Free-Mo vs Home Layout - What’s next for my model railroad?

[@anthonymcmillan5881]

Hi, my club is looking into this free-mo Modules. I had no idea what there were. Watching your design and many others, was helpful. I am old school and like my permanent layout. Thanks for your information, keep the videos coming.

[@AndyDorsch]

Hi Anthony! I really like the Free-mo concept, and once I get the layout to an operating state I'll be building more Free-mo Modules out of "lightweight" materials!!! Let me know if you have questions, thanks for watching!

[@AndyDorsch]

Check out another video from me where I show you how I lay SUPER DETAILED track on the Eldorado Free-Mo Module of the Marshline!!! Video Link Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4ushoJrnrp2e8U

[@madeverell]

you know what i have...nice video Andy. It is a plan any plan and movement on any model railroad is better then sitting in a arm chair. Also I am looking forward the the shadow box I never used that in the pass and I like the look of it. Mike

[@AndyDorsch]

I love your layout Mike!!! I hope you had a good Christmas and Happy New Year! Cheers! - Andy

[@grahamparry7200]

Hi Andy. Greetings from New Zealand. I like the FreeMo concept, although as I use it maybe it should be called sectional. I am building my layout in modules so I van remove them to my workbench foe wiring etc and don’t need to go underneath to solder or troubleshoot. It also would allow me to take the layout with me if I move.

[@seanmurphy9776]

Different strokes for different folks. I am 95% complete on my free-mo modules 2x10 in length with detail down to individual structure lighting controls and interiors. I have few regrets and plan to keep them as long as I am doing model railroading with minimal changes. I'm out of space in my current house but building our dream house is only a few years out hopefully with a substantial basement! I think a combination of the concepts is what I hope to pursue. Sections with heavy investments of time, track, wiring, and structure modeling will be built for strength, durability, and flexible positioning to take with between houses while intermediate mainline will be wall-mounted shelving which may or may not be kept with a move. I can't imagine the heartbreak of chainsawing a layout, especially one with significant time and financial investment. I look forward to your progress! When will the mainline be done? Can the old free-mo modules be incorporated?

[@AndyDorsch]

Hi Sean! Quick question for you...do you take your modules to shows and hook them up with others?

[@seanmurphy9776]

@@AndyDorsch I built them to MN Free-Mo standards and haven't brought them to a show yet. In CO, there isn't a big Free-Mo community currently and I may move back to MN eventually. The set up worked real well for doing scenery without making a mess in the house. I hope to take them outside more this summer and fall for photo sessions and maybe the local show after Turkey Day 2021.

[@rjl110919581]

thank you for detail video as good watching fix further plan in my layout as 3 deck set

[@wrfreemo2006]

Andy - Glad you're making progress towards your model railroading goals! I think that your Eldorado module set helped show you what you wanted to accomplish in the hobby by doing SOMETHING, even if it wasn't your final choice. I have Free-mo and Speed-Mo modules that are part of my home layout. We bought a mini-van last spring to be able to haul my modules to events from Ohio to Indiana, Massachusetts, and North Carolina. I like the option of joining forces with other module owners to create a one time layout and then take that energy back home to make progress on my models. Looking forward to your progress videos!

[@AndyDorsch]

I think you're right about the Modules helping me along with getting something modeled!!! It was a good project, but I'm super excited to get moving on my layout! -Andy

[@davidkeith8860]

Your points about TOMA (free-mo being one means) vs. single layout is spot on. The sectional approach seems great on paper but significantly increases the effort and design required to implement well. Good video... Secondly, your making a good decision with your son. No one can ensure your son will enjoy model railroading as they age, but it will go better if it seems fun, and if he see's dad having fun and making progress. Good luck there....

[@RobertJThomas]

Looking good Andy. Looking forward to more videos on your progress. I am sticking with the sectional approach, mainly because I don't have a permanent space to dedicate to the layout. Enough to set up a portion regularly and work, while occasionally setting up overall layout for operations and guests.

[@AndyDorsch]

I think that is one of the things that changed my mind, the fact I have a permanent spot dedicated to it.

[@rimodeler7963]

Hi Andy - Great to see that you are constructing a permanent home layout. I enjoyed seeing the status and I look forward to following your progress. Enjoy and have fun! Mike

[@AndyDorsch]

Thanks Mike! Its going up fast, I can't wait to start running trains!!!

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

Thats an awesome idea! And I agree, its nice to be able to move trains over a longer distances. I was thinking of building a Free-Mo at first while my train room gets build, then attach it to the home layout. Thanks for the update

[@AndyDorsch]

Thanks for tuning in Joe! Thats not a bad idea to hang on to those modules...maybe someday attach them to the main layout!

[@shawiniganterminal7061]

Great job Andy !

[@AndyDorsch]

Thanks!!!

[@randysrockandrollrailroad8207]

Very Cool, looking forward to seeing the progress of this layout. Thanks for sharing

[@AndyDorsch]

Thanks Randy! Its coming along!!!

[@davestrains6816]

Andy I am glad to see that your son is enjoying trains, hobby definitely needs more young people in it. I am kinda doing what your doing but I thought I was just goofy. I am just building a simple oval for switching and running trains while I build my skills up. Hey thanks for sharing. Dave

[@AndyDorsch]

You're not goofy! I think overall its a good way to start. Start small then move to bigger things! Thanks for watching!

[@RailserveJohn]

looking great Andy. Wow you are moving along really fast with the construction. I cant wait to see more about the new trackplan... All the best, John

[@AndyDorsch]

Thanks John! Oh the trackplan...so much fun to do!

[@JDobbs726]

In my opinion I would use TOMA the one module approach. I'm a truck driver so I don't have a house at the moment but if I did this is what I would use maybe so much easier when I end up moving to just disconnect everything and roll it out. But we all have our opinions. In my case I'm not really into large layouts I like small stuff myself one one and a half foot deep 8 to 12 ft long cram what I can into it and enjoy it.

[@georgekkittner6725]

We go in circles, I've done home modules, many layouts, and now am back to modules. Alot of sawdust therapy,its all OK! The hobby teaches us many skills. I'm proud of your progress, jealous of your proficiency. Oh, the valence , ja Valencia is a cabaret song cabaret music,...Hey I am using a metric ruler now, not the combo orange Home Depot one the real thing. Oh don't get more hobbies to juggle stay focused, Ha Glad I stumbled on your FRE-MO Layout.

[@joevalentine2048]

I agree with you. Mine is not TOMA and in fact I don’t start on the next phase scenery etc until the bench work is completed. Now that I have friends working with me though there is some jumping ahead. One guy loves wiring??? and so he has moved ahead of the final bench work and track laying guys. The module approach requires one to have a large enough vehicle to move them and places to set them up so not for me. I look forward to seeing your progress.

[@AndyDorsch]

I think another reason that I'm moving away from TOMA is I have a permanent location for the layout! ...wiring huh? Takes all kinds I guess! Lol! 😜

[@uptownphotography]

Looks like you're doing a great job. Phil Jersey Shore Area

[@AndyDorsch]

Thanks Phil!

[@collinscherbert467]

So happy I found this channel. I'm currently in the research and planning stages for the CNW Air Line sub. It ran Milw - Fond Du Lac. Just south of the Marshline. I look forward to seeing your progress.

[@AndyDorsch]

I have a friend who models the FRVR from Butler to Fond du Lac!!! If youre on Facebook Look for the C&NW Marshline group (its mine) and we can have direct messages there and possibly share knowledge.

[@kraigsickels3918]

I think 🤔 it’s ok to do both types of designs as long as you are learning and having fun . By the way ….. I do have both types. Excellent video Andy 👍

[@bernardc2553]

Gezz Andy your such a Great Modeler I was..gonna do freeMo BE so much easier to move just don't see it know in the time I have left...then let the kids deal with it right..lol

[@jhnplsn]

Hi Andy, Good topic to cover. I had what I thought was a nice permanent layout in the garage for some time and enjoyed it very much. I decided to try the freemoN concept and have about 30 feet of modules currently. I enjoy operations and having these to hook up with like minded people can be quite fun. I am not keen on set up and tear down or suffocating group rules. So I am also heading back to a permanent layout with a connection for the freemon modules. I want to get back to running fair sized trains through my scenes from town to town and working the areas whenever I want to. I should be starting benchwork in February.

[@AndyDorsch]

Best of luck in starting up the benchwork!!! I when I was a kid I was in a modular railroad club! It was some of the best times. Running long trains through various scenes...great fun! Thanks for watching! Andy

[@HumancityJunction]

I model T-Trak. If I had more space, I would model Free-MoN. If I had even more space, I would have a permanent layout. But, like you said, I am making several modules and using each module to test different modeling skills and learning as I go. Building modular has been working really well for me now. I cannot wait until one day when I can run longer trains on my home layout.

[@AndyDorsch]

T-Trak! Yes! Another great modeling option! Very cool channel by the way!

[@dcrrails3402]

I'm planning on a 10 x 5 HO garage layout. Still working out the track plan. I've got the engines and rolling stock I got as a kid and boxed up. Now to see if I can get the stuff running again.

[@AndyDorsch]

Good Luck! Let me know if you have any questions!!!

[@ingor.522]

Moin (Hey or Hello) Andi, well I don't really use FREMO Standards, because I don't like their Module Profiles, so I am using an own Norm Standard, but using transition modules onto both ends of my own modular Segment Standards to combining ig onto FEMO meetings if it will be required. A few friends and I are using an own modular segment standard norm of 90 cm × 45 cm in length and with. To calculate that metric measuring into imperial measurements, well, 1 yard = 91,44 cm or 1 foot = 30,48 cm or 1 Inch = 2,54 cm. We are using our mainline center 150 mm away from the backside of the modular segment. A 2" Inches = 50,8 mm spacing between double track lines. Our minimum Radii are: 24" = 610 mm 26" = 660 mm 28" = 712 mm 30" = 762 mm We are using No. #5 (1:5), #6 (1:6), #7(1:7), #9 (1:9) Tournouts and No. #10 (1:10) Curved Turnouts but mostly we are using No. #6 Turnouts and onto station Sidings No. #5 (1:5) Turnouts. Our local prototype RR used 1:9 ratio turnouts onto their branchlines, which are to big in space for us, si that we decided to use much smaller in space turnouts and of course some stub turnouts, too. In 1846 a german RR engineer invented an easy to use mechanism to make stub turnouts more safer, easily, well known it as ,,safety (stub) turnouts." By from wrong side coming vehicles will use the wheel flange to drop a blade at the rail into open position so the stub rail flips into other position, too and a derailment will not happen. Onto home layout we do modelling our own modular segments but onto FREMO meetings we will have special transition extra modules to add our standards to FREMO standard modules. Nice greeting from good old Germany... Ingo R.

[@troybrodrick7208]

16 x 42 train shed permanent home layout

[@AndyDorsch]

Wow! Thats a big space!!!

[@troybrodrick7208]

@@AndyDorsch it is I’m just about ready to move into it I’m stoked

[@brianpugh2656]

I'm starting with T-Trak until I get my skills down as well as being modular. However, when I do go permanent, I plan on making a "docking port" branch line to hook T-Trak into it.

[@acsxfan1]

Permanent layout - but have one freemo-n incorporated

[@opeyshop]

Free-Mo vs Home Layout AND MODuaL type

[@donaldshroyer8633]

Unless you are just catering to a clique, explain Free-Mo?

[@AndyDorsch]

Hi Donald! Free-Mo is a a way to make a model railroad via modules or sections. The thought is that a set of standards can be used so that people from all around can bring their modules together and have a great big operating session with model trains. Free-Mo and other modular methods are great ways to get into model railroading! Check out this website for more information : www.free-mo.org/

[@donaldshroyer8633]

Thanks for answering. I'll check it out.

[@AndyDorsch]

@@donaldshroyer8633 Good Luck! If you have any other questions let me know!

[@bradhamrick7748]

Ho N Mark O I Amc Flyer

[@davidkeith8860]

Your points about TOMA (free-mo being one means) vs. single layout is spot on. The sectional approach seems great on paper but significantly increases the effort and design required to implement well. Good video... Secondly, your making a good decision with your son. No one can ensure your son will enjoy model railroading as they age, but it will go better if it seems fun, and if he see's dad having fun and making progress. Good luck there....