Sommerfeldt has a new instruction booklet done in color. I purchased it from Eurorail Hobbies a few years back. Lots of photos and it is printed in German and English. Much improved vs. the one from the 1980's/90's.

http://www.eurorailhobbi...002&ca=44&sc=All

That's the one! I should have clicked the link before replying, too bad it shows out of stock right now. At least the model# is given so you can source it from somewhere else.

Ted

I found myself in exactly the same situation as jkoellmer and I have to say that I have never bought a self-assembly kit of anything only to find on delivery that you have to buy the instructions that tell you how to put it together! Anyway, I bit the bullet and bought the book on Ebay at a considerable discount so I didn't feel quite so annoyed after that, and the book does give lots on detail about catenary layouts and design as well.

5HorizonsRR is correct as well. The kits have enought parts to enable you to configure the structures and attachments in every possible way, so whatever arrangement you choose, you will have some bits left over.

You will see from the instruction manual that the method shown of joining the portal framework sections is by soldering but even in the illustrations in the book the result is a rather ugly solder blob which is completely non-prototypical. I am therefore using Industrial Cyanoacrylate (super-strength superglue) which achieves the same end result but with a much better-looking finish. The only problem is you can't unsolder cyanoacrylate so you have to get it right first time.

Hi Robert,all,
> I found myself in exactly the same situation as jkoellmer and I have to say that I have never bought a self-assembly kit of anything only to find on delivery that you have to buy the instructions that tell you how to put it together! Anyway, I bit the bullet and bought the book on Ebay at a considerable discount so I didn't feel quite so annoyed after that, and the book does give lots on detail about catenary layouts and design as well.<

That's because every layout/situation is different.You get the book first and then order the pieces you need.

>5HorizonsRR is correct as well. The kits have enough parts to enable you to configure the structures and attachments in every possible way, so whatever arrangement you choose, you will have some bits left over.<

Also,how much detail do you need?Even if it cosmetic,those detail(isolators,etc) can look very cool,....

>You will see from the instruction manual that the method shown of joining the portal framework sections is by soldering but even in the illustrations in the book the result is a rather ugly solder blob which is completely non-prototypical. I am therefore using Industrial Cyanoacrylate (super-strength superglue) which achieves the same end result but with a much better-looking finish. The only problem is you can't unsolder cyanoacrylate so you have to get it right first time.<

Soldering catenary is a skill and if on is going to run E-loks off it a necessary,CA will insulate the electrical connection. Also remember that wire tension both on your model railway and on the vorbild(prototype) is important!

D