Large Scale Central

So, I decided I needed a turntable

Modeling
#1

Rethinking the layout (always a bad idea) I’ve decided to make it a point to point. I’m not a real big fan of loop arounds and nothing against those that are I just like switching and operating more. So, with that in mind my city at the end of the line needs a turntable so the locos don’t have to make the return run in reverse.

Here’s what I’ve done so far. No plans, just some sizing measurements and an idea.

I don’t know the technical names of all the parts, in all honesty I have done zero research other than looking at a picture of a HO scale turntable.

Here’s the main beams

ties attached

bottom supports

Everything is glued and nailed together. I have no idea what kind of wood it is, other than a few pieces of oak and cedar I used for ties. I think the main beams may be hemlock? It was all scrap wood I had laying around the barn. Wood type doesn’t really matter for rot purposes because it won’t stay outside. The whole thing is already strong enough to hold anything I will ever own. The turntable itself is 40" long and 7" wide, just enough to squeak the k-27 in there.

Terry

#2

great start looking good

richard

#3

What is nice about the continous loop RR is that you can get a train going and let it do its thing while you are elsewhere doing the switching and making up another train. Don’t get rid of your loop but maybe you could add on to it for operations?

If you do go with the point to point maybe you could have a WYE at the other end for addd interest and switching fun.

I do agree that turntables are neat in any scale and at 40" long yours will be a real marvel. Do keep us posted on your progress.

#4

Is it done yet?

#5

David Russell said:

Is it done yet?

Now Sis, you’ve been asked not to disrupt til page 3 :wink:

Looks like you’re off and running Terry.

#6

But Mdm Mallet is 44 inches long.

Seems to me, you want both. A continuous line so you can just set a train running while you do something else, and some switching to play with. Switching might be what you do while you have a train running round and round.

#7

To each their own. I may leave a loop but the forecast isn’t good.
I’ve been dreaming up an idea about a pinion for the center and I’ve come up with a few wild ideas. Next will be the carriage track
Terry

#8

Terry,

If you have access to the July/August 2012 Narrow Gauge & Shortline Gazette, the center-fold plans are for a 56 foot (HOn3) wooden turntable. Although this turntable is shorter than the one you are building, maybe it can give you some ideas. In Particular, there is a drawing for a “spider” bearing pivot that might help you with your bearing decision. If you don’t have the mag, I can scan the pages and send them off to you. Just need your email address )I have an old one for you, just not sure if it’s up to date (from MLS). Let me know.

#9

Oh thanks I remember that now. I do have that one somewhere. I’ll have to dig it out.
Terry

#10

Terry Burr said:

Rethinking the layout (always a bad idea) I’ve decided to make it a point to point. I’m not a real big fan of loop arounds and nothing against those that are I just like switching and operating more. So, with that in mind my city at the end of the line needs a turntable so the locos don’t have to make the return run in reverse.

Full agreement from this end, Terry, and a good start on the TTable!

#11

Looks like a good start. Should be very impressive when finished.

Point to point is realistic. We have a turntable at one end and a reverse loop (with a spring switch) at the other.

#12

Looks great so far Terry. I’ll support your point-to-point plan. I haven’t had a loop for over 6 years when I cut down half the indoor layout. I had plans for one outdoors and started on it but I’ve been in no hurry to get it done. I do have a Wye at one end and a balloon track on the other for turning locos or trains.

Like you, I really have no interest in just letting a train go around the layout on it’s own.

#13

Got some more work done. I went with a plastic composite for the base, no rot and stuff isn’t “supposed” to warp. I used vinyl trim for the wall. I wish it was a little taller but I can live with it. Everything is screwed together from the bottom.

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/paintjockey/IMG_20130601_151352_334_zps5077d5ba.jpg)

I also added a plate to the bottom of the table. It’s a piece of circuit board.

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/paintjockey/IMG_20130528_161919_987_zps07b24f75.jpg)

I trimmed the edges (poorly) and added the ties which were cut from aristo European ties.

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/paintjockey/IMG_20130601_161753_252_zpsac2ca8f1.jpg)

Track installed. I used micro mark 332 aluminum. I’m no longer a fan of 332 I like the 250 much better, but it’s on my whole layout and I have a stockpile of it so…

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/paintjockey/IMG_20130601_163555_548_zpse8c40195.jpg)

Close up.

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/paintjockey/IMG_20130601_163607_405_zps45b9602b.jpg)

Table in place for sizing.

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/paintjockey/IMG_20130601_163816_642_zps2d37ebad.jpg)

#14

seems to be coming along and looking good Terry

#15

Terry

don’t know if you have your end rollers yet but replacement roller for sliding door screens work

richard

#16

Terry,

Looking good so far! I’m anxious to see how this composite stands up to your weather. Out here in Southern California, UV is our problem.

#17

Nice job -T-. Remember, I have some 1/2 plywood for you.

#18

Richard, I’m going to try to use regular Bachmann wheels. Gary, I’m anxious as well. The pit will be painted and have a gravel base so it will be all covered.

#19

sounds good Terry

but if it does not work out check them out come on a bracket you could screw to bottom of

deck, wheels are grooved so will go over rail.

Richard

#20

This is great Terry! Thanks for posting your truntable build here so we can watch how it goes. Richard, your tip is interesting. I’ll be building two turntables myself soon for my own point to point railroad, and I’m interested in how other guys do it. Made a beauty for an indoor pike once, but outdoor modeling is a whole different ballgame. I find there’s always something to learn from other modelers!