Pantograph (rail) facts for kids

A pantograph is a special device found on top of electric trains and trams. Its main job is to collect electric power from overhead wires. This electricity then helps to power the train or tram, making it move along the tracks! The name "pantograph" comes from an old tool used for copying drawings, because they look a bit similar.

How a Pantograph Works

A pantograph acts like an arm that reaches up to touch the overhead electric wire. This wire is called a catenary. The pantograph has a special part at the very top, usually made of carbon or metal, that slides along the wire. This part is called a "contact strip" or "collector strip."

The pantograph is designed to move up and down. This is important because the overhead wire might not always be at the exact same height. Springs or air pressure help the pantograph push up against the wire. This ensures a constant connection, even when the train is moving fast or going over bumps.

Different Shapes of Pantographs

Pantographs come in a few different shapes.

• Diamond-shaped: This is one of the oldest and most common types. It looks like a diamond or a "Z" when fully extended.
• Single-arm (Z-shaped): This type is more modern and often lighter. It looks like a "Z" or a bent arm. It's becoming very popular on newer trains and trams.

Each type works in a similar way, but their design helps them fit different kinds of trains or railway systems.

Why Pantographs are Important

Pantographs are a key part of electric railway systems. They allow trains and trams to get power without needing a separate engine that burns fuel. This makes electric trains very efficient and environmentally friendly. They don't produce exhaust fumes like diesel trains.

Electric trains can also be very fast. The pantograph helps them collect a lot of power quickly and smoothly, even at high speeds. This is why you see them on many high-speed trains around the world.

Related pages

• Bow collector
• Trolley pole
• Third rail
• Overhead lines
• Railway electrification system

Images for kids

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  Early 1895 flat pantograph on a Baltimore & Ohio Railroad electric engine.

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  The diamond-shaped pantograph of the Swiss cogwheel loco in Schynige Platte, built in 1911.

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  The (asymmetrical) 'Z'-shaped pantograph of the electrical pickup on the Berlin Straßenbahn. This pantograph is single-arm.

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  Pantographs easily adapt to various heights of the overhead wires by partly folding. The tram line pictured here ran in Vienna.

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  Symmetrical, diamond shaped pantographs on trams in Prague.

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  Cross-arm pantograph of a Toshiba EMU

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  Early (1895) flat pantograph on a Baltimore & Ohio Railroad electric locomotive. The brass contact ran inside the Π section bar, so both lateral and vertical flexibility was necessary.

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  A Flexity Outlook LRV with its pantograph raised. Note the trolley pole in the rear, which provides compatibility with sections not yet upgraded for pantograph operation.

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  Close-up view of a Brecknell Willis single-arm pantograph on a British Rail Class 333

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  Diagram of parts of a pantograph from ICE S

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  First-generation Faiveley single-arm pantograph on a British Rail Class 85 locomotive, used on early AC electric locomotives from the 1960s

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  Experimental three-phase railcar, Germany, 1901

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  Tilted pantograph used with offset overhead line to allow loading of open wagons

See also

In Spanish: Pantógrafo (ferrocarril) para niños