Finally took my Atlas O Amtrak AEM-7 down from its shelf along with six cars. On the first run, I tore out a section of catenary and tore off the pantograph. One hour, lots of soldering, and pantograph repair later, we're running. Ain't life interesting?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Eliot
IS your catenary for show or are you using it for power Like Marty Fitzhenry? BTW nice video clips
Steve
Steve,
My catenary is for show only. The goal has always been to make it look as authentic as possible by having the top of the pantographs come within a 1/4" of the wire. Scale catenary wire is extremely difficult to install and have enough tension to resist the upward pressure of most three rail pantographs. Some of my locos have fixed pantograph height, some have pantographs higher or lower than others.
Marty Fitzhenry is an absolute master of catenary power. I am lucky to be able to make it look good, let alone power the locos that way. It is just beyond the level of my skill. I marvel at the craftsmanship of anyone who can do it.
What's he doing all the way down to Bryn Mawr? 
Are we talking about Bryn Mawr PA?
Sounds like you had a prototypical experience. It isn't the first time an electric tore down the cat wire and it won't be the last. 
Those Atlas AEM7s from 1999 are still amazing models. Love it next to your Congo.
Thanks Jonanthan.
John, there is an electrified portion of the Amtrak line that goes right through Bryn Mawr. That's the prototype for my sub station shown in the video. Rivet for rivet. Ummmm, actually, you cannot see the sub station in that video. The sub station is visible in the video below.
Eliot
A rivet counter's delight Eliot.
Fantastic !
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
