I model a railroad called the Sacramento Northern, a northern California short line that started out as an electric interurban railroad (actually two electric interurbans--long story) and converted from electric to diesel over a period of nearly 20 years. Staring in 2005 I began a sectional around-the-room layout based on SN operations in Sacramento, building one or two sections at a time.
Up until now, I have modeled only the "diesel" period--roughly 1953-1965. I'm a fan of small switching locomotives, so this suited me fine--my roster includes GE 44 and 70 tonners, a S1 and an SW7, in SN and Western Pacific livery (WP owned the line from the 1920s until its absorption into UP.) The only time electrics made an appearance was as a "deadhead move"--a non-functional steeplecab (which was still operating in Marysville/Yuba City until 1965) is moved to the north end of the layout, and dragged via diesel to the Western Pacific interchange so it can be serviced at the WP Jeffery Shops (who fixed the SN's electrics after the closure of the original Chico shops.) But I had always planned to model the "transition era" between 1946 and 1953, when both electric locomotives and diesels operated on the SN's industrial freight belt in Sacramento, sharing some trackage with another electric-turned-diesel railroad Central California Traction, and doing lots of interchange/bridge traffic with WP and Southern Pacific.
So, at some point, it became time to put up poles. This was a bit daunting to me, and I put it off for years because once poles are up, working on scenery is much more difficult. Generally, articles and books on trolley modeling tell the reader to finish modeling the road surface first! The motivating factor became the purchase of a nice Suydam model of a SN "Niles" combine, and the SN's most beautiful (in my opinion) parlor car, the Bidwell. I also got a Baldwin-Westinghouse steeplecab in the deal: it runs a little roughly but is reliable enough to put into freight service. They are all wired for two-rail operation, so I can certainly run them without poles, but having seen a few streetcar/interurban railroads over the past few years, at least having poles up adds something.
Cost was the other daunting part. Buying pre-made free-standing trolley poles starts at about $5 each, and I would need an average of two poles per linear foot of track. But the poles are basically brass rod, so I built myself a few tools to quickly churn out HO scale poles--at least the simple free-standing ones. (I bought a few poles with hangers for $2 each a few years back and have been waiting to use them for something!)
Parts list:
1/8" brass rod (in 12" or 36" lengths)
Nickel-silver trolley wire (I got mine from George Huckaby of CustomTraxx)
Small red beads (approx. 1/16", reddish-brown with a hole in the middle) from my wife's jewelry-crafts drawer (thanks hon!) for insulators
2 scraps of 2x4 lumber, 6" long
1 piece 1/2" MDF scrap
2 wood screws
Here are the tools. First is a chunk of 2x4 cut to the length of one pole (6 inches), with a 1/8" wide channel routed out of it, crossed with index lines at the wire level and ground level. I stick a 12" length of 1/8" brass rod in the jig, cut it in half with razor saw or Dremel, and make a notch at wire level (to give a very secure channel so the wire doesn't wiggle on the pole) and at ground level (for an easy index mark to ensure the pole is at the proper depth.)
Second is a painting jig: the other chunk of 2x4 with a dozen or so 1/8" holes in it, just there to hold the poles while painting and keep them handy during installation. I paint the poles with flat gray primer and then a coat of Roof Brown to model the creosoted poles SN used.
Third is a measuring tool, based on patterns in Kalmbach's Traction Guidebook and Suydam's Interurban Modeling Handbook. Cut out of scrap MDF (my roadbed is MDF so I typically have a bunch of it laying around), this jig helps me position trolley poles and wire height, and while an NMRA measuring tool provides the same dimensions, because the measuring tool is a half-inch thick it is free-standing so I can use both hands to adjust things. The screws provide index points for the span wire (that goes from pole to pole) and trolley wire (which hangs from the span wire on a hanger.)
(Poles ready to be painted)
Once the poles are cut and painted, I drilled 1/8" holes into the MDF layout surface (I started with my yard, since the scenery is already complete) and slide in the poles to the height indicated by the lower notch on the pole. I use the measuring jig to more precisely line up the upper notch with the height where the span wire should be. MDF has enough "grab" to prevent the poles from moving, so I haven't glued them in place.
The span wire is nickel-silver wire, looped around each end of the pole through the pre-cut notches. Prior to looping the wire around the second pole, I add two of the small red beads. The ends of the wire are twisted to keep the wire pretty stable. Some folks solder the wire in place but it's sturdy enough just twisted in place and will be easier to adjust or repair by simply untwisting the wire. Slide one bead to each end, over the excess bit of wire left over to disguise it--the bead resembles the insulator of the prototype's span wire. I also added Rix telephone crossarms to resemble the prototype, based on historic photos of Haggin Yard.
Because I am not planning on providing overhead power (to simplify wiring and operation, and allow use of diesels as well as juice jacks) and because I am a big fan of "giant hand action" in the layout (manual turnout control and uncoupling) I don't plan on hanging overhead wire, especially because the layout is modular and wiring between modules is daunting--but ask me in a few years. I did add a "backbone" wire along the rear of the layout, primarily for appearances, but if I do hang overhead wire it will provide a place to mount pull-offs and provide extra power continuity.
Here are the locomotives that spurred this project, now operating under something that far more closely resembles their natural habitat:
That's one six-foot section done, six more to go, with poles that cost about 75 cents each instead of $5. The second section is just more yard and scenery is complete, so it should be just as simple as the first section (which was completed in a couple of hours, including cutting and painting the poles) but beyond that will require some effort. Below is a shot close to the end of the line, the Sacramento River docks and the M Street freight yard, with the steeplecab to the right:
Getting the wire out that far will take a while...I have a lot of structures to build and then street surface and other landscape to apply. Maybe those will justify their own mini clinics once they are finished...like the interior detail of "Bridge Lunch," the greasy spoon in the picture above (I'm detailing a grill to replace the block of wood on the right, plus a new clock that will be right side up):
Jetrock I did add a "backbone" wire along the rear of the layout, primarily for appearances, but if I do hang overhead wire it will provide a place to mount pull-offs and provide extra power continuity.
I did add a "backbone" wire along the rear of the layout, primarily for appearances, but if I do hang overhead wire it will provide a place to mount pull-offs and provide extra power continuity.
Good job on the trolley poles! There are "subtle tips" in your post including the "pull-offs" for potential feeders. In fact, I spotted quite a few subtle tips that are worth thread re-reading to glean for future use. Rix crossbucks are also a nice touch!
I'm hoping to be at the "pole stage" about a year from now for the (n scale) CR&T, and; convinced reliable pole template/jigs are crucial for consistency. I'm looking at poles similar to your poles for the CR&T trackage, and; am still mulling over template/jigs for the Pennsy traction poles trackage to run the GG1.
Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956
Jetrock,
I love traction...Nice job on the wires and poles.
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
Very nicely done!
Like most Japanese-prototype modelers who model traction, I, too, have settled for `virtual' catenary - especially since:
In my case, the catenary is JNR standard 1500VDC, which means that multiple tracks are spanned by triangular cross-section steel trusses. Poles are (for the most part) concrete, and also carry communications and higher-voltage AC transmission lines. The crossarms are present, but you will search in vain for the actual wires.
I don't know if the SN used line tensioners. I'm sure they DID use substations with rotary converters. Adding those details will give your overhead a bit more authenticity.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - partially under virtual catenary)
I don't think they used line tensioners, but some parts of the main line used catenary overhead and other portions used exposed third rail. The parts I am modeling were almost all simple trolley overhead, although I may include some former "third rail" country. By 1946 it went out of service due to a state law about exposed third-rail, the tragic result of a child in Rio Linda, CA who was killed by touching the unprotected high-voltage rail, but a lot of the third-rail infrastructure was left in place for years afterward, especially on trestles and bridges.
Substations are part of my future modeling plans: both a portable substation built on an old boxcar, and (for a section of layout not yet built) a poured concrete substation building on an agricultural branch. Both still exist so I can get a bit more precise about things. The Western Railway Museum still operates SN equipment following prototype practice, and has construction records from the original railroad, so I have the definitive source for how the line I'm modeling did things!
JetrockSubstations are part of my future modeling plans: both a portable substation built on an old boxcar, and (for a section of layout not yet built) a poured concrete substation building on an agricultural branch.
Here's a couple of picture gallery links at Dave's Electric Railoads:
[1] "Dynamo" Boxcar from N&W's Elkhorn Tunnel.
[2] Sacrament Northern.
[3] Western Railway Museum.
Very nice to see this posting on your layout's development. I think the Sacramento & Northern is most modelgenic. I'm starting my own traction odyssey too, though no where near as far along as you are, therefore I look forward to seeing you progress your project. Well done. Lovely wok.
Unlike some people, I feel under no obligation to pretend that only one set of modelling standards are true, and that any others H0/00/EM/P4 are mistaken; or that I know better than people themselves what is right for them to use. The point is precisely for all modellers to decide for themselves. My blog: http://no-two-alike.blogspot.com/
These are indeed impressive photos. The SN layout is a work of art.
Speaking of trolleys...Does anyone know how well a Bachman HO trolley will run on a 10 inch radius curve? Thanks.
10" radius is not a problem for just about any commercially made traction model!
Tighter than that becomes increasingly problematic, without modfifications, for many commercially made traction models.
The SCTC and EPTC web sites have a lot of information on this....
I have just started a new micro layout and I intend to include traction poles so I'll be following this.
(EDIT) I just noticed this was resurrescted from 2012 with no further replies since....guess I WONT be following it ....
Have fun with your trains
What has happened to this layout by the way?????????
rrebell What has happened to this layout by the way?????????
Actually I have been working on it, just haven't bothered posting much about it! Some work is in progress now, but the photos below are from last November (November and December are my traditional "model railroading" months) of the second section of line poles, and a few buildings completed and underway.
This module, known as "17th & D" (the name of the freight depot/yard) is a 6x3 foot L-shaped module with three industry spurs serving four industries (two one-car industries on one spur, two larger industries with 2 and 3 car capacities), a runaround track and the aforementioned yard, three tracks with a capacity of 8 cars, generally used for locomotive storage as it is due south of Haggin Yard which has a capacity of about 60 cars. I used the methods detailed upthread to create poles for this module, and another, but need to take pictures. Kitbashed laser-cut house kit Industry flat bashed out of a Downtown Deco kit Interior lighting test for the Mo-Mo Club, a nightclub near the tracks Interior detail at the Mo-Mo Club M Street Yard, another freight station/loco storage yard at the other end of the Sacramento Northern belt line. I'll have to take some more photos of this site too, it looks a bit different now...but don't have poles up yet!
This module, known as "17th & D" (the name of the freight depot/yard) is a 6x3 foot L-shaped module with three industry spurs serving four industries (two one-car industries on one spur, two larger industries with 2 and 3 car capacities), a runaround track and the aforementioned yard, three tracks with a capacity of 8 cars, generally used for locomotive storage as it is due south of Haggin Yard which has a capacity of about 60 cars. I used the methods detailed upthread to create poles for this module, and another, but need to take pictures.
Kitbashed laser-cut house kit Industry flat bashed out of a Downtown Deco kit Interior lighting test for the Mo-Mo Club, a nightclub near the tracks Interior detail at the Mo-Mo Club M Street Yard, another freight station/loco storage yard at the other end of the Sacramento Northern belt line. I'll have to take some more photos of this site too, it looks a bit different now...but don't have poles up yet!
Kitbashed laser-cut house kit
Industry flat bashed out of a Downtown Deco kit Interior lighting test for the Mo-Mo Club, a nightclub near the tracks Interior detail at the Mo-Mo Club M Street Yard, another freight station/loco storage yard at the other end of the Sacramento Northern belt line. I'll have to take some more photos of this site too, it looks a bit different now...but don't have poles up yet!
Industry flat bashed out of a Downtown Deco kit
Interior lighting test for the Mo-Mo Club, a nightclub near the tracks Interior detail at the Mo-Mo Club M Street Yard, another freight station/loco storage yard at the other end of the Sacramento Northern belt line. I'll have to take some more photos of this site too, it looks a bit different now...but don't have poles up yet!
Interior lighting test for the Mo-Mo Club, a nightclub near the tracks
Interior detail at the Mo-Mo Club M Street Yard, another freight station/loco storage yard at the other end of the Sacramento Northern belt line. I'll have to take some more photos of this site too, it looks a bit different now...but don't have poles up yet!
Interior detail at the Mo-Mo Club
M Street Yard, another freight station/loco storage yard at the other end of the Sacramento Northern belt line. I'll have to take some more photos of this site too, it looks a bit different now...but don't have poles up yet!
Jet rock ... I like your layout photos.
thanks for posting this thread. I have a streetcar line in my downtown. I still need to install the overhead wire.
i'm using the Bachmann Peter Witt streetcars. They look great but the mechanism is not the best.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Thanks! Here are a couple more recent photos showing the 17th & D section and the Alhambra Boulevard/Libby McNeil Libby cannery:
And the Front Street yard, still without poles but with ballast and ground scenery. Downtown Sacramento's streets were raised in the 1860s/70s to prevent floods using brick walls that enclosed the streets. When a building burned down, as this box factory did in the 1920s, it left the hidden "underground sidewalks" visible from the alley, where this freight yard is located. The yard is down at the original street level but M Street raises to meet the levee and the Tower Bridge. This fence keeps pedestrians from plummeting onto the tracks:
And the Front Street yard, still without poles but with ballast and ground scenery.
Downtown Sacramento's streets were raised in the 1860s/70s to prevent floods using brick walls that enclosed the streets. When a building burned down, as this box factory did in the 1920s, it left the hidden "underground sidewalks" visible from the alley, where this freight yard is located. The yard is down at the original street level but M Street raises to meet the levee and the Tower Bridge. This fence keeps pedestrians from plummeting onto the tracks:
Downtown Sacramento's streets were raised in the 1860s/70s to prevent floods using brick walls that enclosed the streets. When a building burned down, as this box factory did in the 1920s, it left the hidden "underground sidewalks" visible from the alley, where this freight yard is located.
The yard is down at the original street level but M Street raises to meet the levee and the Tower Bridge. This fence keeps pedestrians from plummeting onto the tracks:
Really great Modeling. I had forgotten about this thread. Your trolley poles, look like my street lights, made about the same way, with 1/8th brass rod and incandesants/brass lamp shades.
Take Care!
Frank