Looking at the great photos by gmpullman and others of electric locomotives makes me ask a long-time question: Has any company or individual ever manufactured overhead catenary for model trains? I’m going to guess the cost would be prohibitive, but a wire for a trolley would be simpler than full-blown catenary for the PRR or NH type layouts. I think it would sure add to the scene.
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For O gauge, MTH made an eight piece catenary set along with 4 piece add on sets. They were were well made and worked on layouts. These are out of production but available in the aftermarket. They would not be suitable for HO. There are a number of catenary kits listed online for HO.
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Hi NKP_guy, Peco-UK has a catenary system in OO Guage. This link has that page.
Eric P.
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Here’s an intersting video on that product,
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Sorry AmFlyer Tom, the video is just a little more info intended for NKP_guy, but my fat fingers ended up sending my reply to you.
The reply just went to the end of the thread, not to me. That is a nice video.
I’ve always admired what Mr. Rubbo has done with his PRR catenary.
I bought several styles of PRR catenary supports when they were available from Shapeways. My intention was to use strong magnets in the bases to set them into the scenery just for the appearance but not to string any wire. I have a tough enough time accessing trackage for maintenance or the occasional derailment. Stringing wire would be nearly impossible to work around.
PRR Catenary Shapeways Demo by Edmund, on Flickr
These things were pretty reasonable at the time, about $10 for the simpler ones up to maybe $25 for more complicated towers.
PRR catenary Shapeways by Edmund, on Flickr
Penn Central E-33 electric by Edmund, on Flickr
There was an outfit called Model Memories or something along those lines that made etched brass New Haven-style catenary supports and those ran into some real money. Not sure of their availability anymore? Their site seems to have been taken over by spammers.
More recently I became aware of STL files available for Cleveland Union Terminal catenary. Now this would have my attention!
I’m not planning to get into 3D printing but I’d sure be interested in ‘contracting’ someone to make these prints for me 
I’d actually like to see some 3D printed third rail shoes that could be tacked to extended ties and at least make the third rail appear for some photo shoots.
Now that Rapido has announced the Pennsy E44 that will be several more ‘motors’ on my layout 
Cheers, Ed
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Thanks for the information on catenary. I’ve always thought it seems silly to have locomotives with their pantagraphs up–but not touching anything. Then your comment, ed, really resonated: that would make working on the tracks and probably other things very difficult. That’s probably why it isn’t much seen.
I also discovered your YouTube channel, ed. I can see I’ll be spending a lot of time there. I started with the EL commuter train–great video of a train I enjoyed riding and chasing.
Hello All,
When I visited a hobby store in Aachen, Germany, in 2019; Modell Center Hünerbein, they carried catenary components.
Heres a link; Oberleitung which is the German word for Catenary.
Hope this helps.
Yes, another electric that I need to add to my fleet…