Free-mo N

I'd been thinking of making my layout as a set of Ntrak modules (even went so far as to buy their booklets) but didn't want the whole three mainlines thing. I then decided to do the garage as one big shelf, but I haven't been working on it. Also, I've been growing concerned that it's not flexible: when we move, if I want to try modeling another area, etc., I'm stuck. I read about European Freemo and was intrigued, and heard about it being done in the US (but with an extra hyphen: Free-mo). It's a nice concept: specify the ends, so modules fit together, specify good track standards, and leave the rest up to the modeler. It's designed more for operation than display -- while Ntrak has 3 main lines with lots of action, Free-mo has a single main line (usually), and the European groups sometimes just rent out a large room for an operating session just for operators. They do have displays, however: I remember seeing a multi-legged centipede of a layout at a model railroad show that in retrospect probably was a Free-mo layout. There are both HO and N scale standards. The standards include scenery standards to keep modules consistent (no Mojave desert module sitting next to autumn in New Hampshire). However, I'd like to do winter scenery, so it won't be Free-mo compatible. This isn't a criticism of the Free-mo standard -- I think their scenery standard makes sense, just not what I want to do for my home layout [they also prohibit Peco code 55 track and turnouts (wrong tie spacing), which I've already invested in]. However, I will adopt basically their standards for everything else (track feeders 24 gauge or bigger, bus wire 12 gauge, butt joints between modules) -- if experts hash out the best way to do something, it's a good idea to go with that absent other information.

Elevation profiles

Looking at Google Maps API for a different project, came across a demo map that lets you enter a route and then it will plot elevation along that route. The path between the two or more points can be direct (straight line) or along optimal road, bike, or walking paths (not rail). Since rail lines and road lines, especially highways, follow similar routes, this can be a handy thing for estimating the elevation profile (and thus locations of potential helper districts and other slope-based features) along a prototype or freelanced rail route. Here is a screenshot showing the elevation profile from Sacramento, CA, to Reno, NV, which goes through Donner Pass.