Randy Harrison posted:
I have mentally wrestled with the problem of whether to power electric locomotives from overhead power through the catenary (if I ever get off my butt and install it) or not. After much deliberation, I have come to the conclusion that viewers of the layout will see the engine running with its pantograph up and not care whether or not it is running from overhead power. This will solve the problem of rewiring your electric locomotives to accept overhead power. The visual effect will be sufficient.
As I plod along, the same thoughts have crossed my mind many times. It eventually boiled down to building in the ability to electrify if I please or leave as is, it costs no more. A few well placed cuts and I can bust stretches into blocks, or use the cat specifically for signalling circuits. I've heard the Lionel offerings in the past with automatic pans are difficult to make work under wire anyway. The benefits of center rail power through the cat might not be immediately obvious, but I can live without it for now.
Bruce
