Free-moNebraska

[Mark W]

So far we're lookin at about a 35x20 space!  Here's all the known built (but not necessarily tracked) modules in one of the many possible arraignment.  Just look at that flowing mainline!!!  Take THAT; all other modular options! 

[Zox]

I gotta get me a table saw 

You don't need a table saw, just a Rockwell VersaCut:

https://www.rockwelltools.com/en-US/versacut_rk3440k.aspx

It'll cut both one-by lumber and sheet goods, no problem. (Use a speed square as a guide for crosscutting one-bys and a longer straightedge for the sheet goods.) And it takes up a lot less space than a table saw, both when in use and when stored between uses.

(I'll confess that I do use a  miter saw for crosscutting, but if I had to get by with just the VersaCut I could.)

[Mark W]

I'm going to need a bigger apartment...

[Mark W]

Welp, took it all down today.  Powerpoles are to arrive Monday, so I'll be spending the week wiring everything up permanently.  Then perhaps next weekend we'll try for a full set up!







And that's everything! So far...



Oh look!  Floor space!!

[SSW7771]

Looking good. I like the module construction; it looks strong and lightweight. How do the legs attach to the module?

I been debating on building a few Free-moN modules myself, but I do not think there are any others in the DFW area yet.

Marshall

[Mark W]

Well 'Maintenance madness" has been slow going due to a lovely sinus infection.  I hoped to be done with all by now, but instead I'm only done with half.  However, the ones that remain are only the 'in-betweeners", so if I get some energy back it will be quick to catch up.
 

And let me say, inline squeeze-taps are AMAZING!!
One whole module's worth of bus wiring can be squeeze-tapped in the same amount of time it would take to strip and wrap and solder one lead!

Here's West Marsland



Here's the completed group.  Set up for a test run and ready for fascia paint.   I need to get leg levers on those legs too.   

[Mark W]

https://www.facebook.com/FreeMoNebraska

[Mark W]

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

Looking great. Keep up the great work.

[pjm20]

Nice looking heavyweights! Are those stock MTL and other assorted brands or is there any kit bashing/scratch building?

[Mark W]

Thanks. Yep, they're plain MTL except that I converted them to Z scale couplers, mounted using the original pins.  Coupling distance is pretty much perfect now.

[C855B]

The lighting here is epic, as is the sparseness of the scenery so typical of the area. Mikey likes it!   

[glakedylan]

very good work with so much creativity and skill
wow! that is a great modular railroad
I especially like the loop, but it is all fantastic!
thanks for sharing

sincerely
Gary

[Mark W]

Thanks Mike and Gary.

This afternoon I spent the rainy day starting the track work for the Holland Drive modules.  While waiting for glue to dry I sat down and drew up the next project.  Through playing with everything set up in my parents garage, it's clear the next project should include a turn around for the other end.  We'll also need some storage so we're not spending half the time railing and un-railing trains.  For this, I'm going with a wye which can extend to a future  yard on one leg.  It'll also have double track on two legs to extend the two way inventory. 

I've loosely based it on the Wye here in Lincoln.  As you can see from the aireal, Rosa Parks Way crosses overhead, so we'll name this one the Rosa Parks Wye.  First Street, J Street, and Rosa Parks Way will all be modeled.

[Mark W]

I present to you our Mobile Command Station!




Wait, that's just a tool cabinet...
Or is it?


Top 7 drawers can hold between 200 and 300 units of rolling stock in what will be removable foam trays.  Bottom drawer will be fit with the DCC command station, booster, power supply and other components with wiring fed up through the deck where it will connect to a laptop and the the layout.

Also finished laying track on Holland Drive.  Still need feeders and switch machines.