Track Height Tool
When setting up Free-mo modules one of the most important and hardest things to do is level all the modules. In reality "level" is not the goal, "planar" is the real goal. We want all the modules in a plane. We want the track to be aligned in all three axis. The Free-mo community uses many different methods to achieve this. The basic is to measure the distance from the floor to the top of the rail at the end of the module. Experience shows that this does not work well because floors are not flat (planar). The next progression was to use a 24" level on the module to make the entire layout "level". This works well but, you cannot compare one module with another module on the other side of the room except for measuring height off the floor, and we already know floors are not flat or planar. This means you have to start at one point in the setup and work out from there.
The solution we use is a rotating laser level. We setup a rotating laser level in the middle of the room and measure the height of the top of the rail off the laser. This works well and allows you to level modules on different sides of the room at the same time. The trouble is measuring the distance from the laser beam to the top of the rail. We have used everything from a stick painted white with a line drawn on it where the beam should be to a piece of a yard stick.
I developed the Track Height Tool based on a surveyor's cut / fill rod. It has two parts, a stick and a cart. The stick has graduations on it to help set the carts on multiple sticks to the same height off the track. The cart has a zero mark and graduation in 1/16 of an inch increments both positive and negative. Once the cart is zeroed you can directly read the laser and see if the module needs to move up or down and how far it needs to move.
It comes in raw wood, unassembled. The images here are of a assembled unit with a clear spray finish on it.
Ordering
To place an order send an email to orders@prawndesigns.com . Include a list of what you want to order (Part Number and Description) and your shipping address. We will get back to you with an estimate of when we will have your order is ready to ship and shipping costs.
Some items are available in the Prawn Designs Etsy Store.
Please read the Laser Cutting and Engraving FAQ page for details on laser cutting and engraving side effects.
| Part Number | Title and Description | Price | Image |
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Track Tools |
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PD-21001PD-21017PD-21018 |
Free-mo Fitter Rail ToolThe fitter rail gap measuring tool and fitter rail cutting guide. Used to help measure and cut in 1/16 inch increments. I make the Fitter Rail Tool in with three different step sizes.
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$8.00 |
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PD-21057 |
Free-mo Fitter Rail Box KitThis is a kit to make a box to hold fitter rails. There are 9 slots for the 9 sizes of fitter rails measured with a fitter rail too. Specify if you want the engraving for 0.0625", 0.040", or 1.0mm fitter rail size steps. This is a kit and has to be assembled. |
$30.00 |
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PD-21004 |
HO Double Track 2" Spacing ToolThis is a tools to help space your tracks exactly 2" on center. It is made from clear acrylic so that you can see the track as you are putting them down. There are two large holds to allow you to spike the inner rail. There is a line at the 1" set back point for Free-mo module ends. Not using 2" spacing, other spacing availible on request. |
$6.00 |
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PD-21015 |
Free-mo Track Height ToolThe Track Height Tool has two parts, a stick and a cart. The stick has graduations on it to help set the carts on multiple sticks to the same height off the track. The cart has a zero mark and graduation in 1/16 of an inch increments both positive and negative. Once the cart is zeroed you can directly read the laser and see if the module needs to move up or down and how far it needs to move. |
$13.00 |
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PD-212?? |
Track Laying Guides CurvesTrack Layout Guide for standard gauge track. February 2025 Part Numbers for all Track Guides were updated.
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$5.00 Each |
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PD-213?? |
Track Laying Guides CurvesTrack Layout Guide for standard gauge track. February 2025 Part Numbers for all Track Guides were updated.
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$5.00 Each |
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PD-221??
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Track Laying Guides EasementsTrack Layout Guide for standard gauge track. February 2025 Part Numbers for all Track Guides were updated. Easement for short equipment 8"
Easement for long equipment 12"
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$5.00 Each |
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PD-21201 |
Mainline Track Layout Guide SetMainline Track Layout Guide Set is a set of Track Layout Guides to cover most needs in an HO standard gauge mainline layout. It includes three different length straights, 14 curves from 24" to 50", and 5 different easements. February 2025 Part Numbers for all Track Guides were updated. Curves
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$60.00 |
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PD-21100 |
Free-mo Module End Plate Rail Protector Single TrackThe Module End Plate Rail Protector clamps or screws onto the last module in the line to help protect the rail from snaging and to help keep cars from rolling off the end of the module. |
$4.00 |
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PD-21101 |
Free-mo Module End Plate Rail Protector Double TrackThe Module End Plate Rail Protector clamps or screws onto the last module in the line to help protect the rail from snaging and to help keep cars from rolling off the end of the module. |
$4.00 |
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