catenary systems

Cotenory system by Sommerfeld!
Do catenary systems really function for model railways? These and other questions are ollen aroused by interested visitors on our Irade shows and exhibitions.
lt really works!
A f ew statements first: The prototype situation is our model. But not all prototype situations or materials can be transferred 1:1 into model railway parts. Trying to provide our products to a broad variety of users we ovoid to transfer all solutions into madels, even if this would sometimes be possible. We want you to achieve lasting success when using our products. Therefore stability and functionality of our products is one of our major objectives. Our catenary systems are designed only for permanent instollations to avoiä frustration and annoyance. Track systems and catenary systems have different priorities. Therefore you won't find any clip brackets for preassembled track sections. The catenary system by Sommerfeldt can be used for all types of current, whether you use direct current (two or three wire DC) or alternating current (three wire AC). Thus we can answer the question: „Does this work also with „Märklin"? completely
positive. While installing our products a certain accuracy is quite helpful. Restrictions caused by the widths of the collector shoes require this preciseness. Some experience in handling soldering irons is definitely an advantage, as our overhead wires have to be soldered. Only this method will achieve the required stability and functionality.
Installation steps:
First you plant the mast. lts position is detemined using the installation jig item #158 (1:87), #420 (1:160)) (Distance to track, distance from track to track). Please note that on straight sections (DB, OBB) according to the prototype you have to lead the overhead wires in zig-zag·patterns. This is achieved by shortening the appropri·ate registration arms. On the outside of the curves you have to plant support brackets with short registration arms. On the inside you use long registration arms. (Registration arms are available as long version).
After planting the masts you can continue with the installation of the overhead wire. In reality it consists of three parts: overhead wire, suspension strand and hangers. Our products consist of completely welded function units in various lengths. According to our opinion overhead wires should not be bent. This makes it possible to apply a certain pretension to the complete overhead wire section using tension assemblies. As last step you solder the overhead wire to the support brackets. This allows mainte·nance works without damaging the overhead wire system. lt increases also stability lt's this simple!
We provide solutions for every track design. Our Sommerfeldt overhead wire system can be adapted to nearly every existing model situation. No preassembled kits limit your flexibility. No clip connections complicate the installation tasks. lf you need more supplies than provided in our packages, you can order low·priced supply packages. lsn't this a special offer?