I have about 20 hours of actual work into producing the results. There were MANY more hours involved with Brain Storming, research, planning (some on the fly), shopping and waiting for glue or paint to dry. The folks at my Radio Shack and Home Depot now know me as that crazy train guy. I can't wait until I get it mounted in the raised framework that should be up in a few weeks. I also have to create 2 tunnels with trap doors in the sides of my workshop for the run through and storage. This is just the begining of my new railroad empire. My back and knees can't take the crawling around on the ground anymore. All the old track has been pulled up and whatever new track that I figured on is now purchased. Some of my LGB track has been outside for close to 6 years with no ill effects except for some ties that squirrels used for gnawing on (glad they didn't get the turnouts). By the way, Caution: Don't attemp to bend Tufboard too far - it darned near explodes. Thus the formica laminate walls.
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Dang that thing looks real sweet! How much time into it?
Toad
I decided to try my hand at making a 36" turntable for my backyard layout. Simplicity, reliability and durability were my motives for the design. It is manually rotated at this time. The primary materials are: Tufboard, formica, Plastruct, Garden Metal Models catwalk, screen door wheels, lazy susan bearings and Radio Shack Mono Audio plugs. If you decide to try this method of electrical contacts, leave a little play room when you drill the holes to make it easier to get a good allignment. Some silicone will hold things in place after the two halfs get connected. Use a switch to reverse polarity when it rotates past 180 degrees. The rails will get cut to length and the lead tracks attached after installation to insure proper allignment.
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