Max Wyss Wrote:
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> You're absolutely right.
>
> Raising at a specific location is mature technology; the pole is controlled via an actuator, and rotated with a controlling drive.
The final contacting is made with guide boards, normally around 1.5 m long, and set up in an inverse Y shape. The shoe may have to be a bit longer than it used to be, so that it will get guided properly to the wire.

>
> As said, that happens hundreds of times, every hour. Very often at a regular stop, or at a traffic light. The whole thing takes maybe 15 seconds.

>
> FWIW, I have seen installations where no retractor was installed; lowering and raising was all done with the actuators.

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Thanks, Max.

Here's some interesting (to me) trolley-related info:

Google search [automatic trolley pole technology]: [www.google.com]

Toronto Streetcar: View from Trolley Pole -- "View of a couple Toronto Streetcars from the top of the trolley pole. First a PCC pulling out of Russell Carhouse and heading east along Queen St., then a CLRV pulling out and not making it very far! Enjoy" -- [www.youtube.com]

Google search [trolleybus overhead wires]: [www.google.com]

DIaLOGIKa - Trolleybus automatically reconnecting with overhead wires after branch: [www.youtube.com]

An interesting single-pole two-wire concept: [www.youtube.com]

Under the wires - looking up from open-top trolleybus: [www.youtube.com] -- "One of just three double-decker trolleybuses converted by Bournemouth to open top in 1958, it is now the only survivor."

Google search [trolleybus automatic connection to overhead wires]: [www.google.com]

Trolleybus current collector's automatic raise: [www.youtube.com]