In the paper some aspects of the interaction between the current collector and the overhead equipment have been presented. A model of the system that consists of a discrete subsystem modelling the pantograph and a continuous subsystem modelling the contact wire has been introduced. The dynamic interaction between the discrete oscillator of two degrees of freedom and a continuous string has been studied. At the contact point of the pantograph and the wire a varying component of force appears. It is the source of waves that propagate along the contact wire. There are also two standing sources of wave generation, i.e. varying forces at the points of catenary supports. General results have been illustrated by numerical examples in which the effect of wave propagation is confirmed.

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The dynamic interaction between pantograph and catenary is studied. The overhead electrification system for high speed trains is modelled by visco-elastically connected double homogeneous strings system, one finite suspended on rigid concentrated supports and the second of infinite length. The pantograph is represented by one degree of freedom oscillator moving along the string at a constant speed.The model is new in that it gives possibility to consider the influence of the locomotive transverse vibrations on railway overhead contact system. The dynamic state of the investigated system is described by a nonlinear set of coupled partial differential equations with complicated boundary conditions. Dynamic transverse displacements of the connected strings are determined. General results are illustrated by numerical examples.