Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Walthers turntable question

1759 views
6 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    September 2002
  • 7,486 posts
Walthers turntable question
Posted by ndbprr on Friday, April 30, 2021 7:46 PM

Have a 933-2859 turntable that the controller no longer works.  None are available from Walthers or heljen. Can I just use a Doble throw center off switch to control turntable rotation?

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Friday, April 30, 2021 8:37 PM

What is the controller doing or not doing?

 

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, April 30, 2021 8:43 PM

ndbprr
Have a 933-2859 turntable that the controller no longer works.

According to the Walthers web site, this is the controller for that turntable and it is in stock.

ndbprr
Can I just use a Double throw center off switch to control turntable rotation?

Short answer is yes, but I am not familiar with the electric or mechanical particulars of the Walthers turntable.

I built my own drives for my Bowser turntables.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Friday, April 30, 2021 9:12 PM

ndbprr
Can I just use a Double throw center off switch to control turntable rotation?

Hi ndbprr,

I believe you can use a DP center off switch, but getting the turntable bridge lined up can be a bit tricky, especially if the bridge rotates rather quickly. I used an old train set power pack to operate the Walthers 90' turntable that I built for my old club. The variable speed allows you to slow the rotation as you approach the desired track so lining up the rails is much easier. Also, if you have to jog the bridge a bit one way or the other, you are not applying full power so the motion is much smoother and tiny adjustments are easy to make.

The turntable was also much quieter at lower speeds.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • 7,486 posts
Posted by ndbprr on Saturday, May 1, 2021 7:29 AM

Made a mistake on the turntable #. It is the first version not the current one. Controller was damaged beyond any hope of repair. The power pack is a good idea. I was thinking along the lines of a non latching switch so that short bursts of power could be applied if needed.

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,877 posts
Posted by maxman on Saturday, May 1, 2021 7:46 AM

If you use DCC you can install a motor decoder.  Turn the table at any speed you want.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, May 2, 2021 1:32 AM

ndbprr
I was thinking along the lines of a non latching switch so that short bursts of power could be applied if needed.

That will work but the bridge may jerk as it gets full power. The power pack operation is very smooth.

DCC control is certainly an option, but it requires several keystokes to switch from a locomotive address to the bridge decoder address and back again. Personally I find that to be a bit of a pain, but then again I'm all thumbs when it comes to operating a DCC throttle. Others may find the process easier.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!