I have just purchased the Acela Express have decided that I will draw my power from the track instead of over head.
I do however wish to simulate the over head posts and wiring for the Acela.
Can anyone tell me how to build the masts and does anyone have pics or a scaled diagram of their masts perhaps.
Regards.
Ryan
Ryan - I suspect that unless you are a rather accomplished scratchbuilder, or have the funds necessary to purchase some of the etched brass catenary mast kits, that you are going to encounter significant difficulty in building catenary structures with any similarity to those typically found in the part of the country where the Acela operates.
Rough do-it-yourself versions might be created from Model Engineering girder parts with a great deal of cutting, fitting and gluing, ending up some rather delicate models. Or you could purchase the outstanding etched brass flat kits from Model Memories (see my photos on that site) that require considerable shaping and soldering. They can aso be purchased readymade but this would be a very costly approach. Either way, it's not a job for anyone but the really experienced hobbyist.
CNJ831
Model Memories makes PRR-style and New Haven-style Northeast Corridor catenary masts in HO:
You may be able to use their diagrams and product photos to help you scratchbuild.
Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.
I would suggest that you go to the PRRT&HS web site and sign up to receive the Keystone modeler for free. Andy Rubio did a three part series with two parts in 2007 and one in March, 2008 about replicating PRR catenary. Unfortunately I have no way of sending these issues. They are no longer on the web site either as space is limited but they should be coming out on DVD soon, He made his own from various shapes available which can save a large amount of money. Like anythingfelse in the hobby it is hard until you start and gets easier with time and experience.
I rather suspect that Ryan is on the youngish side, and therefore, probably non too flush with money. Considering the amount of "Erector Set" risers needed for an appreciable run, he may want to put the idea aside for a bit. It is a great objective, though. There are more "motor Modellers" around than one might think!
Oh, by the way; another young man, A.C.Gilbert by handle, got the idea for his "Erector Set" from watching the catenery risers as he sent on his daily commute to and from New York City on the New Haven viaduct.
Yellowjacket EF-3
Ryan, I have built many catenary masts by hand using components that you can find in your local home depot and Micheals and its low cost. Model Memories stuff is nice but it is expensive If you need allot of it ,But if you have limited modelling skills or dont have the time it might be the way to go. One thing is about Model Memories PRR catenary it is generic K braced type and Prototypical PRR catenary is not generic. There are many styles. Visit my site PRRnortheastcorridor.com for catenary Info. Check out the links section for people who are modeling the NEC. Andy Rubbo's catenary is the best but he doesn't have much on the internet. See this link for a catenary construction booklet by Bill Kachel
http://kc.pennsyrr.com/model/downloads/catenary.pdf
Steve Smith 1:1 Railroad Architect 1:87 Railroad Architect Certified PRR foamer
Visit www.prrnortheastcorridor.com
Movies http://www.youtube.com/user/ac0catenary
Live DCC catenary in Ho scale
Urban/City Modeler
A Real Juice Jack .. IF its not electric Its not running on my layout.
I Recently rebuilt my catenary support system switching from a 17 year old plastic catenary tower system which I built when I was 16-18 to a brass pole type. The plastic system just fell apart after 15 years. BTW the catenary is live and DCC
These are the Home Depot made PRR Catenary Poles/spans with beads from Micheals before they were painted.
3d printed catenary poles are available through Shapeways designed by myself
They are designed to support a functional metal catenary system see link
http://www.shapeways.com/shops/designdyne
some types below ..
PRR K braced Catenary pole 4 tracks
PRR lattice signal catenary
PRR signal beam bridge 4 track
PRR curved catenary Structures 4 tracks
PRR interlocking catenary Structure
printed samples
ac_catenary:
What you have done with 3D printing is really great! Makes me wish I was modelling electric trains.
I would point out that the thread you responded to was started in 2009. There is absolutely nothing wrong with bringing up an older thread, but you might not get responses from the people who posted seven years ago.
Please understand that I'm not trying to be critical.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I think that's the best application of 3D printing that I've seen so far. Very nice job.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.