History
Back in 1997 we realized we had shelves full of super detailed, prototypical models of locomotives and freight cars ... but no place to operate them in a realistic fashion.  One of the neatest things about modeling trains is they can actually RUN (as opposed to most other types of scale models).  But none of us had enough space at home, or time for that matter, to construct large layouts.  The solution was to pool our resources and start a modular layout; each modeler could build a module or two (or five ...) that would be a "diorama" at home, and would become an integral part of a large layout a few times a year when the group would meet and run trains.

First we needed to decide how to design the modules to ensure they'd all work together while at the same time match the realism of the model trains we already owned.  We quickly recognized that the "traditional" modular style (multiple main lines set near the module edge, arranged as a giant oval) simply does not lend itself to prototypical operations or realistic scenes.  In U.S. railroading it is uncommon to see more than two main tracks; and model trains should be surrounded by the scene, not offset to one side, as they make their way from a point of origin to a point of destination (rather than constantly chasing their own tails).

Our search for a more realistic way to design and operate a modular layout led to the discovery of U.S. Free-mo.  This "free-form modular" approach has its roots in European FREMO, which has been around for over 20 years.  The U.S. Free-mo standards were adapted from FREMO by a small group of forward thinking modelers in the San Luis Obispo, CA area - They too had become bored with traditional multi-track circles.  The standards continue to evolve as the various Free-mo groups exchange ideas and cooperate during joint group set-ups.

Once we had decided that Free-mo met our needs with its single track main line, free-form module shapes, and point-to-point layout format, the next decision was how to control the trains in a realistic fashion.  After weighing the factors of wiring complexity, cost, flexibility, potential for growth, and technology, the decision was made to use digital command control (DCC).  Nothing beats DCC for simplified wiring (a 2-wire track bus and a 6-wire control bus) and realism in running trains (any train can move in any direction, at any speed, and at any time - just like the real ones). Digitrax DCC has now been adopted in the U.S. Free-mo standards.
 

Today
Northern California Free-mo now consists of six members, located throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area.  We have no formal organization; rather we communicate via email or phone to coordinate work sessions and operating sessions, and to exchange ideas for improving our modules and equipment.  Group-owned equipment is kept to a minimum as we do not have group finances.  Presently we have enough modules to create an out-and-back layout with passing sidings and industry spurs.  We are formulating plans for upcoming activities, new module designs, and an overall focus for the group moving into the future.  Our philosophy towards modular modeling and operations aligns closely with that of the Railroad Prototype Modelers (RPM) movement towards locomotive and rolling stock modeling.
 

Do your own modeling goals and philosophies reflect those of Free-mo and RPM?  If so please let us know.  We are looking for new members to construct modules and participate in NorCalF operating sessions ... More Free-mo modules will make larger, more interesting layouts!  Members of Northern California Free-mo may be contacted via the Free-mo email list on Yahoo!Groups.