Does anyone have any idea on what the prototypical spacing for high voltage towers would be? I know I can use “selective compression”, but I’d like them to be close.
Around 150-200 yards. In flat places, they can be upwards of 1000’ apart.
From what I’ve observed in the real world, it depends on the size of the cables strung between them. Some possibly 1/4 mile or so apart, some closer. But as they say, it’s your layout so do whatever you want.
Just my visual judgement, but I would say double the spacing between the towers to make it look more realistic.
(looks super snazzy!)
Thanks for your replies. We have some around here, but I’m pretty sure the power company frowns on hanging around them.
This is often easily measured from Google Earth or Bing views of the area you are modeling. In my immediate suburban area, it measures out to around 1000 -1100 feet between towers. Spacing varies a bit based on grades, highway crossings, etc.
Using Google Earth, I found an average of 550-700 feet between towers. I made sure I took a similar power line to your model. Larger power line are around 1500 feet…which is 17 feets in HO!!!
But honestly, you’ll will have to use compression to make it believeable. If your towers are space too much, it will shrink the illusion of space… And if your make them to near, it will look toyish. I think a 3-4 feet spacing should do the job.
Matt
Just don’t take your camera and you’ll be fine… [:-^]
John
I’d hate to be mistaken for Barney Collier… (let’s see who’s the first to remember who that was)
If I choose to accept this assignment, will my computer self destruct, or just the keyboard? Or will I get a visit from Jim Phelps or Barbara Baine? Or wil Barney sneak into my house and connect a hi-Voltage high current power supply between my keyboard and the ofice chair?
Or should I take Sgt. Schultz’s (John Banner’s) attitude and claim “I know NOTING!”
I bet I know.
I know who he is, but I’ll leave it for someone else to answer… 
John
I tried to answer this, but the link self-destructed before I could copy it.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mission:_Impossible_characters#Barnard_.22Barney.22_Collier)
I have mine spaced 24 inches apart.
Rich
Well, as far as the Barney Collier question, EM-1’s the big winner. Thanks for all your replies, and Rich, thanks for the pictures of your towers. Will you be adding wire to yours? I was thinking about using armature wire for mine, but am open to other suggestions (forget common sewing thread; collects dust).
It would sure look more realistic to wire them, but I haven’t given it any serious thought because I fear that I would reach into the layout and inadvertently screw it up big time.
Rich