Driftless Free-mo

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Nestled in the rolling bluffs and valleys of the Driftless Region, our Free‑mo group brings together model railroaders who share a passion for modular creativity, technical precision, and regional storytelling. We build and operate Free‑mo modules that reflect both the rugged beauty of our landscape and the rich railroading heritage of the Upper Mississippi Valley.

Our mission is simple: connect hobbyists across La Crosse, Winona, and beyond through collaborative layouts, public exhibitions, and a welcoming community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or just curious about modular railroading, Driftless Free‑mo offers a place to learn, share, and celebrate the joy of trains—one module at a time.

Recent News

Home Creek and Cedar Creek Module Frames

Home Creek and Cedar Creek Module Frames

Before moving away from Zimmerman and taking a break from Free-mo, I had built a couple of drop deck module frames mostly from some left over material. These only got to the basic framing and then have sat in storage for almost 3 years. A conversation today with John Z. from Minnesota made me hankering to get them out of the shed and see if they can be used for the Homer Creek and Cedar Creek modules. They were a little dirty from storage and had a bit of mildew on them, but they are cleaning up nicely. Since these were constructed entirely from Baltic Birch plywood which even 3 years ago was quite expensive, I really want to make use of them.

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Homer Creek Bridge Construction

Homer Creek Bridge Construction

Lamoille, MN. - The Walther's bridge kits arrived this morning so I wasted very little time beginning on this project. This is a unique bridge in that it has a low middle girder rather than a standard height girder between the tracks. I cut down the center girder provided in the kit and modified the rest of the parts to fit this new smaller girder.
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New Free‑mo Group Forms in Driftless Region

New Free‑mo Group Forms in Driftless Region

LAMOILLE, MN. — A new chapter in model railroading is taking shape along the Mississippi River bluffs. Local hobbyists have announced the formation of Driftless Free‑mo, a group dedicated to building and operating modular layouts that follow the national Free‑mo standards.

The collective, based in the Driftless Region near La Crosse and Winona, aims to bring together railroad enthusiasts who value both technical precision and creative storytelling. By adhering to Free‑mo’s open‑ended modular system, members can design layouts of any length or shape, all while ensuring compatibility with groups across the country. This flexibility allows the Driftless Free‑mo Collective to host regional meets and participate in larger exhibitions.

Organizers say the group’s modules will highlight the unique geography and railroading heritage of the Upper Mississippi Valley. “We want our layouts to reflect the spirit of the Driftless Region,” one founding member explained. “It’s about honoring local history while connecting with a national community of builders.”

Driftless Free‑mo invites interested hobbyists to join the conversation through its Facebook page and Discord server, where updates, project discussions, and event announcements are shared. With its launch, the group hopes to foster collaboration, inspire new builders, and showcase the enduring appeal of railroading in miniature.

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Driftless Free-mo