Overhead Catenary

[Anonymous]

I model in European HO (Fleichmann, Roco in DC). I am considering installing overhead catenary to at least part of my layout to add realism for my electic locos. Only problem is I have no idea how to start with this. I know Veissmann and Sommerfelt make nice catenary products. I would love to hear if anyone has helpful hints.

Thanks!

[cacole]

Want some catenary? The Cochise & Western Model Railroad Club has a lot of Sommerfeldt products that were given to us that we can't use. If you're interested, contact me via e-mail for a list of what we have on hand.

[Anonymous]

Dave,

I modeled Marklin for years. I never liked their catenary so I scratchbuilt my own. I like the Sommerfeldt better, but it is all too heavy for my eye. I got info on how to build an American trolley type overhead at Customtraxx.com. I have posted a photo of some of my catenary below. Click on the link in my signature to see more. I was able to run Marklin trains quite sucessfully powered from this wire. Scratchbuilding catenary is not for the faint of heart, but it is not that hard either...

[Supermicha]

The best way is if you use sommerfaldt masts and scratchbuilt thin wires... Its a lot of work, but the finished arrangement looks amazing...

[ndbprr]

Like anything else the hardest part is starting. Find a local wire house. I went to Chicago Steel and Wire in Chicago when I decidedc to do catenary and asked for 400' of phos bronze wire. i was told they had a twenty dollar minimum so I said ok. The I said, " how many feet in a pound and how much per pound?". I now have enough wire to run a model railroad from Chicago to New york with catenary.