Just wondering if there are any traction/trolley modelers on the board? After seeing a trolley module at a local train show, I have a couple of questions: 1) Are there any good HO trolley/traction models or kits available that run as nice as most newer Kato or Atlas locomotives? (Non-brass that is! ) 2) Did most US traction/trolleys use poles instead of pans for electrical pickup? All US heavy electric that I've seen used pans (GG1, Meatballs, etc.) Just curious about the lighter electrics. Thanks Look Ahead, Look South
Hi Chris, I can help with question #2. Up until the 50's 98% of all trollys used poles. The new light rail cars use pantographs for the most part. The old ones used poles for a number of reasons; less moving parts, easy for the driver to switch ends,and less weight up high. Hope that helps ------------------ When in doubt, empty your magazine. Member #33
Hi Chris! I was just at the Philadelphia GATS show and the East Penn Traction Club had a few amazing layouts. If you ever find yourself TDY to McGuire I would stop by the club. Or better yet, go to www.eastpenn.org they will surley have most if not all the answers you seek. Andy
All, Thanks for the info. I checked out the eastpenn site -- looks like a ton of scratchbuilding will be required! Since I don't have room for an extensive layout, it looks like it's time to work on my modeling skills. Unfortunately, my TDYs take me to the Wash. D.C. area more often. I may take some leave at some point and drop by and visit. I've always liked European heavy electrics, but I doubt I'll have the room for a large HO layout that could accomodate such beasts. I won't even think about stringing catenary wire in N scale! Look Ahead, Look South
Well, DC ain't that far from Phila!! Where do ya go? Bolling or Andrews? You'd be amazed at what type of traction modelling you could do in a small space. If your living on base or in a small apartment, then this is just the ticket for ya! moose
I have really developed an affection for the trolleys and other electrics. One of the first websites I found as I started to get into model railroading was Michael's Marklin Modeltrain (He has it in both German and English). He has several electrics with pantagraphs that I really liked the look of. I would really enjoy setting up an intra-city layout sometime and string up a bunch of catenary. Bry ------------------ Smile! It makes people wonder what you are up to.
BryGy, Thanks for the link. Some really good information there, especially the storage/transfer table he has developed. That's something I could put to good use! Moose, I'm usually headed to Andrews and the Pentagon. I was stationed at Andrews a couple of years ago. Usually, when I visit, I stop by the Van Dorn intermodal station and the Alexandria train station to take some photos. It's really neat to see the old Pennsy towers and catenary in downtown Washington and the line headed north toward Philly. I remember GG1s operating through there when I was a kid. I believe that whole area was riddled with trolleys back in the early 1900s. While I'll always like heavy class 1 action (in N scale), traction modeling (done well) is very nice indeed! Look Ahead, Look South
