Can one of our resident Europeans give sources for contemporary modern constant-tension model wire and insulator components? (I'd particularly like to see pieces for Pfisterer Tensorex and Tensorex C+).
I know there are many different support-pole types on Shapeways.
There were some extensive technical discussions of the double-trolley Milwaukee 3000V system in the contemporary railroad press, I think from about 1907 through 1915, and probably later notes on improvements. It might be interesting to see if the wood-pole support system could accommodate modern constant-tension with these wire gages and structure...
You could go New York Central style and do outside third rail, I'd think that would be easier than stringing overhead wire. It wouldn't be functional - although in the olden days, working outside third rail layouts were common in O scale, and even some early HO layouts - but the overhead wire wouldn't have to be functional either.
wjstixYou could go New York Central style and do outside third rail
Isn't that also called "Lion Style"?
maxman Isn't that also called "Lion Style"?
Be careful to distinguish overrunning from underrunning contact. But in this case, yes, I think NYC-style would be Broadway Lion compatible - there were demonstration runs of subway equipment over NYC under its own power.