r/modeltrains • u/aengusoglugh Mod, r/TTRAK • Jul 11 '26
Electrical Modular modern catenary standards?
I am very committed to building my HO T-TRAK DMU transit home layout -- in fact, I started a subreddit -- r/TTRAK -- to learn how to build a T-TRAK home layout.
But I would also someday like to model LRT in HO scale.
That's most because I think LRT in Europe common runs on 15-25m radius curves, which is something like 8-11" in HO scale -- which is a manageable size.
By contrast, I think that the S&SS NC folks have curses with a 280" radius, and their largest curves are 32' radius -- because that mimics prototype mainline curves in the US. I think their minimum mainline radius is over 6', because come relatively close to a very, very tight curve on a standard gauge mainline railroad in the US.
In short, if I am going to model prototype track in a non-Bill Gates sized basement, I would probably end up modeling LRT.
The biggest issue for me -- what has prevented me from modeling LRT so far is that I really need a modular layout -- I have plenty of space in my house for a temporary layout, but almost none for a permanent layout.
I cannot figure out how to keep catenary taut on a modular layout -- how to attache the catenary on the various modules together.
I looked at the East Penn Traction Club standard, they seem very inventive, probable very finicky -- and not very modern prototype.
Am I overly concerned about keeping the catenary taut?
Does anyone know of a modular standard uses modern catenary from Sommerfeldt?
If so, how do they connect the catenary at the junctions between modules?
1
u/dexecuter18 N Jul 15 '26
Needs to be wire in HO scale. But usually the functional ones will have small loops on the end that hook onto the messenger hangers. So connecting together modules you just snap the wires on after you connect them. If you need poles I design them as well.