N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: scottmitchell74 on April 10, 2026, 11:38:11 PM

Title: Do You Run Electric Without Catenary Wires?
Post by: scottmitchell74 on April 10, 2026, 11:38:11 PM
I've always avoided electric locomotives because I didn't want to deal with the Wires which seem very complicated and very delicate,  but was wondering if certain electronic locos look "okay" running on a layout without?

Anyone do this?
Title: Re: Do You Run Electric Without Catenary Wires?
Post by: njee20 on April 10, 2026, 11:48:24 PM
Yes, 99% of people running electric (not electronic!) locos do so without OHLE. Some fit masts, but no wires.

Ultimately it's your layout, do what makes you happy. Only you can say if they look ok.

Title: Re: Do You Run Electric Without Catenary Wires?
Post by: PLD on April 11, 2026, 12:07:24 AM
I would say that the majority of N-gauge layouts at exhibitions that represent Electrified lines have the masts, but no wires.
They would be so fine as to be almost invisible and on a portable layout there is the practicality of how to deal with board joins...
Ideally the pans need to be fixed in a mid-position, at the height the wire should be.
Title: Re: Do You Run Electric Without Catenary Wires?
Post by: scottmitchell74 on April 11, 2026, 12:35:11 AM
Quote from: njee20 on Yesterday at 11:48:24 PMYes, 99% of people running electric (not electronic!) locos do so without OHLE. Some fit masts, but no wires.

Ultimately it's your layout, do what makes you happy. Only you can say if they look ok.

Auto correct!!  :D

Interesting! Guess I never thought they would.