N&W line poles

[nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org]

Aubrey,

If you have the current copy of MR, take a look at the photo of Dudley Ross's C&O theme RR.  He told me that he used the Berkshire Jct elastic thread on his pole line.  Note that his layout is N gauge!

I have used the berkshire Jct material for farm fences, it is very effective.  It could be a little pricy if you have a lot of lines on your poles, not to mention time consuming.

I don't know that they have the elastic thread in an appropriate green color for copper with the green patina that develops on it.

Ed Sproles

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org 
  To: N and W Modeling List 
  Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 10:54 PM
  Subject: Re: N&W line poles


  Aubrey,

  I used sewing thread that my wife and I purchased at one of the fabric shops.  It is small in diameter and the brand name is Maxi-Lock; I suspect any brand will do.

  I purchased two colors, Churchill Green and Black.  My understanding of the lineside poles is that the lines on the lower cross arms were low voltage for signals, communications, etc.  This was probably bare copper wire when installed new, but would oxidize to a green color.

  Based on Vern French's Williamson Terminal book, I believe the wires on the upper cross arm and the one on the very top of the pole were for higher voltage.  I used the black thread for these three lines.

  I worked from the bottom crossarm and the farthest insulator; I did all of the insulators that were "away" from the pole first, then moved up the next cross arm, etc.  I then did the insulators that were "closest" to the track, again working from back to front, bottom to top.

  After all the green wires were strung, I then did the black wires; back, front, and then very top.

  I would put a small amount of CA on the insulator, as close to the cross arm as i could get it. I then set the first wire and let it dry; I'd move pole by pole, being careful to keep the line straight, but not overly tight; you don't want the lines to bend the poles, nor do you want the lines to sag a lot.  Occasionally, I would wrap the line around an insulator.

  It takes a lot of time and you have to be sure the CA has set up before you move to the next pole.  I also ran the thread through some beeswax to coat it, which is supposed to help it keep from fraying.

  I did look for elastic thread; unfortunately, all of the elastic thread available in the fabric stores we checked was of a very thick diameter.

  I am aware of the thread marketed by Berkshire Junction, which is a very small diameter elastic thread.  However, it was far too expensive for the size of my layout.

  A friend who builds model ships suggested using silk thread; I haven't explored this.

  The thread, as I applied it, still has some flex to it; I've brushed against it several times and nothing has snapped...yet!

  Hope this helps.

  Jim Brewer
  Glenwood MD
  www.pocahontasmodel.com

    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org 
    To: nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org 
    Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 10:03 PM
    Subject: Re: N&W line poles


    Jim, 

    Your description of pole placement sounds good. What did you use for the wire?

    Aubrey Wiley


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