Trolleypole

TrolleyPole is a term that refers to a type of current collector used for drawing electricity from an overhead line. It is most commonly associated with electric streetcars, trams, and trolleybuses. The device consists of a long pole, typically made of metal or wood with a metal shoe or wheel at the end, which makes contact with the overhead wire. The pole is usually mounted on a pivot at the roof of the vehicle, allowing it to swing and maintain contact with the wire as the vehicle moves.

The trolley pole was a significant invention in the early development of electric traction. It enabled electric vehicles to operate without being tethered by a trailing cable, offering greater freedom of movement. The design of the trolley pole has evolved over time, with improvements in materials and mechanisms for maintaining consistent contact with the wire. While still in use in some parts of the world, it has largely been superseded by more modern current collection systems like pantographs, particularly for higher-speed rail applications. The trolley pole's iconic status is often linked to the golden age of streetcars.