No big deal, I'm sure its out there. In the mean time, I'm sure I can make a reasonable approximation. I was hoping to have a small diorama done for the Mass transit & Trolley Convention on October 5.

www.nycmodeltransit.org/2013details.htm


I have a very small module built already, and I don't plan to put much on it other than basic scenery and the catenary of course. I should have enough supplies.

If my module were a little wider, I might have tried for a 4 track section of the reading, and maybe be able to incorporate it into the larger set of NEC modules that others and myself will be assembling at that show.

Also, the Norristown Line is partially under high tension wires for a portion of the right of way, on the way to Manyunk. Can't remember if the catenary structures are part of the high tension wire towers or not. One of the Carleton books I think has a photo.

I would think by scaling the aforementioned drawings you'd get a number pretty close to being accurate.

someone in the RCT&HS modular group should have some info. someone in their group has built modules of Wayne Jct. complete with catanery poles, and wire.

Maybe a field trip is called for. Some of the catenary is still in place.

Have you seen the book "Electric Trains to Reading Terminal" by Wes Coates? A lot of photos, and also a diagram (without dimensions, unfortunately) of the catenary structure.

To your question about the high-tension wires, there's at least one photo in the book that appears to show the wires passing under the high-tension towers, so there at least must have been coordination between the Reading and PECO on that (which makes sense, given that PECO would have been the supplier of all that juice...).

Good luck - the electric operations are a seldom-modeled aspect of the Reading, looking forward to seeing your models!

Tom

what do you mean some of the catenary is still in place. ALL of it is still used every day, by Septa. I live and work along the Norristown line.