Caternary help.

[nuni727]

Hi. I want to start using electric locomotives but I don't know how to place/straighten the caternary splines correctly. Is there a guide out or anybody that can give me any tips? Thanks :wave:

 

[zatovisualworks]

Hi N-N,

Some tips:

• Don't be a scrooge when placing posts. On straight track, more than 40-50 m separated is scroogy and unrealistic.

• On curves, post separation must be 20m at maximum. The wires must always be on the center of the track axis.
• Use the spline circles as a quide.

As you can see, the Spanish CR160 catenary spline system by rodgilfr uses the realistic zigzag for inner and outer arms on posts.

Since I don't know which catenary system you are using, I can't detail further on...

No future without catenary.

The overhead wiring side of Alberte :wave:

 

[al_sa]

Alberte, scrooging is good for you The Russian catenary AC/DC system uses 70 metres between poles on straight track and 40-50 metres between poles in curves depending on the radius of curve. Don't forget that each pole needs to push/pull in the opposite direction from the previous pole in a ZigZag pattern, except in curves where the curvage takes over the zigzagging. Also remember to place tensions at least each 1500 metres and use the correct junction fixators and poles. Oh and good luck with that endeavor. - From Russia With love.

(The ever awake side of me? )

Darn girl, you're fast!

 

[nuni727]

Thanks for the help Alberte, by any chance, do those Spanish ones work with US locos? Also, can I use the track straighten tool on them?

 

[nuni727]

Thanks al.sa. You both have been helpful.:wave:

 

[zatovisualworks]

Thanks for the help Alberte, by any chance, do those Spanish ones work with US locos? Also, can I use the track straighten tool on them?

1. The wire is 5.70 m high from the rail surface

2. All splines can be straighten with the track straightening tool.

The straightening response tool side of Alberte :wave:

=============================

My dear A-L,

The Russian catenary AC/DC system uses 70 metres between poles

Not only Scots should be unfairly world famous for scrooging... :hehe::hehe: Russian catenary can win that contest too...

Take care, my friend.

The Scottish fair side of Alberte :wave:

 

[lewshapiro]

Check the Download Station for the "Catenary Height Tool". This will assist you on centering the wire and the proper height for USA catenary. I used it on my North Shore Line and it looks great. Distance between poles varies. City lines could be as close as 50 feet because of street lighting, or 150 feet on straight runs using steel catenary bridges as the CNSM did.

Good Luck,

Lew