I am starting to build a small layout. I would like to have the option to add catenary at a later date if I want.

What is the height clearance required for electric locos on C-track? What is the actual height of the bottom of the catenary wire when using C-track?

I have some hidden sections passing through plywood ribs and I want to make sure there is enough clearance for electric locos with the pantograph up. I don't have any electric locos at this time so I cannot measure this myself.

Thanks
Darren

Dale's catenary measurement "jig" is a nice example of how to measure height accurately. The height of 67 mm may also be dependent on the types of poles and hangers and manufacturer.

Catenary wire may vary from 63 - 74 mm depending on rail profile height and pole type etc. All the catenary manufacturers, Viessmann, Sommerfeldt, Vollmer, Maerklin all have some form of catenary measurement tools and jigs for proper positioning of masts and wires. For example Sommerfeldt quotes a height of 69 mm with their system with side to side deviation of 2 mm zig-zag from the insides of the running rails.

For Maerklin M, K track with older Maerklin masts and wire, 70 mm is not uncommon.

I would suggest deciding on a catenary manufacturer and buying a simple starter set to experiment with.