Something that would be really nice to have: Catenary Poles

[Mimbrogno]

If there's one ROW accessory I really wish for, it would be a set of catenery poles that you could clip onto the metal ties of O-31 track. It wouldn't have to be anything expensive or fancy, just a set of injection molded plastic poles with an arm extending over the track which had a clip or some attachment to hold a string of bare wire on. Place one on the center tie of every section of track, then take your wire and slip it into the clips of the poles down the track. Something like that wouldn't cost Lionel much more than those plain brown plastic telephone poles do. Double or triple track gantries would be nice also, just mold them out of two side pieces and the top bridge and you got a cheap and easy catenary. 

Wouldn't anyone else like something like this?

Matthew Imbrogno
-Mechanical Vollenteer, Arizona Railway Museum
www.azrymuseum.org 

[phillyreading]

Matthew,

Have you tried MTH trains as they already have a catenary set that you can buy and an expansion pack too.  Check the MTH website or Ready To roll trains in Miami FL  www.readytorolltrains.com

Also there was an article a while back in CTT magazine on how to make your own catenary system.

Lee F.

[Dr. John]

You might want to check this site:

steeltoys.com 

[laz 57]

JELECTRIC, just got done putting them on his layout.  Email him about them.  They do look great.

laz57

[trigtrax]

Your idea of one pole per track is exactly what I do.. The additional part of my design was a rigid conductor that also matched the track and bolted together.. This was specifically made to be a working toy to power postwar size electrics.. No way is it near scale.

Since the time I first brought out this system MTH has made one, House of Duddy has been making them forever and there is another system.  I can't remember the name but he sets up in the Brown Hall at York.

One thing you should remember about multiple track catenary is it will require absolutely parallel lines or the cross arms will need to be custom built. Current track systems are available in 4" CtoC (Ross over O-64) or 4 1/2" CtoC Atlas through it's entire line. The other option is Gargraves flex custom bent to your layout.

[basement artie]

While recently looking for an elevated subway platforn,  I came across a catenary system at www.steeltoys.com.  It looks like what you're looking for.  As i'm scrolling down through replies to your question, I just noticed that someone else has also suggested this site.  You should check it out.

Tom

[cnw1995]

I agree the thing that would make this all easier for me is to somehow have the cat pole connected to the track in some way or being able to stand-free... That's because I can't 'plant' the poles on my layout. It doesn't look like the steeltoys product does that or am I missing something.

[trigtrax]

That's because I can't 'plant' the poles on my layout. It doesn't look like the steeltoys product does that or am I missing something.

Steeltoys poles come with a rectangular base that will take 2 #6 screws to mount on the board. I think the MTH pole may have that type hook up for their Real Trax but I'm not certain.

[cnw1995]

Thanks! I just sent you an email asking about that - so perhaps I could attach them to a board I would put atop the layout.

[phillyreading]

JELECTRIC, just got done putting them on his layout.  Email him about them.  They do look great.

laz57

Laz,

Jefelectric has a reply under the coffee pot thread about putting catenary system on his layout and he used the MTH if I am correct.

Lee F.