I model in European HO (Fleichmann, Roco in DC). I am considering installing overhead catenary to at least part of my layout to add realism for my electic locos. Only problem is I have no idea how to start with this. I know Veissmann and Sommerfelt make nice catenary products. I would love to hear if anyone has helpful hints.
Thanks!
Want some catenary? The Cochise & Western Model Railroad Club has a lot of Sommerfeldt products that were given to us that we can’t use. If you’re interested, contact me via e-mail for a list of what we have on hand.
Dave,
I modeled Marklin for years. I never liked their catenary so I scratchbuilt my own. I like the Sommerfeldt better, but it is all too heavy for my eye. I got info on how to build an American trolley type overhead at Customtraxx.com. I have posted a photo of some of my catenary below. Click on the link in my signature to see more. I was able to run Marklin trains quite sucessfully powered from this wire. Scratchbuilding catenary is not for the faint of heart, but it is not that hard either…
The best way is if you use sommerfaldt masts and scratchbuilt thin wires… Its a lot of work, but the finished arrangement looks amazing…
Like anything else the hardest part is starting. Find a local wire house. I went to Chicago Steel and Wire in Chicago when I decidedc to do catenary and asked for 400’ of phos bronze wire. i was told they had a twenty dollar minimum so I said ok. The I said, " how many feet in a pound and how much per pound?". I now have enough wire to run a model railroad from Chicago to New york with catenary.