FREMO

Modulesystem H0(europe) 1/87

H0(europa) is the oldest modular system of the FREMO. Therefore you will find several variations and versions side by side, which are technically compatible.
The narrow gauges H0m and H0e are connected to the standard gauge by interchange stations.

The general recommendations about layout, materials and construction of a module shall apply. On this page only deviations and special issues are discussed.

Theme

Standard gauge single track, non electrified branch line with the corresponding signalisation.
The vast majority prefers to model German prototype (Deutsche Bundesbahn oder private roads) between 1960 and 1980, but other prototypes and timeframes are possible (Bavarian State Railways, SNCF, NS etc.). Now the last months of the 'Deutsche Reichsbahn' the state railway of the GDR attract some interest.
The season is summer.

Endprofiles

Our Modules were originally defined as branchline at the edge of a mountain ridge. The corresponding profile ist the 'classic' profile "B", which was copied and amended by several other clubs. It is still used at the majority of the modules. The current versions are B'88 resp '96, which are destinguished by the different height only.

In order to represent their typical 'polder' landscape, our Dutch friends have developed a special profile, that shows a dam with two wide ditches running parallel to the right of way. This profile was named E'90.

The third profile variantion is named F'96. It is completely flat on the surface and the builder has the option to model a small ditch.

The drawings of the endprofiles are available in .pdf format, which can be viewed with the Acrobat-Reader.
[Profile B'96] [Profile E'96] [Profile F'96]

Colours and landscape

At the edge of the modules the surface should be 'gras'.
The outer frames should be painted brown (RAL 8011) or gray (RAL 7001). (We had a lot of discussions abouth this point and we leave it open for the time beeing).
The endpanels should be painted at the top inch and on all surfaces, that might be visible if combined with other profiles in a camouflage pattern of green, brown and black. So an unavoidable break in the scenery is not so obvious.

Height above the floor

The standard height of the railtops above the floor surface is 1300 mm (about 51.2").

Supporting legs

Every module should stand independently on its own legs. The construction is up to the builder.

Tracks

We prefer tracks with smaller profiles, but on older modules there are still code 100 rails in use and tolerated.

We recommend (for the european market !) the following products:
Pilz-Elite (Code83) or Peco Streamline finescale (Code75), because on this tracks wheelsets according to NMRA RP-25 and according to NEM can be used.
Code70 tracks (NMRA RP-15.1) are accepted as well, but sometimes wheelsets according to NEM 310 are not running properly on these tracks.
Handlaid tracks and turnouts are allowed as well, as long as RP-25 wheelsets can use them without problems.

minimum radii and frog angles

The minimal radius of the tracks is 1000 mm (about 40''). In stations the main tracks should use much broader radii. On switching tracks you should not go below 700 mm, the minimum frog should be a #6.
These standards are also valid on hidden tracks !

rolling stock

All rolling stock has to be fitted with couplings according NEM 360.
Short coupling are only allowed on cars, which will not be separated during operation. (Passenger cars do not fall necessarely into this categorie !).

Official Standard

The official Standard is available as .pdf file (In German language only).