UK FREMO group standards

Version 1, 2021-05-30

This document lists a few of the things we’ve agreed, either explicitly or through convention. They’re based on experience and consideration of what will make our meetings as enjoyable as possible for everyone

Module scenic standards

In general people can choose whatever materials, textures and colours they want, within the overall H0-RE specification (available on the FREMO web site).

To assist in making smooth transitions between modules it helps if the scenery at module ends harmonises. Therefore we have agreed the modules we produce will adhere to the following in the area from the end of the module up to about 20mm in.

Ballast: Gaugemaster GM114 granite ballast 00 [in fact, a Noch product].

Grass: Woodland Scenics FS614 medium green static grass, any length.

Module sides and ends should be painted silver-grey RAL 7001.

Setting: time and place

There is no restriction on the choice of prototype for modules, but we have focused on West Germany between 1960 and 1970. Modules tend to include some hilly landscape, but without a strong indication of region. The understanding is that all module track layouts will be right-hand running with German signalling appropriate to this period. 

Rolling stock

The choice of time period has the following implications: three front lights on locos; DB ‘Keks’ logo even on many steam locos; some computer numbers, especially on wagons and coaches; fewer steam locos; many railbuses and multiple units; no third-class coaches; few blue coaches; plentiful single-wagonload traffic. This time period depicting the transition from steam to diesel traction is very popular, which means it’s perhaps the easiest when it comes to finding models either new or second hand

Practical maximum length of trains

The rule of thumb is 5 × 26.4m coaches and a 4-6-2 or 2-10-0 tender loco. This equates to a length of just under 1800mm. You will not be able to run trains longer than this because our stations, loops and fiddleyards cannot all take anything longer. Using shorter coaches may fit 6 into 1800mm and allow the impression of a longer train