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Overhead electric lines for trolleys

Started by dieseldan, August 13, 2007, 11:10:40 PM

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dieseldan

Hi I'm a garden railroad newbie. Are there any resources on how to create overhead wires for your garden railroad trolleys?

Thanks!

the Bach-man

Dear Dan,
I think the hardest part of an outdoor overhead would be wear and tear- particularly from Mother Nature. One deer walking through...
Have fun!
the Bach-man

dieseldan

I take it most people don't worry with adding any sort of "catenary"
(look at that, I'm already throwing around jargon I don't understand!)
;)

Thanks for your VERY prompt reply by the way!

the Bach-man

Dear Dan,
Most LGB catalogs have loads of photos of European systems with often extensive overhead wiring, at least some of which is non-operating.
Have fun!
the Bach-man

dieseldan


Dennis Paulson

#5
The former German  company did make a complete catenary system that works great outside .  ;)
I operate it everyday  ,  Over 200 feet of main , overhead is POWERED .
video link of electric train powered by overhead wire  ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlLRyiF30qg

a
Also a very short video of Bachmann trolleys , but not yet converted to use overhead power  ::)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HoxhQqgjCA

Layout is elevated 3 feet . I could not do this at ground level myself .

japasha

I had catenary on my outdoor line in California. I made the wire myself from 1/16 brass wire on a home made jig. I used 1/4 inch dowel to make the supports. Very easy and not too expensive as I modeled the catenary after the Milwaukee Road in Montana. Simple yet very reliable I still have the jigand some unused pieces.

dieseldan

Japasha,
Would you mind posting a photo of your supports?
(alternately, feel free to e-mail me one at [email protected] )
I'd be very interested in seeing your final scratch built product.
"The former German company" just ain't what they used to be, and would have been too expensive for me, anyway.


Thanks,
--dan