I am wanting to build a turntable for my 3 rail 027 layout. Does anyone have diagrams/plans for a homemade turntable? Saquili
Mostly HO, but you can get the idea.
http://www.2guyzandsumtrains.com/Content/pa=showpage/pid=15.html
I've always thought about building a Sellers Turntable one day. Seems someone made a kit, but you could fab this up pretty easy I think. Here's some info: http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=20445
pcarrell I've always thought about building a Sellers Turntable one day. Seems someone made a kit, but you could fab this up pretty easy I think. Here's some info: http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=20445
Freshwater Models makes/made a 60ft Sellers turntable kit for HO/HOn3. I bought the last one of the production run about a month ago, shortly after Jack McKie announced he only had a few left in the Yahoo Early Rail Group. I notice that Jack's web site (http://www.freshwatermodels.net/) now states that he has closed the business until Fall 2009, at the earliest. Both the HO Sellers and the On2/On30 B&B turntable are listed as sold out.
I can say from personal experience that Jack's work and word is everything he claims. I hope he re-opens. I would hope he would consider another production run of the Sellers turntable if enough interest/orders came to pass.
The Sellers turntables (prototype) were made in several standard sizes, with 60ft by far the most common, and 70ft the largest. They were designed to be erected on site by relatively unskilled labor. The 60ft model accommodates nearly every prototypical TOC engine. But it does not fit HOn3 K series 2-8-2s (they need about 70ft in model form, might fit 65ft if tender is close coupled), which may have cost Jack some sales.
For a very simple O27 turntable, I would mount 2 pieces of straight track on a piece of 1x2 or 1/2 " plywood for the bridge track. Drill and install a shaft and bearing to turn the bridge track on. For wiring, a 1/4" microphone or guitar jack set could serve as both shaft and bearing and electrical connections. Use finger power for armstrong levers to rotate the turntable. Or pay the $$ and buy a motorized O turntable from Bowser.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W