Northern California Free-mo
Updated November 17, 2023
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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)

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Event Schedule

Spring BarnBQ
Aptos, CA
May 10-13, 2024
Contact: Gary Green, gary@regalvalley.com

National Train Show
Long Beach, CA
August 9-11, 2024
Contact: TBD

Fall BarnBQ
Aptos, CA
September, 2024
Contact: Gary Green, gary@regalvalley.com

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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


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 Modular 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.


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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

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For comments, corrections, and additional information, contact Gary Green at gary@regalvalley.com