I have a question for someone such as catenary lineman or engineer.
My common sense tells me that all of the contact wire of the NEC's catenary probably would have been replaced at least once since it was installed by the PRR in the 1930's, but I suspect that the most of the messengers, hangers, auxiliaries and steadies are original construction. Most of the support structures surely are. It has doubtless been engineered superbly, what with the region's wide range in temperature and the potential for extremes in weather. What impresses me is how art and engineering were melded in the PRR's electrification, especially with the graceful curves of the inclined catenary. It appears to allow for economy in support structures, especially on curved track. The PRR's engineers certainly gave the catenary an unusually aesthetic appeal. Despite the fact that it was designed seventy years ago, AMTRAK's newest high-speed Acela trains run under it without hinderance, so I doubt that the design is outdated.
The PRR's catenary design seems quite durable, but I've not seen it emulated elswhere in the world, although the design was also employed by the Reading, Norfolk & Western, Virginian and on parts of the New Haven. Am I correct here? I would appreciate comments.
My common sense tells me that all of the contact wire of the NEC's catenary probably would have been replaced at least once since it was installed by the PRR in the 1930's, but I suspect that the most of the messengers, hangers, auxiliaries and steadies are original construction. Most of the support structures surely are. It has doubtless been engineered superbly, what with the region's wide range in temperature and the potential for extremes in weather. What impresses me is how art and engineering were melded in the PRR's electrification, especially with the graceful curves of the inclined catenary. It appears to allow for economy in support structures, especially on curved track. The PRR's engineers certainly gave the catenary an unusually aesthetic appeal. Despite the fact that it was designed seventy years ago, AMTRAK's newest high-speed Acela trains run under it without hinderance, so I doubt that the design is outdated.
The PRR's catenary design seems quite durable, but I've not seen it emulated elswhere in the world, although the design was also employed by the Reading, Norfolk & Western, Virginian and on parts of the New Haven. Am I correct here? I would appreciate comments.