I'm in the midst of building a small (2ft x 6ft), portable
trolley layout, using blue foam as the base, with SuperStreets
track with D-21 curves. It has to be light and small to fit
into my truck, to be taken around to various sites. I intend
to use Jason's Brass Poles, cosmetically at a minimum, but preferably
functional as well. How could I use overhead, with the tension it
puts on the line poles, when they're mounted in the foam? I believe
I read at one point how it can be done, but for the life of me,
can't find the answer now.

It's still possible to use a different base, but being rigid
and light weight are VERY important to me.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Lee

Lee,
One trick would be to sink a section of big wood dowel stock in the foam at each pole location. I've used 1 1/4" diameter dowel. Drill or cut a tight fitting matching hole in the foam and glue a section of dowel in place with a good foam compatible glue.

You can then mount the trolley poles in the dowels. They should be solid enough to stand tensioning of the overhead.

I use this method to create pads for ground throws or whenever I need a solid anchoring point in foam.

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Policastro:
Lee,
One trick would be to sink a section of big wood dowel stock in the foam at each pole location. I've used 1 1/4" diameter dowel. Drill or cut a tight fitting matching hole in the foam and glue a section of dowel in place with a good foam compatible glue.

You can then mount the trolley poles in the dowels. They should be solid enough to stand tensioning of the overhead.

I use this method to create pads for ground throws or whenever I need a solid anchoring point in foam.

Jim

Great idea, Jim! I'll give it a try.
Lee