Hi gtegos,

I have been there sometime ago and I have decided to go for Viessmann. The main disadvantage concerning Sommerfeldt was that there was no place in Athens where I could see the masts and get a closer look. Let's go into your questions one by one, excluding the first two because I only think that they are true (I am not 100% sure).

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Viessmann is easier to install because many parts are already assembled, there are special mounting mechanisms on the masts, and because the masts may be mounted without having to make permanent holes on the layout.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana" size=1 id=quote>

Each Viessmann mast has a base. A small, one hole base for small masts and a two hole base for larger masts. You have to screw the base down and then the mast just slides in the base and that's all. Viessmann produces base packs in case you damage them or in case you want to leave them behind for another layout.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>- I like the green colour of the Viessmann steel masts.
- With Viessmann one can have a unified look of the masts, lights and signals on their layout.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana" size=1 id=quote>

That is so correct! That was reason one of my choice to go with Viessmann catenary, lights and signals. Especially the 6363 light mast is excellent for mounting inbetween tracks.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Sommerfeldt catenary is not imported in Greece, so I must judge only from the photos in their prospectus. This is a big disadvantage.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana" size=1 id=quote>

That was the second reason behind my choice for Viessmann. However, Sommerfeldt has a very rich assortment of catenary and they look more real. I think that a forum member that has used Sommerfeldt catenary should give some feedback here.

In conclusion I would like to state that I have found Viessmann catenary a very good choice. The masts look good on my layout and there were plenty of alternatives to choose for my layout given their very good assortment.


Thanos <img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>

Hi George,

The 4112 middle mast is an excellent and economic choice to span two catenary tracks. I am sure that you will have no problems with the C track spacing. As a matter of fact I have some middle masts installed on my C Track layout. However, for the station area do consider the other options that Viessmann offers. I am talking about the 4162 and 4163 headspans for three and four tracks respectively which have adjustable spacing options and the 4160 and the 4161 suspended box-girders which require installation on one side of the tracks and have adjustable support arms for variable spacing needs. Above all the 4160 and the 4161, which I am using around the station areas, look great when they are installed. And if you spend some time weathering the “concrete” base units (see page 3.1.1 in the Viessmann 4190 manual) then you will see the difference. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Something else about tensioning assemblies since you mentioned them in your first post. The 4173 and 4174 should only be bought if they are to be used on suspended box-girders or headspans. If you plan to use them on their own prefer to buy the 4164 and 4165 tensioning assemblies. Also, in my layout I have used the 4164 and the 4165 as the end-of-catenary masts by just removing the bracket. It looks better if compared to a single mast that stands on it’s own.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

Finally, the lattice mast lamps and the railway lamps that Viessmann offers are high enough for catenary brackets and wires.

To conclude I would like to emphasise that you shouldn’t buy all your catenary masts and wires at once. Buy some masts for experimentation, keep notes, move them around the layout and after careful consideration make your final choices. Also, as master Kevin <img src=icon_smile_shy.gif border=0 align=middle> suggests <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>: <font color=blue><u>START PLANNING FROM TURNOUTS</u></font id=blue>, otherwise it is very possible that you will encounter many problems.

Any questions I will be happy to answer. <img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>

Thanos <img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>

Hi George,

This a nice looking layout you are making. I wish I had such space for my layout.

I am sure that you will not have a problem with the middle masts. If you check the Faller catalogue you can clearly see viessmann middle masts used in roofed platforms! But what you can do to be sure is get one middle mast and test it live!

Thanos <img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>

George,

I would be happy to see your layout if such an opportunity arises. It will sure keep you busy for years to come. For example my layout which is 210cm x 110cm (no space for roofed platforms, turntables and hidden areas) has kept me busy for almost a year now and I can estimate that only 30% of the layout is ready. However, one thing is true no matter the size of the layout: you will experience major cash outflows with this hobby!

PS: The size of the layout has been limited by my wife but she likes to do things as well. For example she is in charge of the town and currently she enjoys painting some Preiser figures!

Thanos <img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>