Free-mo Model Railroading

Free-mo is a concept designed to allow modelers to build modules that can be part of a modular layout. If the module is built to comply with Free-mo standards, even a 4-foot long module could be part of layout which is over 1,000 feet long. The published standards specify the physical properties of module ends, height, electrical connections between modules and the electronic control system to run HO scale model trains.

The modeler is free to be as creative as he or she wants when it comes to the makeup of each module. A module can be very short (2 feet) or very long (100 feet). It can be straight or curved. It can be comprised of one section or many.

If the reader is interested in learning more about Free-mo, the official standards are found at Free-mo.org.

Here is a photograph of the August 2018 Free-mo setup at Big Valley, Alberta. This annual event is hosted by the Calgary Free-mo group  Calgary Free-mo. The goal was to set a north American record in 2018 as it was the 15th annual Big Valley Free-mo event. This goal was easily met with 1,126 feet of modules.