The idea blossomed from there. We developed standards based on Free-Mo with help from MFMR list members. Free-Mo standards allow for a more flexible design than traditional oval layouts. Design flexibility is important, since we cannot be certain which modules will be available for any particular show.

Since then, we've grown from 4 or 5 members with 15 modules - to almost 25 members, and more modules that we can count on our fingers and toes (we can't count any higher than that). One of these days, we'll have to sit down and put all of our fingers and toes together, so we can count just how many modules we do have.

Our layout gets set up at two shows in the Maritimes - the spring show in Moncton, NB and the fall show in Truro, NS. There are a few smaller shows that see a UMG layout from time to time. Our purpose in attending public shows, is to promote the hobby of model railroading and expose fellow modelers to operations on a model railroad. We will let anyone who wants to pick up a throttle, run a train, and do some switching. We do lots more talking than actual operating.

Then there is our annual RailFest event, where we find a place where we can set up the biggest layout we can put together. We've had layouts measuring over 200' from end to end. We set up these events, so that we can do some serious operating on the layout. We probably still do more talking than operating, but we operate more than we do at a public show.

Click here to visit our site.

Scott