Caption: A broken pantograph provides us with a cross-section. On the top is the graphite (?) collector which actually makes contact with the catenary. On the bottom is an aluminum spar to provide strength. In between the two is a copper wire which carries the power from the pantograph to the power car. The pantographs used by the Acelas have to be replaced after two round trips between Boston and Washington, DC. You can bet the manufacturer loves that! (November 23, 2003)
