Modular railroading is where modelers bring small sections of railroad together and interconnect them to create large layouts. A module is basically a section of railroad that is created and owned by a hobbyist. Free-mo is a type of modular railroad standard that allows for flexible module design and allows the diverse sections to connect together.
Typically a modular railroad is a loop of track where trains run in circles. Free-mo breaks the loop concept and provides freedom for individual modelers to create interesting scenes that vary in shape. By following the Free-mo standard each module can connect together to form a large railroad. In the greatest example modelers from across the country can meet bringing sections together that will be compatible forming a truly large and free form layout.
Click "Read More" to see the Free-mo NTS 2010 Gallery
This gallery showcases the largest Free-mo setup that I have personally witnessed to date. The layout was setup at the 2010 NMRA National Train Show in Milwaukee Wisconsin. The layout was designed to include a long perimeter mainline with small loops at each end to turn the trains. This necessitated meets in passing sidings and coordination between engineers on the mainline. There were also two branch lines which extended into the center of the display area. Several of the modules won awards for scenic and prototype excellence which is the focus of Free-mo; realistic scenes with realistic trains. More information about the Free-mo standard can be found at the Free-mo website http://free-mo.org
I extend special thanks to Mike Slater and Tim Moran for generous access to document the NTS 2010 Free-mo layout. I hope you enjoy viewing the photos as much as I did taking them.
Mark N. Goedert - Webmaster MrTrains.com
Viewing Instructions: Click on an image below to start a slide show. If you want to save an image to your computer click the download icon and follow the instruction box on the screen.
