Free-moNebraska

[RBrodzinsky]

Nice drawings, Mark. I'm happy to just get the module outline and track correct!

Rick

[VonRyan]

Free-moN standards dictate a 12" min. 24" max endplate.
(The internal sectional plates can be as wide or narrow as you wish)

Some groups decide to "group-standardize" the measurements: N-Land Pacific dictates that all their modules be 24" wide so there's a continuous uniform fascia from module to module.
(And they have a large trailer/truck in which to transport said modules, in addition to individuals bring their own)

Silicon Valley Free-moN accepts whatever between 12" & 24" but strongly encourages people to build modules at 18" as we've found that to be a good balance between scenery and ease of transport (in our various little cars)
But we have 12" modules and 24" modules and so it goes.

Most of Mark's modules do the narrow-endplate to wider-midsection compromise that works very well (especially with his scenery skillz).

It really comes down to measuring your car/truck and fitting the modules into the transport space.
18" endplate is a happy medium.

Gotcha. I was curious cause the idea of building a 2'x4' module makes me think more of N-Trak and I already have me one of those.
I just need to measure the width of my Jag's trunk and backseat to come up with module lengths.
I plan to build standardized boards for boxing modules together so that I can use any board on any module to pair them up for the ride home. I'm going to see about starting my Springfield, NJ module quite soon.
I just hope that the module-building wizard has the required thickness of plywood.
Then I just need to get down to putting stuff on the darned thing.

[RBrodzinsky]

Cody,

If you are planning a Free-MoN module, make sure to visit the standards on http://www.free-mon.org/

I just need to measure the width of my Jag's trunk and backseat to come up with module lengths.

Rule 0 of FreeMoN -- if you can't get it to the show, it doesn't exist!

Rick

[Mark W]

Rule 0 of FreeMoN -- if you can't get it to the show, it doesn't exist!

Rick

Unless you're using Free-moN standards to make a modular home layout, that can be re-arraigned, substituted, and gives you a 'pool' of modules to select from, when not everything fits to travel to shows.


I'm a big proponent of "form follows function", which is why I vary module width depending on its purpose or the featured scenery I plan for it.  I'm also bigger on trying to break the square frame / 90 degree mantra, which is why out of all my modules, only one is actually rectangular.  Aside from the end plate width, I specifically choose odd numbers for measurements and angles which helps 'flow' the mainline naturally.  In fact, in hindsight, I'm actually kind of upset that Rosa Wye ended up with a 90 degree leg.  

[Mark W]

So the Free-moN bug bit dad hard.  What the heck is he up to here?!  This thing is HUGE!

[VonRyan]

So the Free-moN bug bit dad hard.  What the heck is he up to here?!  This thing is HUGE!

That is raw potential at it's finest!
I like it!

[eric220]

I'm guessing he's making a home layout that is a roundy-round made of Free-moN compatible modules. Very nice.

[Mark W]

Progress.

[M.C. Fujiwara]

You're in the pink!
And foaming at da feet!

Thank goodness for respirators & the very large shop-vac!

While working on an HO layout with MOOCHO foam I figured this out:



Use T-pins to secure a large garbage bag along the edge, and then you can sweep the foam flakes & chunks right in, saving the vacuum for the finer stuff that flitters EVERYWHERE!

Looking forward to seeing what Mt. Rushmore / Crazy Horse you've sculpted 

[Mark W]

Final preview of Dad's Mega Module before the show!  Hope all the Railwire members in the area will be able to come watch trains make the loop!

We were hoping to get at least a base coat, but this will do.  I don't think I've EVER seen a module or diorama at a train show with mountains even half this size, so I think it will be a huge hit regardless!  Free-moN for the win!

Took these photos before we laid the track, obviously 

[M.C. Fujiwara]

Wow.
N-Land Pacific has some pretty big modules with mountains, which you can see in the Anaheim GTE 2014 video: http://youtu.be/-nmgO9DCUaY

But not as massively expansive as that!

I'll bet you both got quite the cardio workout using the forming tool to scrape away those mountains!
(And burnt out the shop vac motor  )

Looks very groovy!
What's the elevation separation between "ends"?
2 1/4"?
3"

[For those don't know the Standards, Free-moN calls for any elevation separation to be in 3/4" increments so all the higher modules can be raised easily by sliding pieces of dimension lumber under the legs]

This will be a fan favorite and a great photo op!

[VonRyan]

I think I want to build a massive reverse-loop now...

[Mark W]

All hail the wire wheel on the cordless drill!  Makes terrain shaping such a breeze!

The overall footprint is a few inches larger than 4x8, split into 4 sub-modules.  Trains enter through the side there under the bridge, split to double track, climb up a 1.6% grade to 3 inches, double tracks then split from each other, cross over the entrance/exit track, loop around, then back down to zero and exit from the same point. 

[RBrodzinsky]

WOW!  That is all I can say.  That is one cool reversing loop.  I hope to see it in person some day.

[wazzou]

That's really very nice Mark.