Model Railroading by Wesley

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.