QUOTE: Originally posted by jecorbett QUOTE: Originally posted by pcarrell Probably the easiest way that I know of to add a turntable (TT) to a layout is the Atlas one. It has it's drawbacks, but there are some pluses too. The biggest drawback to an Atlas TT is it's size. 9 inches in HO and I am guessing an equivalent size in N. Since a TT is a steam era feature, a TT that size can only turn very short steamers. Fine if you are modeling early 20th century but not if you are modeling the latter days of steam.
QUOTE: Originally posted by pcarrell Probably the easiest way that I know of to add a turntable (TT) to a layout is the Atlas one. It has it's drawbacks, but there are some pluses too.
QUOTE: Originally posted by ndbprr Having had a homemade turntable that could handle a Big Boy I am going to make some controversial remarks. In my opinion a turntable is a mistake. The amount of real estate needed is not offset by the convenience or lack thereof. Making sure polarity is correct for the turning of the bridge seems easy until you use one and then it happens more times then you think. If you look at any engine terminal most of the engines are not in the roundhouse they are on parallel tracks like a diesel facility waiting for assignments. Roundhouses were used for repairs only - not storage. I personally would never have another engine terminal because of the elimination of more useful operating areas. That being said, a good engine terminal (and they are hard to make so they look like the prototype) is an asset.