catenary

[NVSrr1500]

I started a simple project to build catenary for my next layout. Turned into a big research project as I have seen so many people asking the same questions. SO I have been gathering info from all over to put together an informational thing for all the different RR's cat system. With that, if you know of any Any pics, engineering plans, scans pages, docs, and such, for any railroad, send them my way please. Even PRR that isn't K brace is tough to find.

 

[RhB Michael]

I don't know that anyone would be interested in European type catenary, so I'll just add this; catenary does not curve around a curve like track. It is hung in straight sections until the curve is complete. More catenary masts are needed to keep the pan on the wire in a curve than on straight sections.

 

[Selector]

I hope I don't come across as a Debbie Downer.....but....having fiddled with several concepts of different kinds, sometimes just in my imagination, other times dabbling in it on a layout construction. catenary is one idea I feel I had to let go. I'm into my fourth layout construction, long since at the fiddling/refining stage and still adding the odd tree or structure, but I have been running trains for years on it now. I know me....well...and I have to be extremely careful not to knock over things when I'm reaching well into a layout. This means trees, utility poles, and....catenary structure. I don't intend, or desire, to be the one to dissuade you from building a catenary, but please give it some sober thought....it WILL become an impediment to your enjoyment at some point because you are almost certain to dislodge/bend/destroy part of that complex and intricate system one time...and that's all it will take. I sincerely hope I'm wrong, and I would love to see you running trains exactly as you imagine doing at present and showing me I'm mistaken.

 

[RhB Michael]

I've had catenary up for several years on an HOm portion of my layout, and a small section of standard gauge track.

I've never had any trouble with it, I thoroughly test catenary as it is installed, but it is a PITA to clean track under it. I'm still going to complete the HO portion, but I'll probably be sorry.

 

[NVSrr1500]

I hope I don't come across as a Debbie Downer.....but....having fiddled with several concepts of different kinds, sometimes just in my imagination, other times dabbling in it on a layout construction. catenary is one idea I feel I had to let go. I'm into my fourth layout construction, long since at the fiddling/refining stage and still adding the odd tree or structure, but I have been running trains for years on it now. I know me....well...and I have to be extremely careful not to knock over things when I'm reaching well into a layout. This means trees, utility poles, and....catenary structure. I don't intend, or desire, to be the one to dissuade you from building a catenary, but please give it some sober thought....it WILL become an impediment to your enjoyment at some point because you are almost certain to dislodge/bend/destroy part of that complex and intricate system one time...and that's all it will take. I sincerely hope I'm wrong, and I would love to see you running trains exactly as you imagine doing at present and showing me I'm mistaken.

I have successfully built trolley wire systems in the past. This one I am working on that has stated me off on an adventure of discovery and info gathering is for heavy electric. Yes if one doesn't plan catenary can be a problem. Almost have to "complete the scenes behind the cat before putting the cat in. Unless you haz a real catzilla. For max length, mine electrified line will be against the back of the layout along the walls so as to be the furthest back and out of the way for the hazards you referred too. I don't have a catzilla. It will run DC on a reversing circuit.