 inches. This includes through track sidings and other tracks where through traffic will run.

BL-S3.13 Spacing between tracks on curves of a Branchline module shall allow for long cars to operate without fouling each other, observe; NMRA Standards S-8 Track Centers for “Class I” equipment.

BL-S3.14 Branchline maximum permitted grade on the through route of a Branchline module is 4.0 percent (approximately 1/2 inch per foot).

BL-S3.15 Curves on the through route of a Branchline Module shall be appropriate for Branchline operation of contemporary long cars, see 
Standard S-7 Clearances and the NMRA Gage, and 
NMRA Recommended Practices RP-11 Curvature and Rolling Stock.

Back to the Index

4.0 Wiring

BL-S4.1

5.0 Control

There are no variations or exceptions in this section to the Free-mo Standards for a Branchline Module.

6.0 Scenery

There are no variations or exceptions in this section to the Free-mo Standards for a Branchline Module.

7.0 Glossary

There are no variations or exceptions in this section to the Free-mo Standards for a Branchline Module.

8.0 Revision History

Free-mo Standards & Recommended Practices Supplement for Branchline Modules Revision History

2015-02-18 Page created and posted