Model Railroading by Wesley Steiner

This page contains information and links relating to my model railroading interests. It contains information about my modeling experiences as well as documents and software that I have developed to help model railroaders use their home computer to get the most out of the hobby.

My Vernon Yard HO free-mo module in action at the public display in Santa Maria in Feb. 2005

Free-mo (Multi-Scale Modular Railroading)

Over the years I have collected equipment in both HO and N scale. I often struggled with a way to incorporate multiple scales in my envisioned railroad empire. Then one day, a few years ago, I realized that the economics of time and space would never come to be. That is when I decided to pursue multi-scale modular railroading.

Multi-Scale Modular Railroading allows me to exploit the benefits of each scale while avoiding the drawbacks. The smaller the scale the more equipment I have and the more modern the era. As the scale gets larger I buy less equipment but of higher quality and a later era. For example, in N scale I model the modern era and use only ready-to-run equipment. In HO I model the late 70's (my teenage years) and buy brass and high quality kits and if I ever get started in O I might consider steam / diesel 50's era or perhaps a turn of the century logging railroad with mostly scratch-built equipment. Anyway, you get the idea.

I pursue my multi-scale interests by building free-mo modules in both HO and N scale. Free-mo promotes prototypical look and operations by defining a simple single-line main that traverses the length of the module. The following links offer more information on free-mo modeling.

My Modules

This link will take you to my module page where you can view the details and progress of each. I build modules in both HO and N scale to the free-mo standards. I've also built Bend Track modules in the past. I prefer prototypical modeling over toy-train like displays so, in an effort to achieve that, I try to follow a set of simple rules that will keep me focused on this goal.

My Rules for Prototypical Modeling:

In an effort to achieve a higher standard in scale modeling I try to stick to the following simple rules:

• The land came before the tracks. Form the landscape so as to suggest that nature laid the land before we laid the tracks.
• Make everything dirty. It has been my experience in the real world that there are very few, if any, clean objects on or near the railroad tracks.
• Avoid static animations. As much as possible avoid scenic elements that statically depict a normally animated scene. This would include elements such as figures in motion, vehicles on roadways (parked vehicles are OK), running water, etc. Remember: Any single item that detracts from the realism will reinforce the deception.

My MR Software

I am a professional programmer by trade and enjoy experimenting and developing software of all kinds including software for Model Railroading. Click this link to go to my Model Railroading Software page.