Just kind of curious here…seems that some CAT’s were recently out of order/broke/powered off(?) in the NEC .
1…what is the average life span on caternaries in the first place?
2–what is the process used to restore/replace these things?
Just ‘off the cuff’ with these answers - no up-close personal experience to base them on:
See this photo / catenary diagram for reference: http://www.billspennsyphotos.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=79300734
Steel poles/ towers - about forever
Trolley (contact) wire - 2 - 3 to 10 years, ‘depending’ on traffic levels, tension, ice storms, corrosion from exhausts of other locomotives, etc.
All other wires - around 50+ years, again ‘depending’ on a lot. See also this thread: http://railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=86641
Restored/ replaced with a “wire train”, traditionally - - there was a reality TV show or video of one on SEPTA near my old hometown a year or so ago. See also this photo of one of SEPTA’s at work: http://www.railpictures.net/images/d1/5/4/8/8548.1068514020.jpg
Today, it’s more by bucket truck - sometimes ‘hi-rail’, sometimes on an access or maintenance road alongside.
- Paul North.
Great resources …thanks!!