Derby Free-Mo

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Derby Free-Mo Facebook site dedicated to the HO-Scale US-outline layout constructed and operated by Free-mo modular modellers from the Derby, UK area.

"Free-mo" is a broad set of standards and specifications that sets a framework for creating model railway "modules". Each module comprises track and scenery, built onto a baseboard, complete with electrics, which may then be joined to other, similar modules to make a layout. Obviously to enable the connection of modules together, a set of standards must be followed to ensure the modules are able t

o interconnect. So you don't have to create a huge layout to go exhibit your work or rely on someone else or a club to build a huge layout. Instead, you build your own module(s) within the standards Free-mo defines. When it comes time to run trains, collections of modules are joined together to make a fully operating layout. Founded by two modelers from Derby, UK, we now have over 30 modules which build into a variety of sizes and shape of layout. This enables us to create a real "main line" feel and run long trains

This site showcases our activities and progress thus-far. We hope to attract more modelers to our project and link-up with other HO Free-mo modelers in our area (East Midlands of the UK)

We use PECO track and Digitrax DCC exclusively. Some of the modules use Peco Code75 rail (reduce, re-use and recycle, right?!?!?!), but newer modules are Code83. As it's a modular layout, we can adapt to almost any size and shape for exhibitions and displays. We like to use the layout to run long trains depicting the transcontinental routes of UP and BNSF across the deserts of the west, but some modules are set in the midwest for variety. Not many layouts on the exhibition circuit show long trains speeding "on the high iron", so this Free-mo layout offers exhibition managers something a little different! Please contact us if you would like to have our layout at your event!

The street module now has some people, street furniture and vehicles.Progressing..... Bit more to do....
10/05/2026

The street module now has some people, street furniture and vehicles.
Progressing..... Bit more to do....

A day wiring decoders and testing sees the bulk of the electronics on the module inspired by LaGrange KY done.The buildi...
19/04/2026

A day wiring decoders and testing sees the bulk of the electronics on the module inspired by LaGrange KY done.
The building lights are random, the crossing flashes when a train covers the infra-red at either end.
Two buildings to do, and maybe some vehicle lights too. :-)

Progressing the Street module.Inspired by LaGrange KY.Walthers crossing signals and Evemodel street lamps.Not using the ...
19/04/2026

Progressing the Street module.
Inspired by LaGrange KY.
Walthers crossing signals and Evemodel street lamps.
Not using the Walthers Crossing Signal module as it needs DC track power. So I went for this: https://ebay.us/m/8qw3V5
Works with the Walthers crossing signals and detects with infra-red in the track.
Buildings are lit with LEDs, and will be controlled by Train tech DCC lighting decoders.

Another module being built.....
15/03/2026

Another module being built.....

First time the yard modules have been mated.Very happy with the progress so far.Buildings and features are Walthers and ...
22/02/2026

First time the yard modules have been mated.
Very happy with the progress so far.
Buildings and features are Walthers and Rix.
Yard lamps are Gaugemaster (with Train Tech decoders).
Scenery is Howard Scenics and Woodland Scenics.

A new module is born.......I always planned a "sister" module to my turntable and roundhouse module.Convalescing after c...
09/01/2026

A new module is born.......
I always planned a "sister" module to my turntable and roundhouse module.
Convalescing after cancer surgery gave me time to create the new module.
This one is a through fuel rack (Walthers kit), with plenty of locomotive storage and an ability to take the two wide tracks from the turntable module down to the standard centre track centre. There's also a two-track servicing shed (Rix kit). All on a 2ftx4ft Freemo module.
All track is PECO code 75 (as I had a bunch in stock and wasn't going to waste it).
Lighting is Guagemaster on the fuel rack and some simple LED lighting for the shed.
Ground cover and ballast is Woodland Scenics, Howard Scenic Supplies and Guagemaster, fixed with dilute PVA.
People are Woodland Scenics.
This module can also act as a "run through" fuel rack on the end of our yard modules if desired, so is flexible in how we might make use of it.
Pictures show from initial ideas through to almost finished.

A great weekend displaying at Mickleover
05/10/2025

A great weekend displaying at Mickleover

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