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Utah Free-Mo Our Layouts

Utah Free-Mo is a group of modelers building HO modules. Individual group members bring their modules together to form a large layout that is realisticly operated. The layout is run in a point-to-point fashion. It is never our intention to form a large loop to run trains in a continuous circle.

The group is following the modular standards developed by Free-mo.org. All standards, including the 50 inch height, wiring, etc will be strictly adhered to in an effort to insure that these new modules will be compatible with others that are being built by clubs in other western states, and nationally. It is hoped that at some point in the future the Utah Free-Mo will participate with these groups in creating large layouts for significant shows and conventions. The concept behind Free Mo railroading isn't a new idea. The concept originated in in Europe where they have been building modular layouts using this Free modular concept for some time.

• The Layouts
• Our Modules

November 2002

March 2003

November 2003

January 2004

March 2004

November 2004

January 2005

March 2005

September 2005

November 2005

January 2006

March 2006

November 2006

March 2007

More detailed information about the layouts set up at specific shows has been posted on the Show Page . As you can see from the diagrams, our layout has grown significantly over this time period as new modules have been built. We anticipate that more new members will join our group and build new modules. Also, we anticipate that Free-Mo modelers from out-of-state will participate with us at future shows.

Our Modules

Below is a table of the current modules built and owned by Utah Free-Mo members.

Photo	Module Name	Owner	Description
	Faust	Ted York	A three module 90 degree corner set. Passing siding with no. 8 turnouts. MOW or Bad order set out track. Turnout control is push rod. Based on a prototypical location on the Union Pacifics mainline between Salt Lake and Los Angeles.
	Smokey Point Yard	Sterling Moore	This is a five module set double ended yard. Mainline and siding on the outside (soutside). Twelve storage tracks. Short switch leads at each end. Team track and freight transfer facility and locomotive shops under construction. Locomotive ready tracks along side both throats. Fully Free-Mo compliant. Turnout Control is push rod.
	Crescent Flat	Bill Schlotthauer	Four modules make up this module set that features a siding, spur and junction with a branchline. Based upon Brendel, Utah where the Rio Grande's Cane Creek Branch (to the Potash Plant outside Moab) joins the Mainline.
	Summit	Mike Nelson	A nine module turning loop with a 13 foot diameter. The track was recently rebuilt to a five track staging yard and the modules were resceniced. The loop is comprised of 4 straight modules and four modules with 45 degree angles at the ends. The lenght of the straight modules was chosen to fit the trailer Mike uses to haul the modules. The track interfaces of the modules require that the loop be kept together as a set. Turnout control on the main and sidings will be Lameco switch motors controlled by a DS54 stationary decoder as well a toggle mounted in a recessed opening in the facia. Mike uses hinges to line the modules together as well as a unique hinge system for the legs of the straight modules.
	Carson's Corners	Burt Ankrom	Two 45 degree corners design. The modules are complete with basic scenery. The modules were build by Mike Hansen and owned by Mike, Dave Vickers, And Burt.
	Payson	Burt Ankrom	This is a three module set, consisting of three, three foot modules built by Mike Hansen. Mike utilized short sections for ease of storage, and hauling. It has a passing siding, speeder sheds and a spur. The modules have been owned by Mike, Dave Vickers, and Burt Ankrom.
	Wind River	Burt Ankrom	This is a set of two modules each 3 feet long. The module features a single mainline track that runs through the modules. The mainline enters a deep cut and a short tunnel as it runs through Wind River Ridge. The modules were build by Mike Hansen and have been owned by Mike, Dave Vickers, and Burt Ankrom.
	Thompson Springs	Bob Rogers	Built by Adam Eastman, this is a two module 90 degree corner featuring a 42 inch curve. To save space the modules are designed to be used together. The set is built with a continuous curve and contoured scenery where the module join. Depicting a generic rural farm area of Utah, Thompson Creek passes through one module through a culvert bridge. Highway 89 crosses the main on the other module with pastures and fields surrounding the creek and road. This module has been owned by Adam Eastman, Blaine Hadfield, and Bob Rogers.
	Sterling	Sterling Moore	Two five foot modules make up this module set. Each module has a 6 inch bump out to accommodate the structures. The module set features a siding as well as industrial trackage for the Champion Meat Packing Company, the adjacent cattle pens and other industries.
	Intermountain Farmers	Dave Winkler	State Road 89 passes over the railroad on this four foot module which features a single track mainline and an industrial spur which serves a regional agricultural supply business, the Intermountain Farmers Association (IFA). The module also utilizes Lee Valley folding leg hardware.
	Wash	Sterling Moore	This is a 45 degree corner built by Adam Eastman with help from others. It features a single track maninline running thought scenery. The mainline passes over two culverts an through a deep cut. The scenery is made using "Glue Shell." Traditional cardboard strips were covered with cheesecloth. Blue shop towels (paper) were then dipped in a dilluted white glue mixtures and laid over the cheesecloth. The method produced a strong and light scenery base that Adam covered using traditional methods. The module has been owned by Adam, Blaine Hadfield and Sterling Moore.
	Vesco	Blaine Hadfield	This module is based on Meadow Valley Wash on the Union Pacific Caliente Sub. This module features a plate girder bidge across a gullied creek. The track work makes a slight bend through the module. Blaine carved the creek bed into 4 layers of sheet cork and used sheet foam to finish the remainder of the scenery. The bridge abutments are made of poplar.
	Greg New Module #1	Greg Mac	A three foot module with a single track mainline. A highway crosses the mainline in this rural town. Main Street fronts the trackage.
	Jack Rabbit Flats	Scott Gentry	Three four foot modules comprise this module set which features a single track mainline and scenery. Loosely based on the rolling hills of Nebraska, the construction of the modules were a team effort. Scott, Mike Nelson, Sterling Moore, Ted York and others all contributed to the module construction. Construction is plywood ladder frame with styrofoam top covered with plastercloth.
	Spanish Fork	Dave Spritke	Two four foot modules make this set. A short siding allows easier switching of the several industries to be located on this module set. This inspiration for this module is the town of Spanish Fork Utah. While the track plan is free lanced. The station and industries are modeled after structures in the town. Dave now lives in Colorado and participates with Colorado Free-mo.
	Sugar City	Adam Eastman	This multi-module set built by Mike Hansen features a dual guage interchange and narrow gauge yard and engine facility. The module is to branchline standards as the rail is Code 70 throughout. The core of the set consist of three modules. Two mini-mo modules extend the three rail trackage and allow for switching leads for the narrow gauge operations. The set also features a large sugar factory. This module set has been owned by Mike Hansen and Adam Eastman.
Photo not available yet.	Greg New Module #2	Greg Mac	UNDER CONSTRUCTION - A three foot module with a single track mainline. The mainline crosses a river over a steel truss bridge.

The group is currently following a set of Policies and Procedures concerning club organization, module, scenery and rolling stock standards. Additionally, the group has established guidelines for membership. These steps are being taken to promote and insure better operation of the layout. This subsequently will promote and insure harmony within the group and, the enjoyment of each group member. Rules and policies for the group may be added or changed as the group deems necessary.