Walthers roundhouse kits have 10 degree stalls. Theoretically, how many stalls would complete the circle? I'm trying to figure out many stalls I can have that would be practical.
36?
There has to be an access corridor to the central turntable. So, at most 35, and a typical TT has a minimum of two ingress/egress leads in case an engine fouls one of them temporarily.
This is theoretical...I have never stood in a complete roundhouse center and counted stalls.
Crandell
Sketch/plan showing stalls located at 10 degree angle: http://02f6eec.netsolstores.com/instructions/roundhousespec.pdf
Photo showing six stalls around table: http://www.custommodelrailroads.com/images/view.aspx?productId=11&index=4
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If you are using the Walthers roundhouse with a Walthers turntable, I believe that there are two "No Track" positions associated with the auto-reversing. So these tracks could be dummies, but not active.
360 degrees in a circle, 10-degree stall spacing, 36 positions total. As others have said, typical real-life roundhouses had at least two entrance/exit tracks, although there were a very rare few where the entrance and exit tracks came through the roundhouse itself, as on this old New Haven roundhouse (circa 1900).
More typically, there was an opening in the roundhouse stalls for the entrance exit tracks. So that would give you 34-35 stals, assuming you used the dummy tracks.
That must be some layout you are building!
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Roundhouses take up a lot of real estate. My thoughts and ideas were a lot bigger than my tiny 15 x 24 foot room when I returned to the hobby in HO. I wanted to model the Vancouver roundhouse but soon realized that wasn't going to happen. Instead a pusher service facility in the Canadian Rockies with a six or nine stall roundhouse was settled on. I have a 4' x 12' area where this hopefully will fit in.
Here is the Vancouver Roundhouse in 1916 (I think) I wish I had room for that coaling trestle.
Click twice for super size.
When you do your Roundhouse, post pic's. We love pic's.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Edit; Double post.
Thanks guys for the info.
I'm building a layout that deals with nothing but the servicing and maintaining of steam locomotives.
For a middle of the road roundhouse and faciliteis, try these Candian prototypes
Take a look at this complex located in the city of Santa Fe, Argentina. It was built in the early XX century and it had 40 stalls.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_afd9Hv2lw2U/TR4-2fOOnmI/AAAAAAAABvs/tzFoCLFGJFo/s1600/21780_0herraduraint.jpg
Today is an art gallery, totally refurbished
Canadian Big Boy Walthers roundhouse kits have 10 degree stalls. Theoretically, how many stalls would complete the circle? I'm trying to figure out many stalls I can have that would be practical.
As others have said, 36 stalls is the theoretical maximum, but somewhere around 32 stalls is the more practical maximum because of the dead zone and the need to provide approach tracks.
The three biggest problems in modeling such a monstronsity are cost, space, and time.
The cost issue is obvious when you price the number of add on stalls that you would need.
The space required to model the full circle of round house stalls is relatively enormous. I model a 9 stall roundhouse and it requires a 6' x 6' space to handle the round house and turntable.
Time is the other issue that you face. For example, if you have a single approach track and 35 stalls, it coudl take forever to rotate the turntable to reach the most remote stall, load the loco onto the turntable, and then rotate the loco forward or back to the approach track. It would make more sense to have more approach tracks in such an instance.
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrain The space required to model the full circle of round house stalls is relatively enormous. I model a 9 stall roundhouse and it requires a 6' x 6' space to handle the round house and turntable. Rich
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Graffen richhotrain: The space required to model the full circle of round house stalls is relatively enormous. I model a 9 stall roundhouse and it requires a 6' x 6' space to handle the round house and turntable. Rich That's very improbable....? As even the modern Walthers roundhouse with a 130' TT only takes up 42" squared: Maybe 4' x 8' ? As that would give space for coaling and cleaning facilities.
richhotrain: The space required to model the full circle of round house stalls is relatively enormous. I model a 9 stall roundhouse and it requires a 6' x 6' space to handle the round house and turntable. Rich
That's very improbable....? As even the modern Walthers roundhouse with a 130' TT only takes up 42" squared: Maybe 4' x 8' ? As that would give space for coaling and cleaning facilities.
Graffen, that may be the strict physical dimensions of the round house and turntable, but you neglect two other important factors: overhang and access. For overhang purposes, round up to 48" squared. For access, add at least 2' on at least two sides. Believe me, the space required on my layout to model a 9 stall round house and turntable requires a 6' x 6' space.
Here is a photo of my 9-stall setup. I have access from the front and the left side. The double main line runs behind the round house.
GraffenWell, I did add 1" all round..... Without that it's 39-40" squared with the 130' TT. With the 90' it's only 37'.... I have made the calculations for my own layout, and that's where I got the measurements.... I will only have 6 stalls and a 90' TT, so I will manage with a 32" depth but almost 5' long..... I don't get your 6'x6' size, how can you get access?
Here is a better photo of the area. I use that pop up area on the left and there is a 3' aisle to the right.
GraffenMaybe 4' x 8' ? As that would give space for coaling and cleaning facilities.
The Original Poster wants a near full circle, which is about 5 feet on a side in HO even without the other facilities or a means of access -- certainly can't fit on a 4X8 as you suggest.
cuyama Graffen: Maybe 4' x 8' ? As that would give space for coaling and cleaning facilities. The Original Poster wants a near full circle, which is about 5 feet on a side in HO even without the other facilities or a means of access -- certainly can't fit on a 4X8 as you suggest.
Graffen: Maybe 4' x 8' ? As that would give space for coaling and cleaning facilities.
cuyama, I think Graffen was referring to my 9-stall setup when he suggested a 4' x 8' area.