Northern California Free-mo

Northern California Free-mo Updated July 15, 2024



About Us
Northern California Free-mo (NorCalF) is an informal group of like-minded modelers experienced in the various model railroading disciplines. We aspire to a high standard of modeling ranging from cabinetry skills for module framing, to preparation and operation of highly detailed engines and rolling stock. There is no organizational structure, meetings or dues. All decisions about setups and group recommendations are made by consensus. Setups occur as space and time are available, typically 2 to 4 times per year.
For information, contact: Gary Green at gary@regalvalley.com (Aptos) Ed Sutorik at edwardsutorik@aol.com (Berkeley)
Event Schedule Fall BarnBQ Aptos, CA September 19-23, 2024 Thursday, 9/19: Preparation, begin setup Friday 9/20: Complete setup Saturday and Sunday, 9/21&22: Operation Monday 9/23: Teardown Contact: Gary Green, gary@regalvalley.com
Reference Resources NorCalF has prepared a document that clarifies and enhances the general Free-mo standards for the specific needs and goals of NorCalF. NorCalF Guidelines The Free-mo Standard We have also prepared a document that describes our DCC practices. NorCalF DCC Standards Distributed DCC Booster Configuration We communicate with each other using Groups.io. Participation in our group requires approval from a group moderator. If you wish to join the group, contact Gary Green at gary@regalvalley.com (Aptos) or Ed Sutorik at edwardsutorik@aol.com (Berkeley) Gary Green's Trackwork Handbook includes many of the lessons we've learned over the more than 20 years that we've been building Free-mo modules. Sample construction plans and recommendations that we have found to work very well can be found on this page: Appendix 1: Planning The M odular Signaling System (MSS) standard including information for modelers as well as developers is now available. Bridge rail recommendations developed by Gary Green have proven to be helpful in avoiding derailments. Gregg Fuhriman's Occupancy Bus Utility Board 3 (OBUB-3) is now available. At the 2011 National Train Show, we used these NTS 2011 Guidelines for the layout. We would probably use similar guidelines for any large layout that we sponsor in the future.
Photos Photos and snapshots of many of the layouts in which we've participated: (720p, full screen recommended) Aptos BarnBQ, August 31-September 2, 2019 Includes a brief look back to 1999 https://vimeo.com/358183677 Bakersfield event March 8-10, 2019 https://photos.app.goo.gl/AS1pLkaNKdvupA9z6 Aptos BarnBQ, September 1-3, 2018 https://vimeo.com/288638985 NorCalF's event June 1-3, 2018 in Clovis, CA https://vimeo.com/275187813 NorCalF's event June 2-4, 2017 in Clovis, CA https://vimeo.com/221049766 NorCalF/SoCalF layout at the 2017 SFRH&MS mini-meet, West Covina, CA https://vimeo.com/203382371 NorCalF's event May 13-15, 2016 in Clovis, CA https://vimeo.com/167470482 https://danrisdon.smugmug.com/Free-mo-Clovis-SVM-2016 NorCalF/SoCalF layout at the 2016 SFRH&MS mini-meet, West Covina, CA https://vimeo.com/154930849 NorCalF's layout at the 2015 Colfax Railroad Days https://danrisdon.smugmug.com/2015-ColfaxRRdays-Free-mo/ NorCalF's layout at the 2014 Santa Fe convention in Fresno, CA. https://vimeo.com/102294428 Michael Larson photos of 2014 layout in the San Bernardino station. https://vimeo.com/96537247 A 2013 National Train Day event in San Luis Obispo. https://vimeo.com/66213802 A San Bernardino layout at the time of the 2013 RPM meet in the station. https://vimeo.com/64918282 Snapshots of the 2011 National Train Show layout. http://garymgreen.com/national_train_show_snapshots.html On the left side menu at: garymgreen.com NorCalF: The Early Days https://vimeo.com/195907712
For comments, corrections, and additional information, contact Gary Green at gary@regalvalley.com