Comments on: A Free-Mo Experience http://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/2009/12/16/a-free-mo-experience/ A hobby journey with Eric Hansmann. Sun, 01 Aug 2010 06:18:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.1 By: Eric http://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/2009/12/16/a-free-mo-experience/#comment-711 Eric Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:30:58 +0000 http://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/2009/12/16/a-free-mo-experience/#comment-711 Thanks for your comments Stuart. After witnessing the set up and operation of the Free-Mo layout, I would agree on using fitter rails at all cross-module rail connections. I had contemplated using a butt joint on my proposed non-Free-Mo standard module interfaces. The fitter rails can offer a bit more leeway when the modules are joined together. Yes, it can be a pain installing the fitter rails on four to eight tracks crossing from one module to the other, but the probability of consistent operation across that span should be greater than if rails just ended at the module end with the hope that they line up correctly (each time) with the rails on the next module. I'm eager to begin construction on a set of Free-Mo modules this spring. - Eric Thanks for your comments Stuart. After witnessing the set up and operation of the Free-Mo layout, I would agree on using fitter rails at all cross-module rail connections. I had contemplated using a butt joint on my proposed non-Free-Mo standard module interfaces. The fitter rails can offer a bit more leeway when the modules are joined together. Yes, it can be a pain installing the fitter rails on four to eight tracks crossing from one module to the other, but the probability of consistent operation across that span should be greater than if rails just ended at the module end with the hope that they line up correctly (each time) with the rails on the next module. I’m eager to begin construction on a set of Free-Mo modules this spring.

- Eric

]]> By: Stuart Brorson http://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/2009/12/16/a-free-mo-experience/#comment-710 Stuart Brorson Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:50:58 +0000 http://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/2009/12/16/a-free-mo-experience/#comment-710 Eric, thanks for posting this. I enjoyed operating with you in Syracuse. I agree with everything you say above. As for your "don't skimp" point, hear hear! One thing I would add is: Although the Free-mo specs don't require it on an intra-module joint, it's a good idea to use the 2" fitter rails instead of butt joints. Butt joints always have a way of going out of true alignment as the module ages, experiences time, temperature and humidity changes, etc. Fitter rails overcome mis-aligned tracks. I still need to type up my thoughs and post them. Thanks for posting yours! Stuart Eric, thanks for posting this. I enjoyed operating with you in Syracuse.

I agree with everything you say above. As for your “don’t skimp” point, hear hear!

One thing I would add is: Although the Free-mo specs don’t require it on an intra-module joint, it’s a good idea to use the 2″ fitter rails instead of butt joints. Butt joints always have a way of going out of true alignment as the module ages, experiences time, temperature and humidity changes, etc. Fitter rails overcome mis-aligned tracks.

I still need to type up my thoughs and post them. Thanks for posting yours!

Stuart

]]> By: Eric http://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/2009/12/16/a-free-mo-experience/#comment-673 Eric Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:04:56 +0000 http://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/2009/12/16/a-free-mo-experience/#comment-673 Yes Monday was a sleep-in day, for sure. It was all worth it. - E Yes Monday was a sleep-in day, for sure. It was all worth it.

- E

]]> By: Steve Raque http://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/2009/12/16/a-free-mo-experience/#comment-672 Steve Raque Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:00:41 +0000 http://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/2009/12/16/a-free-mo-experience/#comment-672 Eric, nice post. Sounds like you were dragging on Monday morning! Eric, nice post. Sounds like you were dragging on Monday morning!

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