Category: Free-mo

Alan Ashton, article by Frank Wilhelm with contributions by Al Cunningham

Editors note: Welcome to the 4^th article on Free-mo by Alan Ashton and fellow Free-mo enthusiasts. The previous article is available by a clicking here, or by filtering with the category “Free-mo”. Alan welcomes discussions and feedback by comments at the bottom of the post or by e-mailing him at inwafreemo@gmail.com. If you’re interested in helping promote Free-mo in the 4^th Division (e.g. event notification or writing articles) please contact me at gi_editor@4dpnr.com.

The 4^th installment (in PDF format) of our series on Free-mo is available to read or download by clicking here. Our series of articles is designed to share experiences building Free-mo modules. As always, your comments are appreciated. Enjoy this well thought out document that describes the elements of Free-mo electrical components.

by Alan Ashton, article by Mike Tietz and Jerry Barsness with technical assistance from Frank Wilhelm

Editors note: Welcome to the third article on Free-mo by Alan Ashton and fellow Free-mo enthusiasts. The previous article is available by a clicking here, or by filtering with the category “Free-mo”. Alan welcomes discussions and feedback by comments at the bottom of the post or by e-mailing him at inwafreemo@gmail.com. If you’re interested in helping promote Free-mo in the 4^th Division (e.g. event notification or writing articles) please contact me at gi_editor@4dpnr.com.

The third installment (in PDF format) of our series on Free-mo is available to read or download by clicking here. In this article we discuss some of the details related to building the legs and leg pockets for a platform. The purpose of these articles is to share our experiences and maybe help others avoid mistakes. Your feedback is always appreciated. Next up: Electrical Connections.

by Alan Ashton and Frank Wilhelm with contributions by Jerry Barsness and Mike Tietz

Editors note: Welcome to the second article on Free-mo by Alan Ashton. The previous article is available by clicking here, or by filtering with the category “Free-mo”. Alan welcomes discussions and feedback by comments at the bottom of the post or by e-mailing him at inwafreemo@gmail.com. If you’re interested in helping promote Free-mo in the 4^th Division (e.g. event notification or writing articles) please contact me at gi_editor@4dpnr.com.

The second installment (in PDF format) of our series on Free-mo is available to read or download by clicking here. In this article we discuss some of the details related to construction of a module. Later, we will cover leg options, electrical connections, command and control, and track planning.

I’ve also created a “module cost estimator” spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel) to help you determine what components you will need to build a module. In order to get some data into the worksheet, we are “building” a four foot, two main line module (26″ endplates). The model doesn’t take track or scenery into account but you can add items if you wish.

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by Alan Ashton

Editors note: Alan Ashton is the former 5^th Division newsletter editor and is now promoting and explaining Free-mo. This article has been updated to clarify the Digitrix Loconet requirements as noted by Mark Clemmens in his comment. Articles on Free-mo from other authors are very appreciated and can be sent to gi_editor@4dpnr.com. Alan can be reached at inwafreemo@gmail.com.

I have been a model railroader for many years and it didn’t take too long for me to decide that I would like to build a Free-mo module. My reasons for doing so include:

1. Building and storing a module won’t take up much space
2. Having a module will enable me to meet and interact with more people who share a common interest
3. Construction costs won’t be prohibitive
4. I will learn about new materials and techniques
5. I have the time and interest to learn about a new aspect of my favorite hobby

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