Hi Everyone,
1: What material is the OLD Marklin catenary made of? Is it chrome plated, stainless or something else? I really don't like the new catenary very much as far as installation and operation (I find it to be a poor alternative to either Sommerfeldt function/quality wise and the old Marklin catenary as far as fit and ease of installation)

2: Does anyone here have experience using "blacken it" to darken metals such as older Marklin wheelsets or specifically catenary? If so what are your thoughts?

I am thinking about the catenary for the new layout and since I have a stock of mint older Marklin Catenary I was going to use it providing I can use the "Blacken It" on the wire and then weather the poles. If not, I guess I will go Sommerfeldt (I can hear my soldering iron whining already [B)] )

Thoughts/ideas? BTW "Blacken it" is conductive which is why I would use it instead of painting the wires

The real color of the catenary is matt dark green, not black.
The copper wire gets covered with copper oxide, which gives that dark green color (which is called "cardenillo" in spanish).
You need to go to a bridge over the track to see the actual color.
Be sure to clean the lower part of the wire to get a real effect.