Nate,
Most all the scale GG1's need a minimum curve of 072. If you can avoid the 063's, then running anything that's made won't be a problem.
With the use of the TIG rod, there's little need of tensioning to keep the trolley wire taught, so I avoided having to over-build the supports. It also allows for further distances between support poles along straight track, opposed to the store bought stuff, giving better access to the trains, if needed. While I see the need for more support in the curves, the ability to bend the trolley wire and have it keep its shape, simplifies assembly greatly. More on that when I update my progress.
I'm still debating whether to convert the fleet for live catenary, especially when doing so is close to impossible on certain engines. I can conveniently leave that decision for later, when the layout work load becomes lighter. Does that day ever come?
Your construction method sure does produce sturdy assemblies. Now that you've pictured the type cat you are replicating, I'm amazed at how authentic it looks. I initially thought the design was all your own...but instead, it's prototypical! The consequences of having a PRR head stuck in 1950. Of course, when you reside over 500 miles away from modern live catenary, the chance to view real high speed rail electric equipment is close to nil. I hear there's an Google for that.
Bruce
