Construction Tips

Corners with 24" endplates. Disadvantage - large size. Advantage - makes for a smoother layout with less breaks in the scenery. 

Corners with 12" endplates. Disadvantage - creates a disjointed layout. Advantage - small size.

This design, with a 2x2 leg held in place as shown, has proven to be stable and easy to build.

It is recommended to have horizontal braces between the legs for stability. Note the screws have all been countersunk. The holes that might show will be filled and sanded smooth. 

Also notice that the Endplate is 12" on the edges but 6" tall in the center for clamping as required in the Free-moN standards. 

Louisville Standards call for a 12" facia made of 1/4 hardboard. It is suggested to use screws and ferrules for a clean look. The endplate should also extend 12" to support the facia.  

In this example, the facia also extends above the module for an inch or so to allow for cutting in contours to match scenery. 

Note the the wood top has been lowered to allow for conturing below track level. 

Louisville Standards call for late summer scenery typical of the Central Kentucky (Louisville) area. Make sure to check out all the Louisville Standards for scenery so that your module will match the rest. 

The final 6" near the Endplates should be level and free of most scenery, except for static grass. We require a Silflor static grass blend of 2 part Autumn to 1 part Late Summer shall be applied to the last 6 inches of the module to the extent practical, depending upon other scenery elements and structures. This blend is also recommended for other grassy areas at either 2 millimeter and/or 4 millimeter sizes. Other late summer blends of ground foam and other materials may also be used. 

On the left is the Main Line. Track extends to the edge and is centered on the Endplate. The last 4 inches must be straight and level. 

NOTE: THE METHOD OF CUTTING BACK THE SECONDARY TRACK IS NOT THE CURRENT STANDARD. SEE THE Free-moN STANDARDS FOR NEW DETAILS.  On the right is a Secondary Line. Track is cut back 3/4" from the Endplate. The ties are sanded smooth and sectional track is glued to a 1/8" thick section of wood. Rail sections 1 1/2" long will be placed over the Endplate to connect 2 Secondary Lines. 

The Louisville Standards require Scenic Express #50 Light Gray Ballast Natural Stone Aggregate for all Main Line track and any Secondary track that crosses an endplate. Rustoleum Camo Earth Brown in a spray can  is the color required for Main and Secondary track. Other track can be painted and ballasted at the discretion of the modeler. 

It is critical to have reliable and "clean" electrical work. Note the separation of the Main Bus Lines. Blue Point Switch Machines are recommended. 

Safely storing a module must be a consideration.