North America FREMO Modules
Theme
Due to the variable diversity of North America there is no main theme mandatory. The availability of many different module profiles allows for building the personal theme of choice.
Module Profiles
All module profiles used within the FREMO North American Standard are symmetrical by design. The only exceptions are the hill form used by Narrow Gauge H0n3 and the NAI heads. Transition modules are only in need when joining modules with different profiles. For double track the decision is made to set the track spacing at 52mm. This is based on the currently most adapted track spacing.
The original V=Valley module profile is 50cm wide. The more modern Flat-profile has a variable with a minimum width set at 30cm. It is possible to add width to all modules even asymmetric. To create double track modules the width of the used profile is extended with the standard track distance (=52mm) used for double track.
The NAI (North American Industries) profile follows a different approach. With its asymmetric shape it offers more space for building industries. For a single spur arrangement is a narrower version (=NAI35) designed. Primarily NAI is intended for use offside of the mainlines in industrial areas.
Notes regarding the mechanical construction of a module:
The module profiles have to be absolutely vertical upright.
The track must end level and in a right angle to the module profile. It is also mandatory to be centered at symmetric module profiles.
Especially for modules that don't have a row of joining holes in der head: If not prevented by the support structure of a module a center hole is mandatory. When the module profile is warping regardless due to construction or age then this has to be repaired.
Module profiles for single track line or station modules:
Module profiles for double track line or station modules:
Module profiles for industrial settings:
Besides these general profiles some of our reginal Divisions have designed and build custom profiles. These designs can be found at the FREMO North America Practice pages.
Module Shape
The geometry (total length, width etc.) between the module profiles is at the choice of the builder. A module can consist of more than one sections.
Height of the Modules
The height between floor and top of the track is 130cm.
Legs
Legs have to be mechanically joined with the module.
Ideally all modules with a length larger than 50cm should be able to stand independent on own legs. Sections can share their legs as they form together a module.
Above is not possible when using the classic wooden US-legs. Only when using X-haken, ALU-legs or other constructions this requirement can be implemented.
Examples for legs can be found at the FREMO North America Practice pages.
Joining the Modules
Modules are connected with wing bolts M8x60, wing nuts M8 and 2 large diameter washers.
Fascia Color
Modules must be painted mat beige (RAL1001, European Standard system for color coding).
Staging Yards
Staging Yards may have any size or shape. The only requirements are that they use RP25 compatible tracks.
Tracks
Tracks with North American tie size and spacing are mandatory. All mainline tracks must be laid in Code 83, single track modules can be equipped with Code 70. Sidings and spurs may be laid in code 70, 55 or 40. Tracks must be laid in such a fashion that they’re passable for all rolling stock. The maximum allowed code for Narrow Gauge track is code 70, preferred is code 55 or code 40. The railheads should end flush at the transition joints, rail connectors are not used. The ties are to be mounted on the wood of the module head.
Geometry of the track:
The minimal radius of the track is dictated by its use. For the mainline the minimal radius is 1200mm (48”) but recommended is a minimum radius of 1500mm (60”). Turnouts in the mainline must be number #8’s or higher. For all other uses the minimal radius to be maintained is 600mm (24”) where the turnouts should be number #6 or higher.
The minimal radius for Narrow Gauge is 500mm (20“) where 600mm (24“) is recommended. For the turnouts at least number #5’s or higher should be used.
All tracks must be weathered. The shine of plastic ties have to be broken and the rail has to be painted in a dark brown color close to raw umber. Recommended colors and brands can be found at the Materials page.
It is desired to highlight the texture of the ties.
To prevent unintended separation of trains no uncoupling magnets are permitted in or under the mainline and siding tracks. Tools for uncoupling can be found at the Materials page.
DCC and LocoNet
Stations or major sidings can have a fixed cable and plug installation for the LocoNet. These must be connected to a central hub within the module.
All stations or major sidings must be supplied with an individual booster which is FREMO compliant. It must be connected by 4mm jacks and plugs (in order to facilitate the correct polarization of the entire layout).
The use of DCC-friendly switches with polarized frogs is mandatory.
Electrics
We use the so-called “hetero” system: Each module has two through wires with a diameter of at least 1.5mm² (2,5mm² recommended, AWG 14 to 16) which carry the track power. These have to be connected at least once to the each individual piece of track. The left cable (as looking onto the rails from the end) is terminated in a 4mm jack, the right cable is terminated with a 4mm plug. The cables should be at most 50cm (20”) longer at each end then the module. Double-tracked modules also carry extra lines for the second track. The two tracks may not be connected.
Sections of modules may be connected individually, but with sufficient cable diameter.
A hook or cable clamp should be provided under each module, for through-going cables (LocoNet or other). Suitable for this is a hole in the legs, too.
Each module requiring power supply for lighting or electric switches must provide them individually by means of an external transformer. Power lines or transformers carrying 230 Volts may not be mounted permanently in the modules. Only power supplies in compliance with federal or local laws (VDE) must be used!
In any case the general requirements for meeting safety issued by FREMO apply.
Scenery
On the individual modules any motif may be modeled. A motif should be researched thoroughly; the North American way to go about something must be incorporated into the planning. Especially at rural settings the vastness of the landscape should be visible. Cramped station arrangements should be avoided as long as there is not an urban setting modeled.
Following defaults are established:
Landscaping: Modules are being built in two basic colors in order to model most of the prototypical regions in North America. The landscaping at the end of the modules should be done out of several layers. The lowest level represents the top soil which could be done out of shifted earth or in paint scattered sand. The color span is from dusty light gray to dusty light brown. In plain desert areas with spare vegetation the color can shift to ocher, raw sienna or burnt umber depending on the modeled motif.
Grassland is to be done in two layers. The first layer contains out of a mixture of Woodland-Scenics turf which can be applied in any density:
2 parts T43 + 1 part T44 + 2 parts T50 for modules based in Mexico or the west/southwest of the USA
2 parts T44 + 1 part T45 + 2 parts T50 for modules based in USA east/north and Canada
The recommended top layer is made out of grass representing material like modern style grass mats or static grass with different length from 2 mm up to 6 mm. The use of muted colors in late summer or fall is mandatory.
The finished module should present a casual and lively impression. A visual similarity to carpet or a teddy-bear cloth should be avoided.
Ballast: Line tracks light gray or gray with a granularity of 0.4 – 0.8mm (approx. 1/60” to 1/30”), sidings and spurs to your personal liking (finer ballast, cinder or sand). Tracks on NAI modules count as sidings as long as they are not intended to be used together with transition modules inside the main lines.
Telephone poles: starting about 15cm (6”) from the end, distance to the next approx. 30 – 35cm (12” to 14”) with equal distances. Telephone poles are not mandatory in modern settings from 1980 on. Optional are mounting holes, so the poles may be positioned on either side of the track. On modules with stations, sidings or spurs the poles should be mounted adjacent to the operators’ side. Lines are generally not strung.
Road (NAI): The through road with a width of 10cm (4”) is modeled in concrete, with slabs of 5cm x 5cm (2” by 2”). The color is light gray RAL 7032 (European Standard system for color coding). The road is separated from the track with a 1mm x 1mm (about 1/25” x 1/25”) curb.
Buildings: Buildings made of brick or concrete may end flush with the module end plates. There must be no windows in the wall reaching to the modules end plates. Buildings made of corrugated steel or wood and fences must end 1cm (2/5”) from the end plates.
Harbor: The water surface in the harbor is 6cm (2 1/3”) under the rail heads, 124cm above the floor. The water color is either black/ anthracite, dark gray/ green or brownish.
When modelling a particular prototype colors of scenery materials may vary to the defined standard.
Recommendations for landscaping materials to be used can be found at the Materials page.
Module Registry
All modules carry a unique number, which must be displayed on or under the module. The numbers are issued by the “FREMO land registry”.
CAD drawings of the modules have to be made using the dwg V14 version.
Trustees of the module lists and the number ranges can be found as well as some information about module drawing at the FREMO North America Practice pages.
The Fine Print
As with all standardization: Older modules have a right of continuance (except warped module profiles!), though we encourage upgrading older modules to the current standards.
