New Catenary...pictures!

alan it looks alright but with the great layout you have i think i'd remove it as well as that train shed, then carefully pack them up and i'll send you a ups label for them. wow it looks super and the pictures have me adding to my never ending list of things i need to accomplish on my layout. 110% SUPER!!!!!!!!!!!

Great photos as usual.

Looks good, Alan.  Those Pittman poles do the job.  Will you be energizing the overhead or just using it for appearance sake?

Following Don McQuaig's article in the June/July OGR, I've also gotten a start at "hanging the overhead" but using 1/4" dowel for the line poles and Marklin catenary for the wire.  I'm also using 1/16" brass brazing rod for the bracket arms and cross supports.  I realize that the HO catenary does bring the poles a bit closer together than you might otherwise wish, but it really looks pretty good.  So far I've erected about 30' of catenary over three tracks including a number switches and over a double slip switch.

Right now I've got to quit the catenary and take care of a few track complications before continuing.   I have to replace a Gargraves switch and fix some track power feeds before I get overhead over that section. 

But I am pleased with the overall effect of the catenary.  I don't intend to actually power up the overhead because everything I run is with command control and I don't need the separation of power sources.  Going to have to take a coupla photos when I get just a bit further along with the project.

Paul Fischer

Looks great.  But I have to say, after all that work, and not one electric locomotive making use of them in any of those photos!

69nickey....thank you!!  I will be boxing everything up and sending it your way...the you pay shipping..its only $1500.00!!

Spence....Thanks so much!!

Paul...thank you!  I will be energizing them as I have already done so on one of the mainlines...

Sinclair...thanks!...and you are correct.  The Electric locos pulled through and are on the other end of the the station.

Alan

Alan, yopu have done a great job.  I am very impressed with your layout and building skills.  Fantastic job.

Nice. 

Marty...Again, thanks so much especially coming from you since there is no doubt, you are the catenary "King"!

Alan

Matt...thanks!!

Alan

Well done! Love the pics!

Peter

Peter...thanks very much!

Carl...Thanks as always my Friend...looking forward to seeing you at York!

Alan

Paul, glad you like the system. I'm finished with one section of my new layout. I have about 60 poles done for the next section. It really goes fast if you just do one thing at a time. Like to see some pictures soon. Don

Don....I really like your article too.  As a matter of fact, your article got me thinking about using my Pittman poles.  I had some extra MTH wire so I decided to try it and while I had to come up with how to attach the wire to the arms of the poles, your article inspired me to try!

Alan

Glad to hear it Alan. I think a have a few of those Pittman poles if you need anymore. Don

Hi Don...thanks!  Please contact me via my profile email....lets see what you have.

Alan

Very Nice Alan, very nice inded.

Richard

Thanks Richard...

Alan

Fantastic job! Thanks for sharing.

Alan,

Nice job!

Dave

Thank you John!!

Alan

Alan

The really nice design aspect about this catenary system is that you barely notice it until you do. A catenary system is by definition long slender hanging wires supported by simple poles. Pretty much invisible. 

The difficulty level is that you are running track in the air!.

Looks good.

A

Alan....thank you!!  I have enjoyed this sort of "kitbash"....now I am in need of MTH wire and I am willing to bet it will be nearly impossible to find.  I like the 20" lengths...

Alan

This is model train nirvana.

Alan

Does MTH have a part number? Otherwise the best I found was Marklins at 14-1/4" Marklin does have shorter insulated sections for turn-outs.

A

Alan...I don't know about the part number since the MTH parts system is a a challenge.  Can you tell me the center to center distance between the screw holes on the Marklin  wire?

Thanks,

Alan

Thanks Michael...I am about to have a "nirvana breakdown"

Alan