MATT LOVELL explains how to construct catenary for Z Scale track.
This step by step guide will take you through constructing Märklin's Z Scale catenary wires and posts. These are quite fiddly so care must be taken to ensure a good finish. For this project I have used the Märklin MN08198 Catenary Start Set.
First locate all the wires, clips and springs that you need for about a one foot length. (Working in one foot lengths will help in the construction).
With the grey plastic clips insert one of the copper springs over the lugs.
Overlay one section of the catenary wire over the left hand lugs and another section over the right hand lugs.
Fold over the grey clamp to secure the wires in place. This will ensure that the wires will not fall out and ping everywhere.
Repeat this process until you have a sufficient length of catenary wire to work with.
Now that you have a nice length of wire you can start connecting the masts. First start by turning the wire the other way up so that the clamp is at the back.
You will see two rectangular holes on the back of this plate.
Insert the catenary mast wires into these holes starting at the top. The curved section on the catenary wire should be at the top.
Repeat this step until you have completed your catenary.
Once you have constructed all the wire you need for the section you are working on you can start connecting it to the track.
This section is nice and straight forward but care will still need to be taken to ensure a good finish.
Using the black track clips insert one of the masts into the track clip and then position the clip under the track.
To secure the catenary masts you will need to pin the track down using Märklin's MN08999 Track Nails.
After all the track is pinned down you can start adding GM115 ballast and other Z scale scenic details to your railway.