Interested in doing an overhead system for my 2332s. I would like to build the system rather than buy it. Anyone done this before and have some pics for ideas?
I also read Lionel had a system designed by Frank Petit that was to be manufactured but never made it. I can find no pictures or details on their system.
Merry Christmas and thanks!
Years ago TM Video had a layout tour of a guy who built a working multi-track catenary system. Other than the narrator mispronouncing the term as “Can’tenary” it was really informative.
The layout builder used brass square stock for the towers, and n-scale track for the trolley wire. The key I seem to remember was keeping even tention in the system, and he did this with plastic milk jogs at each end filled with a certain amount of sand.
It was a TON of work, but really looked and worked well. The really KOOL part was how you could see blue sparks as the GG-1s, EP-5’s and MU cars grabbed their power from overhead!
Jon [8D]
Hello, Yeah, I had a 2332 with a catanary system working on a 4x4 piece of wood that my tree stood on. It worked just great, I hand built it, using an artical in CTT magazine, forget which issue. I did this about 5 or 6 years ago. I used 1/8 brass tubes for the poles, like 4 inch nails for the cross member, then small stiff wiring for the above wires that touch the gg1’s catanary things. I did all the wiring underneath the table top. Just ran one wire for one of the brass tubes, that went clear through the 3/4 inch plywood, soldered the wire to the brass tube and ran the wire to the transformer, then one wire for ground to outside rail using a lockon. Sparks alot, but most important, you have to do a nice job welding it all together so the catanary things dont get stuck and break off the GG1. Then you have to do some wiring in the GG1, add 1 wire to the top two tabs that go to catanary, like catanary to catanary, then i think you disconnect the power wire or something to one of the catanary. Or maybe you just extend a wire from e-unit to catanary, its been a while. might wanna look up how to wire up gg1 for catanary use. But, overall, worked great, and use a small transformer, like a 1033, because you dont want kids grabbing the lines and getting shocked. thanks. hoped this helped.
If you can get a copy of the November 1996 CTT there is a good article on building catenary. I used this on a previous layout and it works great. I am building a new layout and started part of the catenary on this layout. I will “TRY” post pictures later.
Use whatever transformer you want. A high-power transformer produces the same voltage as a low-power transformer for the same train speed. It is the voltage, not the ability to supply current, that matters when it comes to getting shocked.
I saw the same TMC program Jon mentioned. Guy did a great job. Make sure you have the clearance in your tunnels, etc. Have to allow the extra space for the overheads to go through too. One advantage that the guy mentioned was the ability to have seperate train control over the electrics vs the other trains on the same rails. Make sure the line is smooth so as not to catch the top of the GG1. Also, it is another piece that needs to be kept clean. If you are also running TMCC, be sure to work out the extra ground for signal issues.
Dennis
I will be running everything 1940’s style…No fancy electriconics. I guess ill play with some trial and error. i am looking at using coat hanger wire for the overhead rail and wood and dowels for the poles. I suppose it would be keeping with something from Model Builder. The most attractive benefit of this for me will be the joint operation of the GG1 with the Madison cars with a Berk hauling a string of 2855 Tanks cars and a scale caboose. That will be sharp… The cars will also stay illuminated when the GG1 stops. Anyway looks like i have some building to do. Thanks for the help gentlemen.
I know that you mentioned about building your own catenary system but did you know that MTH sells a catenary system for O gauge trains?
Lee F.
The guys name is Ron Zwieg who’s layout was mentioned above. I cant say that Ive seen anything close to what he did. His layout is featured in “Great Toy Train Layouts of North America”.
I really like the idea of passenger cars staying illuminated when the train stops. Allows you to keep the e unit off for stop and start relays at stations.