Have been going though all the threads to see if anyone was talking about turntables.Can't find any info. I'm sure there is some somewhere I just can't find it. I know I want to introduce one into my layout, I've been looking at a whalthers 130' dcc & dc ready. The price is a little high but I like the way you can control it and the look. Is anyone else makeing one that is better or comparible?
I was reading an article where someone was crafting one from scratch, he was doing a great job but I don't have those talents. YET
My Walthers 90' table works gread and I have had no trouble with it. I do keep it covered when not operating however as dust can muck up the contacts. I made the cover from the plastic packing that protected the table when it was in the box. I only have a 4X8 so it takes up all of the west end of the layout. Lots of fun.
73
Bruce in the Peg
Blind Bruce
Is your table motorized hooked, up to dcc
It is DCC and there are no issues with reversing the direction of locos when they are turned around. You might say expensive but I feel that I got what I paid for.
In the past, the standard was the Diamond Scale series. But they are expensive and have to be built, not a small job. Also, they really need an electronic drive, which will add another $250. I was lucky and found a used 130 ft from a local going to O scale. I just added the electronic drive.
Everything I've heard about the new Walthers 90 and 130 is positive. Also the 90 N gauge.
Hal
I'm happy with my Walther's:
And for narrow gauge staging yard I've the simple manual home made solution:
Wolfgang
Pueblo & Salt Lake RR
Come to us http://www.westportterminal.de my videos my blog
Wolfgang:
Are the "spectators" there to watch the crew remove the boxcar from the pit?
Joe
Wolfgang,
Can you share some plans for how you did the homemade narrow gauge turntable? I am working on plans for a new On30 layout, and your homemade turntable looks like a good solution to my turntable needs. I am beginning to wish I kept a few of the turntable articles from back issues of Model Railroader.
Lippy
As far as the best bang for your buck the Walthers built up turntable is the best buy out there. I have the 130' version on my layout and have installed both the 130' and 90' on our club layout. Understand that even is you find a Diamond Scale Turntable at a really cheap price they are nothing but junk. I have known guys who have given them away because they are such a nightmare. They were the standard back in the day because no one else came close to making anything that was close to theirs in respect to details etc. The indexing system is caveman technology and is totally unreliable. Not having any affiliation with Walthers or trying to sound like a cheerleader but you open the box drop it in the hole after you cut it out via the provided template hook up four wires and your done. It will take you longer to program the indexing portion then the actual install. I believe the new versions are even dcc programmable so thats a huge bonus.
The Walthers unit even though it's a little pricey can be had for a good price if you shop around. Back when you couldn't get one form Walthers I paid $230 from a local train store that just opened up. When I asked him if the price was some sort of promo deal he said no my everyday price. I am pretty sure if you buy one you'll be happy with it.
texdonWolfgang, Can you share some plans for how you did the homemade narrow gauge turntable? I am working on plans for a new On30 layout, and your homemade turntable looks like a good solution to my turntable needs. I am beginning to wish I kept a few of the turntable articles from back issues of Model Railroader.
Here in my blog are pictures from different steps.
The bridge is also made of plywood. I've glued a ring rail and ballasted it. Then I cut the rail. There's a dead part at each site, as wide as the bridge. This way you will not get a short if you turn the bridge.
Bridge pick up is made by thumbtacks. There're four, two at each end. The thumbtacks glides at the pit rail.
I've glued timber to the plywood bridge, At those timbers I've mounted the track. This way I've got the same level as the other tracks.
Do you know who makes a turntable large enough to handel a large 4-8-2 or a 4-8-4? HO scale. My Spectrium steamers are about 14 inches long.Some thing ready made?
L&N.....Gone but not forgotten
Yea..............the 130 foot Walthers turntable, it'll handle a Big Boy which is a "skosh" bigger then your 4-8-2's..............
Mark
Ok Thanks Mark...L&NTim..
I,ve tried to go to the Walthers web site to price the 130 but I can,t find it....L&NTim..
Thanks for your input, everything I have heard so far agrees with you. It looks like I will have to order one , they all say it will be available in sept. or oct. 2010. I have priceing from 260.00 to 350.00. From all the input I believe that is the way to go.
Thanks
Thanks...Now I just have to get the price ok,ed by the boss..