Calgary Free-mo Standards & Practices

The main purpose of Calgary Free-mo is to provide a place to operate finely-detailed HO scale standard gauge models in a realistic fashion. Operating trains is the important aspect of meets, so the layout setup does not follow the traditional “endless circle” format of modular layouts. Instead it follows a “free-form” configuration that does not readily lend itself to continuous running; trains originate from one point on the layout, traverse it, and then terminate at the other end (or back at the starting point). This format results in modules that are viewed from both sides, and that are designed to be reversible (rotated 180 degrees).

This type of operation requires end points, typically in the form of stub end yards or reverse loops. A layout may then take on the form of an “out-and-back” or a “point-to-point”. Other more complex formats are possible if “junction” modules are built; for example a wye module could allow a branch line operation.

Between the end points of the layout are modules which carry one or two main lines from one end to the other. Large modules may be assembled from small, easily transportable “sections” to create a large layout feature; for example a passing siding long enough for a full-length train could be created as a multi-section module.

Shows such as SUPERTRAIN are different from operating sessions - show audiences prefer frequent continuously-moving trains, so loop-to-loop double-track setups with modest length trains are preferred.

To date, we have constructed numerous double-track main line modules, primarily to facilitate public operations where frequent trains are desirable. We have also built a large number of double-to-single transition modules and a number of single track mainline modules.

Recommended practices are designed to make our setups more realistic/ easier/ better presented, but individual module builders may implement them or not as they prefer; they have no effect on the interoperability required for a setup, although some (eg signalling) may affect the setup plan. 

This is the only mandatory standards variation for participation in most Calgary Free-mo setups. We normally operate at 42" rail height, rather than the 50" rail height in the official standard. We have found that at public shows, this significantly enhances the ability of the public (especially the younger members, who we want to infect with the virus) to see and appreciate the setup. For operations at 50" height, members will have various solutions – alternative leg sets, adjustable height legs, etc, so that compatibility with standard Free-mo is maintained. 

Fascia Colour:

The official standard does not specify a fascia colour. We have chosen to paint the fascia Mayan Green (Home Depot/ Behr colour, they change the formula from year to year but e-mail us info@calgaryfreemo.ca for the currently available mix). This gives a consistent professional appearance at shows.

Scenery Base Colour:

Scenery should be prepared with a base earth colour so that when bits of finished scenery fall off, it looks like dirt and not pink foam. Behr Dried Bark (flat) is the main colour used by our members, but any suitable colour will do.

Skirts:

The official standard does not specify a skirt or colour. We have chosen to use grey cloth skirting, again for a professional appearance at shows, and also to hide the immense amount of stuff that we invariably put under our modules. Because of the difficulty in getting a consistent source of material, the grey colour used varies somewhat; come see us to find out the current source for best match.

We recommend the use of good quality plywood and the avoidance of dimensional lumber, for environmental stability reasons. When planning a module, transportability needs to be carefully considered; if you cannot get a module to a setup, it does not exist. Modules should be sturdy enough to withstand frequent moves. Coffins or transport cages are recommended for protection during transport. 

Track must be to NMRA standards and compliant with the Free-mo specifications. Perpendicularity to the endplates, exact spacing of dual main lines at the endplates, and flatness across the module – avoiding “ski jumps” - are essential. Calgary Free-mo members currently do not have any modules with main line grades. 

Scenery should depict realistic, commonly found rail-oriented scenes. Scenery (especially tunnels and bridges) must allow hand-cleaning of all tracks using a track eraser type cleaner or alcohol soaked rag. Materials and techniques are user choice. Backdrops are not used in setups.

The Free-mo standard Floquil rail colour is no longer available. However, painting the rails a suitable colour enhances realism significantly.

“Fun Runs”:

A Fun Run is basically a private setup for our own pleasure, at some convenient location, and the guidelines are pretty relaxed. The setup is planned, but changes can occur at the last moment. Modules should be mechanically and electrically complete, but the run can be used as a venue for checking out new or modified modules to ensure wiring and trackwork is smooth, normally a good idea before scenery is applied. Glitches are accepted as bugs are worked out, part of the process of maturing a module. Operations are flexible and usually well into the night. There is usually an associated pot luck dinner or BBQ. A good time shall be had by all.

Public Displays:

At a public display or show there is a significantly different emphasis: paying customers want to see smooth continuous operation in a well presented example of the modeller’s art. The show is planned out and committed months ahead, and the only acceptable excuse for not showing up as planned is that you are dead. Preference is given to scenicked modules (although one or two interesting “in process” modules can spark conversations with the public). Operators are scheduled to ensure a continuous flow of trains from show start to shut down, and participating members can expect to spend several hours of each show day operating. We engage people in conversation, and it is a good opportunity to recruit new members.

Shows normally distribute profits to the participating groups based on a number of factors including size, quality, distance travelled, and audience engagement. Groups also get points for volunteering in other show functions. Shows provide the major source of funds for us, as well as an opportunity to run trains.

When operating at any setup, normal practice is to:

1. Maintain a two-module distance between consists;

2. Throw any switches back to mainline once switching is completed;

3. Maintain an open yard for others to build consists; and

4. Use set-up tables while building or removing trains, and then place storage boxes underneath to maintain space for others.

Calgary Free-mo has modules and equipment necessary for large setups and not suitable for individual ownership:

Modules

• Lindsay Yard: a large 8-track double-ended yard module used for making up and dispatching trains

• Lindsay Yard Bridge: a 2-1 mini module for connecting single and double track modules

• Lindsay Yard Overpass: a 2-1 module usually used to link the yard with the TrainTable, but deployable anywhere

• TrainTable: An end-of-track turntable module for turning short trains or head-end power

• ART: A large double track trestle module, donated by a former member

• Walker Junction: a wye module for creating branches, built by a former member

• Walker Cut: a 90-degree double track duck under mini module

• Control Points Romeo and Lima: right and left crossovers usually used with Walker Junction but deployable anywhere

Equipment

• Command Station: a DCS 240 or DCS100 with power supply and an LNRP, which act as the central hub of a setup

• Radio Heads: two heads with separate power supplies each containing a UR91 and a UR93 for radio throttles

• A double track auto-reverser for use with Pyle Loop (see below)

• Four LNRPs (Digitrax) and flat 6 cables with a bonded DCC Common, for extending the Boosternet through a large setup to local power district boosters

• Various adapter cables for Track to Accessory power and splitters for the BoosterNet cables

• 110V AC Power cables, surge protector and power bars

• Fitter Rails: rails to fit between modules, colour-coordinated to easily find the correct size with a matching gap gauge

• Various spare components, rail joiners and cables

• Setup tools, including levels, wrenches, etc.

• Folding tables

• Shims: to go under module legs for floor protection or coarse height adjustment for uneven floors

• Crowd Barrier: stanchions and chain for public shows

• Calgary Free-mo banner, signs and display table with cloth

• Donation box for “Fun Runs” where the public can casually come and watch

Checklists help ensure that nothing is forgotten and there will be no (well fewer) “Ooops” at a setup. Some are for reliable operation within an owner’s trains; some facilitate “interchange” when we are running an operating session. If the reasoning for any is not clear, ask us “How do we know that?”

Locomotives and Rolling Stock

• Wheels:

  • Metal wheels; they attract less “crud” and help keep tracks clean

  • Meet NMRA wheel gauge standards

  • Code 100 (0.100" tread) and code 88 (0.088") are both allowed, but code 100 have been proven more reliable on the sometimes variable trackwork of a setup

• Trucks:

  • Pivot freely

  • Slight lateral rock on at least one end (three-point mount)

  • Cars should roll freely down a 3% grade

  • Able to negotiate a #5 turnout

  • Able to negotiate a 30" radius curve

• Couplers:

  • Kadee #5 or #58, or equivalent other brands.

  • Match Kadee coupler height gauge or NMRA Standards Gauge, plus or minus 1/32"

  • Trip pins (if not removed) clear Kadee coupler height gauge or equivalent

  • Knuckle and centering springs work freely

  • Free of flash

  • Metal couplers insulated from the rail

• Car Weight:

  • Weighted to within +10%, -5% of NMRA specification

• DCC:

  • DCC compatible with NMRA DCC compliant decoders

  • Address 00 (DC locomotives) is not allowed. This capability is disabled in the command station.

  • Two-digit address 03 is not allowed except for testing with clearance from the Run Chief.

  • Prefixes 00, 01, and 02 reserved by Calgary Free-mo.

  • Decoder address prefixes (first two digits) are assigned, with the last two digits at owner preference. Calgary Free-mo members have an assigned prefix. Other individuals or groups with whom we operate frequently may have an assigned prefix.

  • Programing stations will be available at setups to reset addresses as necessary for guests without an assigned prefix.

Setups

• Required Items: These are the minimum required, but spares are always a good idea. Each module owner is responsible for the connecting hardware at one end of their module.

  • Modules, legs

  • At least one screw clamp or good quality small bar clamp (not a spring clamp) to hold module ends together; two are preferred; deep-throated clamps are best

  • Fitter rails to accommodate the end of a module that has the most tracks to the next module (eg: single track = 2 fitter rails, double track = 4 fitter rails. Additional fitter rails in a variety of sizes are useful to accommodate the tolerances normally encountered are useful

  • Metal joiners: Atlas makes joiners that fit both code 83 and code 100 rail; these seem to work well for fitter rails as they can be pushed easily from the fitter rail onto the module's permanent rail ends with a small screwdriver

  • Insulated joiners for use at power district boundaries or on any signal sensed module

  • Additional fitter rails and joiners to connect any non-butt joint tracks crossing internal section boundaries

  • One RJ12 6p6c data joiner (wired straight through), to connect ThrottleNet pigtails across module joints

  • AC power extension cords and outlet expanders or strips to extend wall power throughout the layout. A Block Heater style extension cord that is at least as long as your module with a 3-way outlet is appropriate. Minimum wire is 16/3 to minimize voltage drop.

• Suggested Items: These can improve the setup, or your comfort at the setup

  • A train! Or more trains!!

  • Digitrax throttle

  • Digitrax boosters - for multiple power districts or emergency backup

  • Polyfiber/ground foam thickets to cover one inter-module joint on both sides of main line

  • Tools for minor repair of modules or rolling stock

  • Folding chair or stool.

These amplify the definitions in the Free-mo standard. They reflect module–level descriptions; setup-level definitions are described subsequently.

• Track Power District: A section of a setup which is powered by a single booster. Typically in a larger setup there will be multiple power districts to distribute the load. Both Track and Accessory Power Districts may be required. District boosters are linked to a ThrottleNet driven from the command station.

• Accessory Power District: A section of the setup for which the Accessory Bus is powered by a single booster. Accessory Power District Boundaries do not necessarily coincide with Track Power District boundaries. The intent of an Accessory Bus District is to split the accessory power demand of a setup into parts such that each can be handled by a single booster; and to isolate sections of the Accessory Bus so that a fault in one section does not affect the whole setup.

• BoosterNet/ Throttlenet: Calgary Free-mo has segregated LocoNet into two separately wired networks carrying identical information:

  • BoosterNet, which runs through Digitrax LNRPs to distributed boosters, and provides fault isolation for the critical infrastructure; and

  • ThrottleNet, which runs from each LNRP through all modules in the ThrottleNet district to enable wired connection of throttles and accessories.

• ThrottleNet District: A section of the setup for which the LocoNet from the module UP5s is connected to either the Command Station or to an LNRP (LocoNet Repeater Panel). The intent of the ThrottleNet District is to isolate faults to one district rather than the whole setup; to limit the distance covered by any one district; and to spread the load on the LocoNet of connected throttles among several power sources.

• Module: Any layout component (or group of “sections”) meant to be operated as a single unit in a fixed configuration. A module can have any number of sections. Both ends of a module comply with the Free-mo physical and electrical standards defined within this document.

• Section: A part of a larger module, complete with bench work, track, scenery, etc. Except where otherwise noted, standards for module end interfaces do not apply to inter-section interfaces, as these are considered to be internal to the module.

• Endplate: The standardized end surface of a module that joins with an adjacent module in a Free-mo layout. The physical aspects of the endplate are defined in the Free-mo standards.

• Fitter Rails: The 2" long removable rails and joiners used to bridge the joints between adjacent modules or sections. Must be Code 83, and highly preferred to be weathered.

• Track (Power) Bus: The continuous two wire bus feeding power and DCC commands to the track.

• Accessory (Power) Bus: The continuous two wire bus powering electrical accessories such as turnout motors, structure lighting, animation, etc. We typically power the Accessory bus with a booster to allow DCC enabled accessories, thus, it is 16V AC, with a DCC signal on it.

• LocoNet (DCC) Bus: The continuous six-wire bus carrying DCC information among the Digitrax system components such as throttles, boosters, radio receivers, etc.

• DCC Common: A continuous wire running through all modules, going to all boosters, that enables boosters to have a common reference. This is not the same as the ground on the wall power, and should never be connected to wall ground. It provides a return path for current as locomotives cross power district boundaries, and provides a steady reference for commands on the DCC power buses. It is the equivalent of the DCC common wire bound to the BoosterNet distribution system used by Calgary Free-mo, and is required for any conforming Free-mo module.

• Pigtail: Common name of any of the connector/wire assemblies used to connect the electrical busses together between modules.