AGHRMatt posted:That's some great work. They did some catenary out here in Southern California for the Metro lines and I noticed that the wire was copper, then blackened with (I presume) grease. Are you planning to coat the wires with NeoLube down the road?
Good evening Matt:
Thank you for the comment. I use reasonable amounts of MG Chemicals Silver Conductive Grease on the pantograph shoes and stage joints. MTH pantographs are generally decent conductors, but I prefer to be on the safe side. Some lube helps conductivity, and also prevents any high-current pockets in the stage joints that may develop. Of course it also helps smooth any rough spots there may be on the wire as the pan travels.
Even though I do not lube that often, the underside of the wire is noticeably blackened with the conductive grease, and it tends to collect some at wire joints. When I have to reach for things, make adjustments or perform minor repairs under the wire, the grease gets all over the place, even with gloves. That is OK though; the stuff works great.