Free-mo Frequently Asked Questions for the Supplement for Industrial Modules (FAQ)

Index

This page is under development.

This page has FAQs for the Industrial Standards. The main Standards and each of the Supplements has its own FAQ page.

1.0 Introduction

FAQ-IM-S1.2 “Last Mile Railroading”– These are not for running trains through scenery but for doing operations in. But rather than a distinct or separate standard, this standard works with Mainline and Branchline just as the leaves, branches and trunk of a tree work together. That is the mainline and branchlines move cars out to the industry module(s). The industries can be clustered together, strung along or as multiple separate places along a mainline or branchline anywhere there is a junction.

The narrower width brings the operator closer to the action, while the smaller rail and tighter curves are more representational of last mile railroading especially for earlier eras vs present day. The standard does not negate the ability or interest in industry spurs off of the main or branch lines but serves to offer a more restrictive environment modeling more restrictive prototype locations.

2.0 Frame and Legs

FAQ-IM-S2.12.1 It is the responsibility of the module owner with the pins to provide some mechanism, removable pins. Popular and choices are a one-inch “adapter” module to cover the pins or a larger adapter module of any size. S&SS has in the past used a 1″ thick adapter module to mate with Free-mo. Basically it’s just two pieces of plywood laminated together to form a 1x6x24 (or 26) solid hunk of wood with holes to slide over the pins, some scenery, roadbed and ties. 2″ fitter rails fit right on it to mate to the modules on either side. An adapter module is a better choice over removable pins. Removable pins inevitably lead to greater tolerances and sloppiness of the holes and pins, defeating their purpose of the pins. (See FAQ-IM-RP3.7.1)

3.0 Track

FAQ-IM-RP-3.7 The success of a pin and hole system requires a very high degree of precision when drilling the holes. Speed-mo has developed a drilling template and process on how to accurately place the holes in relation to the track. Use of this template and process is highly recommended. The process must be followed very precisely; it is recommended that the first few times you get assistance from someone with experience using the template.

The correct implementation of the Speed-mo standard will result in two 1″ OD pins and two 1″ holes on the module end plate for aligning modules. The hole and pin centers are placed in reference to top of the rail, not the top of the module. The hole-centers and pin-centers shall both be 2″ down from the head (top) of the rail (not the top of the module). The pin-centers shall be at 10″ to the left and 5″ to the right of the center line of the track. The hole-centers shall be 5″ to the left and 10″ to the right of the center line of the track. On an 18″ wide module the 10″ right hole and 10″ left pin are not used, they are off the end of the module. 

Here is a video from G.W. Campbell posted 2/27/2026 on how to use the Speed-mo Template.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOO-MD9l7CM

FAQ-IM-RP3.7.1 If you build and use 1″ adapter modules. The 1″ adapter is designed to use 1″ fitter rails between the two Industrial Modules or 2″ fitter rails between an Industrial Module and a Main or Branch Module. Your Industrial Module must be able to accommodate metal and/or insulated rail joiners.

4.0 Wiring

5.0 Control

6.0 Scenery

7.0 Glossary

8.0 Revision History

  • 2026-08-11 The FAQ page is under development. The IM Supplement has been released the the general Free-mo community. As questions about the standard come up, FAQs are being added to explain them.