Alan Ashton
Editors note: Thanks to the Free-mo e-mail list of Alan Ashton (to join, e-mail Alan at inwafreemo@gmail.com), here’s a sampling of Free-mo activities in the 5th Division.
On Sunday, April 3rd the Inland Washington Free-mo Modelers will join the Idaho Free-mo group for a layout at the Lewis Clark Train Club’s Model Train Show at the Nez Perce County Fairgrounds in Lewiston, ID, 1229 Burrell Avenue. The show runs from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Click here for additional event info including a map.
On Friday and Saturday, April 15th and 16th, the Inland Washington Free-mo-N Modelers are hosting their Spring open house at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave, from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission is free. Click here for a poster of the event.
Several people have asked if modules are available to be purchased as “kits” or in partially completed form such as a basic frame and legs plus or minus the electrical elements. The Inland Washington Free-mo Modelers group is preparing to offer to build basic module frames with legs for anyone interested in being a participant in this format of model railroading. If you would like to purchase a module, less the electrical components and scenery, our group will build the module at our cost for materials. We estimate that a basic four-foot module will run about $75. The cost would, of course, go up for depressed centers, longer footprints and special treatments for the modeling surface.
If you are interested in having a basic module framework built for you, there are a couple of steps that you need to take. You have to specify the track plan that you want. You can provide us with a drawing that is roughly to scale or use a computer program to create a draft plan for your module. When you send us your plan, we will enter it into CadRail and create a working plan. From that plan we will give you a price and timeline for us to build it. We will need payment before construction so that we can afford to purchase the materials.
You must keep in mind all of the Free-mo standards for track and scenery elements. If you don’t know what these are, click here and read the “The Standard.” Also, consider using angled ends to make assembled layouts more interesting.
You can be a part of the process. As your module is constructed you can ask to see progress. We can send you pictures as the parts are built and assembled.
At this time, we cannot offer to put the electrical elements together for you but we can offer some of the parts and a list of suppliers. We can also help “debug” problems for you if you have any difficulties along the way.
If you are interested in this offer, respond to us by email at inwafreemo@gmail.com. We will be happy to make suggestions for your module plans and work with you by sharing our experiences.
Here are selected photos of various Free-mo modules under construction:
Free-mo module under construction, using splines. Construction and photo by Frank Wilhelm.
Trestle Free-mo module close to finish. Construction and photo by Al Cunningham.
A 2 section Free-mo module (5′-1″ & 4′ = 109″); track is down and secured, ready to install Tortoise motors and wiring. Construction and photo by Lee Chessman.
Free-mo loop module under construction by group. Photo by Michael Tietz.
Free-mo loop module undergoing first test by group. Photo by Michael Tietz.
Alan, We enjoyed your LED 101 clinic at Salmon Arm. We would very much like to have copy of your powerpoint presentation.
Thankyou
Jim
I saw your 360 loop and thought I’d share with you what I did for our Free-Mo Club in Hurst, TX. Another member built two pieces that went inside the 360 triple track loop. I designed and built all the scenery on the two sections, which was inset inside the “hole”. The 2 sections are clamped and bolted and stand on their own legs. You’re welcome to contact me and I’ll send you some photos. The hole we used to have is now the club highlight, with mountain buttes, lake, coal mines, camping area, horseback riding, etc.
Since I retired in 2016, I started a home-based business making HO & N scale model trees. I’ve been a vendor at train shows in Plano & Temple, TX and Oklahoma City, OK. My website has some photos of the 360 loop.