I've researched and asked several knowledgable people about construction of the catenary poles on double track. Brass material is exceptionally expensive. Has anyone had any luck constructing them in plastic,perhaps. Any suggestions or feedback would sure help. The catenary wire they will hold would not have to carry current, just look professional. Thanks for any help or suggestions on what material to use. Thanks so much. Johnny C., 3rd Trick Operator, Wayne Junction Tower.

Nada. Have tried milling aluminum stock for the I-beam cross member and using plastic I-beams for the verticals, which did not look at all good as the plastic was thicker. Milling the plastic thinner resulted in a frail structure, and the difference between the horizontal beam and the verticals was noticeable even after painting. Keep in mind that whether it is used for electrical pick up or not, it still has to withstand the pressure from the pantographs, unless the pans are wired to stay just off the trolley wire. Model Memories makes very nice brass kits, but unfortunately nothing close to the Reading's.
Someone on this list had posted photos of his modeling of the Reading catenary, but I cannot find it.

Thank you so much for your quick reply on the Catenary project. With your input I've decided to go with the metal catenary poles. specialshapes.com has the materials. I'll have to bite the bullet for around $60.00 and then fire up my soldering gun. The biggest build will be Reading Terminal. I've shrunk it down from 13 tracks to 8. Enough to handle the local MU runs as well as the King Coal and Wall St. trains. Would be nice to build a passenger yard to store coaches and have a place for a turntable but I do have a reverse loop built with a siding that will have to suffice for now. I need a bigger house but that ship has sailed. Thanks again. I'll keep you informed as to my progress. Johnny C., 3rd Trick Operator, Wayne Jct., Philly, Pa.

There's a modular group that has their layout setup at a lot of meets. They use overhead centenary on the whole thing. If time is flexible, try and run into them. I forget the correct name of the group at the moment.

You're likely thinking of the Reading Co. Technical & Historical Society modular layout. They have a few "electrified" sections on the layout, but those are not wired, they just have the catenary, which is fabricated from styrene shapes - I-beams, etc.

When I was active with the RCTHS, I loaded and unloaded those sections many times, and when carrying/moving them, the mantra was always "WATCH THE CATENARY!" because of the relative fragility of its construction...

Just came up with it....it's the East Penn Traction Club. They have a modular that is 100% overhead catenary. They've got it figured out.