Telephone Poles

[traindaddy1]

I know that a lot of  the guys in that "other" forum (Model Railroader) will probably say that they do but I was wondering if the "Classic Toy Trains Forum" guys put telephone poles on their layouts and if they do, do they string lines between them or just use them for effect. 

Personally, I have tried both and have found that, while they look good with wires, on my layout, they tend to collect dust and my clumsy hands frequently knock into the wires when I reach in to do something on the layout.

I'd be interested in your observations. Thanks.

[gvdobler]

I don't understand putting telephone poles on an HO layout and not putting wires on them.  You see beautiful pictures all the time without wires.  And then they still count rivets- - makes no sense.     They do tend to turn "fuzzy" after a while.

On toy layouts the more "stuff" the better.

[otftch]

Try using beeswax on the wires.This has been done for years on model ship rigging..They will pick up a little dust but a small vacumn will pull it right off.

                                          Ed

[Jumijo]

I have telephone poles, but no wires. We have a toy-like layout. Not hi-rail.

Jim

[phillyreading]

I use fish line for wires usually 12lb. line or 25 lb. for main wires, like you stated you must be careful when trying to reach in for something.  Had an accident or two and the fish line pulled up two of my other poles as I have the telephone poles secured with green thumbtacks, have green Life Like mats for ground cover.

Lee F.

[cnw1995]

I'm forever knocking over the telegraph poles when I  have to crawl atop the layout. I did uncover a nifty tie holder I've cutting apart for trolley wire poles. I'm going to try to string at least a small section.

[nitroboy]

I use a product called "Elastic Cording" made by Westrim Crafts,  from Micheals craft stores. You can find it in the bead jewelry section. It workes great, super easy to string, and has quite a bit of give in it. I use it on my telegraph pole display I take to train shows. Very good stuff.

[jefelectric]

Dave has the right idea, I have seen his display and it looks like the way to go.  By the way, Dave also has neat poles, check out his web site.  I looked his poles over at York this year and when I am ready for poles, I will be buying his.  No I don't get a commision.

[traindaddy1]

Thanks guys.

[Buckeye Riveter]

As you can see Dave's poles have lasted a long time on the Baltimore, Ohio and Wabash Railroad.

The guy sitting at the shack is pretty old, too. 

[Sturgeon-Phish]

My layout is more toy-like and I have power poles, (Marx) but no wires.  At a later time maybe,

Jim