Pontoon,
There's an article in the recent 2006 MR issue of How To Build Realistic Layouts called "Stringing details in the sky", by Michael Burgett, about "pole lines" (pg. 30-33) Michael gives the following measurements under the heading Locating a pole line:
"On average, railroad poles are spaced 100 to 150 feet apart. Most poles are placed no closer than 13 feet from the closest rail, and the bottom wires should be a least 27 feet above ground."
The above measurements would have the following equivilance in HO:
- Spacing: 100 to 150 feet (13.75" -
27.520.6") - Closest rail: 13 feet (~1.75")
- Wire above ground: 27 feet (~3.75")
I thought that it was a good and informative article, but I wanted more. The rest of the issue is very good, too.
I used Rix Products' poles on my layout, went with the measurements that Michael suggested, and thought they both turned out well.
Tom
