There's some discussion on parts availability and construction, along with a few photos, on page 5 and 6 here:
bigbluetrains.com/forum/viewtopic.
Wayne
Here's a couple of meaningful "lookemups":
Bill Kachel's PDF of modeling PRR Catenary
Bill Kachel's YouTube of PRR Catenary
AC Catenary's 15 YouTubes of Downtown Philadelphia
PRR Electric Prototypes at Dave's New Railpix
Trolleyville Schoolhouse for all-around traction ideas
P.S.: Prototype PRR Catenary is composed of 2 parts: The catenary itself, and; the "higher" electric transmission lines (why the prototype seems so high). Not every catenary support necessarily has the higher electric transmission lines.
Another good catenary tutorial is Alex Postpischil's "Hanging Trolley Wire & Catenary in N Scale" at East Penn Traction Club's PDF Library. Don't let the 'N Scale' throw you off as this tutorial covers a lot you just don't see everywhere such as catenary pole placement.
Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956
Thanks everybody for the great replies. I am definitely encouraged by your comments. I am actually a John Allen type modeler. In other words, good enough is good enough. But I'm fascinated by the idea of "virtual" catenary. Maybe just put up poles and stuff but leave the wire out for now. I have seen the model catenary work at the PRR Museum and that's one of the things that scared me off. It looks intricate but complicated to build and yes, it was in rather bad shape. I don't want to create a maintainance chore that I can't handle.
At the RR museum of Pennsylvania they have a very cool HO layout- with catenary. Talking to the volunteers, the catenary was actually usable at one time- for powering the GG-1's and other catenary locos. Problem was it was fragile, and quickly broke.
Whatever is was they used, they had it weathered to the green-oxidised copper that the real catenary looks like.
What you want to use to model catenary depends on how accurate you want to be. You could go the full nine yards, with powered catenary like the example mentioned above, or you could go cheap and just use thread as the stand-in catenary.
A light-green (copper-colored) thread is probably what I would use, and it's only a couple of dollars for 100 yards of the stuff, too. But what you want is up to you, have fun!
I share your interest in modeling catenary but for several reasons I haven't made the plunge.
I run some heavy electrics, E-33s, GG1s, Metroliners and MP-54s and my favorites, the Cleveland Union Terminal P-1a. Availability is one negative factor, but I would be interested in some of the Model Memories examples. Their New Haven style lattice towers somewhat resemble the unique Cleveland catenary tower structures.
Stringing wire over the entire layout would not be very practical for me with probably 1200 "route feet" of track to cover but what I would like to make is a catenary "module" that I could place over sections of the main line for photo-ops then remove it during regular operations. Presently, it can be pretty frustrating trying to access some areas of the trackage without the added encumbrance of delicate wire strung up overhead.
The PRR T&HS excellent TKM Magazine ran a series some time ago about fabricating realistic brass catenary back in issues #50; 51; 52 & 56.
http://www.prrths.com/Keystone%20Modeler/Keystone_Modeler_PDFs/TKM%20Issues%20Index.pdf
Scroll down to structures.
http://www.prrths.com/newprr_files/newPRRKeystoneModeler.htm
You can get a CD with these issues on it pretty reasonably. As I recall the articles were very detailed and the resulting models were beautiful.
A modeler named Andy Rubbo has recreated a fantastic layout of the electrified zone.
http://mrr.trains.com/videos/user-videos/2012/10/andy-rubbos-ho-scale-pennsylvania-rr-new-york-division
Have fun, Ed
I run a broad spectrum of 1500VDC motors and (heavy) EMU - under catenary that isn't really there. Taking a leaf from the Japanese modeling practices book, I've opted for modeled support structure (rotary converter building, transformer yard, support poles and bridges) but no actual wire over the tracks - which include a puzzle palace of double slips at the Down end of Tomikawa.
Reason #1 - Scale-size contact and catenary wires would be about #30 (in 1:80 scale) - too light to power my open frame monstermotors and very sensitive to mishandling.
Reason #2 - I seldom have tracking or derailment problems, but if I put a spiderweb over the most complex track on the railroad Murphy would come out to play in a heartbeat. Even a one-truck derailment under prototypically correct catenary would be an adventure.
Actually, if you stand on a hillside about 150 meters away from the right of way, the catenary wires are one step removed from invisible (but they will show up to ruin your carefully-composed prototype photo...)
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with virtual catenary)
Bill,
Catenary is pretty cool!! You really have only a few options. The main factor is how much you value scale accuracy. If you are talking PRR prototype and you want accurate, fine scale, it will cost you. You can scratch build some parts and assemble your own masts and wire assemblies but most of the materials are pricey. Masts are mostly etched brass kits.
Another option is to go with close enough. Viessmann and Sommerfeldt are European suppliers providing models of mostly European Equipment. The wires are comparatively easy to set up but are oversize in terms of scale accuracy and are not PPR prototype. There are some other suppliers that offer materials to build overhead but it won’t be exactly in the PPR prototype style.
I ran Marklin using their overhead system for many years. When it came time to build overhead wires for my last layout, I looked into the other suppliers offerings, but in the end, I chose to scratch build an American trolley wire style to get the fine scale look that I was seeking. Building it was pretty fussy and more than aggravating at points, but man did it look cool. I was very happy with it, even if it was as far away from the prototype practice as you can get.
I think overhead wires are definitely worth building, regardless of the approach you take.
Your mileage may vary,
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
There's DIY and Kalmbach published at least one book on traction modeling that included instructions on building it. There were several articles in the 70s timeframe I vaguely recall with the MR Archive could be useful.
And there are (were?) at least a few US suppliers for various products to build with. Here's one.
http://www.modelmemories.com/hocat.htm
You'll likely find a lot of ideas by at least looking at the various European suppliers, where modeling electric lines is common. There are some differences between US and European practices, but YMMV in terms of what works to your eyes.
This is a sampling of various Euro and other items, but not that several scales are mixed together, assuming we're talking HO here.
http://www.hobbylinc.com/cgi-bin/s8.cgi?cat_s=UU&tag0_i=1406
Sommerfeldt is a big name in European catenary:
http://www.eurorailhobbies.com/sommerfeldt.asp
Viessman is another:
https://www.reynaulds.com/catalog/dept_374.aspx
If you want cheap, then you're talking DIY. Wire overhead wasn't cheap for the prototype. Modeling it involves a lot of fiddly little bits, produced in limited quantities, so bargains will be few and far between I suspect.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
I've spent many years, decades actually, modeling DL&W and EL, but have recently developed an interest in PRR electric operations, especially the GG1. I have collected a couple engines but am totally intimidated by the thought of building catenary. Anyone have experience? Where to find affordable products, etc. Thanks - Bill