Free-moN

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redbull
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Free-moN

Post by redbull »

Is anyone interested in the Free-moN standard? I know there are a few other standards being used round the country, but is anyone here using the Free-moN standard? I know the SnakeBend boys use their own 'modified' version of the oNeTRAK standard, but with the large number of European US layouts using Free-moN there must be others around the UK somewhere? Just interested as we are looking at starting a new N scale layout at the Seaboard Southern, so just looking at the options at the moment. It would be good to be able to join up with other N scale layouts around the country, with or without 'adapter' boards.

Peter
Peter Borcherds
Rochelle Intermodal N Scale Modular Layout
http://www.rochelleintermodal.com
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torikoos
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Re: Free-moN

Post by torikoos »

Just curious Peter,why the new layout and what is the standard that your current modules are build to? Are they (easily) adaptable (with adapter boards) to an existing standard?
Also is it Free-mo(N) or FREMO (N) (http://www.fremo-net.eu/197.html?&L=6) standards?
They have an AmericaN group too, as you can see on the link.

Koos
Koos Fockens -Devon UK. North American Model Railroading
Age is just a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, then it doesn't matter.
redbull
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Re: Free-moN

Post by redbull »

The 'new layout' because we don't currently have a N scale layout. Our last one burnt to ash in the fire we had a few years ago. We are working on an HO modular layout built to NMRA spec, but there are a few of us N scalers who want something to run our stock on & to take to the modular meets.

It is Free-moN - haven't looked at the FREMO (N) yet...what is the difference?
Peter Borcherds
Rochelle Intermodal N Scale Modular Layout
http://www.rochelleintermodal.com
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torikoos
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Re: Free-moN

Post by torikoos »

Not sure what the difference is between the two, just know there are some. Fremo N was developed out of the HO scale FREMO HO modules I believe, and those arose in Germany, somewhere towards the end of the '80's I believe.
FREMO stands for (FReundeskreis Europaische MOdelbahner, almost literary translated it is 'Circle of friends of European modelrailroaders', but you get the idea. I used to have a few FREMO-USA modules back in the day (we're talking early to mid 90's, but their long gone now) when I still resided in the Netherlands.

Anyway, I'll stop there for risk of getting off topic.

Koos
PS: the AmericaN standards are downloadable here, perhaps they can serve as a bit of help to discuss which way you'd like to go: http://www.fremo-net.eu/726.html?&L=6
Last edited by torikoos on Tue Jan 08, 2013 8:51 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Reason: added information and corrected translation
Koos Fockens -Devon UK. North American Model Railroading
Age is just a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, then it doesn't matter.
PeterLJ
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Re: Free-moN

Post by PeterLJ »

Hi Peter

I think Steve Smith is getting bored with his double sided Selby. (Selby has full CTC with signals and detection controlled by CATs.) Pre CTC shot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL_B9r6mSSY

Only yesterday we were discussing building some Free-moN modules. Indeed we were concentrating on train length, as this would dictate the length of sidings and the "required" distance between OS's. (Countryside). We are thinking of full CTC (which one can turn off and do TWC or TT&TO) perhaps using OpenLCB (we have priced the components from the US and have had a good offer).

So Yes Peter, Western Union is interested.

Peter L-J
redbull
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Re: Free-moN

Post by redbull »

Thanks for that, Peter!! Sounds very interesting and just up my street. I hadn't heard of OpenLCB, but I am intrigued...will have to read up more on it! Let's keep in touch! Are you going to be at Benson?

By the way, have you found a source for decent N scale signals? Craig from BLMA says they've shelved the idea for theirs as at the moment they can't manufacture to the quality they want - the scale of detail is too fine for N scale, too fragile. I've got some old Sunrise searchlight signals which I'm (slowly) converting to LED. But I'm looking for good quality scale signals, so any advice would be great!

Thanks.
Peter Borcherds
Rochelle Intermodal N Scale Modular Layout
http://www.rochelleintermodal.com
PeterLJ
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Re: Free-moN

Post by PeterLJ »

H Peter

OpenLCB, what I think the NMRA BR HO Spec should be looking at.

http://openlcb.org/

http://www.tchtechnology.com/products/nodes/

Signals. On Selby we used my cheal Digitrax ones "out of the box". Got mine from Ted.

http://www.digitrax.com/products/detect ... ling/smbk/

Unfortunatly one can no longer get the "dress up kits". Interestingly we used Lenz throttles and sensors and my Digitrax SE8c for the signals.

I will miss Benson but will be at Weston.

We are looking very much at operations, probaby narrow boards, height depends, length does not matter. Wireless throttles? We are thinking the main module shoul be about 8' long, with a passing siging. For meets two 4' outriggers at each end. At home bespoke "joining boards". My board would have "Snake Bend" adaptor boards as well (and a temp sky screen).

But just our first thoughts. As you say it is important we try and keep in step.

Peter L-J
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