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Walthers Turntable 130' / 110' ?????

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  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: Horsham, Pennsylvania
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Walthers Turntable 130' / 110' ?????
Posted by woodman on Sunday, August 21, 2016 9:19 AM

Looking to purchase a Walters Cornerstone DCC Turntable 130' in HO scale, it is out of stock on most sites that I usually purchase from, Walthers site states that it is discontinued, but the 110' is available. Is there much difference between the two, I don't run very large locos, mostly 6 axel and a few 8 axle. Any info would be appreciated.

  • Member since
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  • From: Finger Lakes
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Posted by TBat55 on Sunday, August 21, 2016 11:01 AM

Seems to me a balloon track around the roundhouse makes sense, and with a TT "at the end of the line" I just use the balloon track for my 2 large engines (2-8-4 & a Hudson). 

The 130' takes up too much space, 90' suits me.  I like the looks but turning is boring.

Terry

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Bakersfield, CA 93308
  • 6,526 posts
Posted by RR_Mel on Sunday, August 21, 2016 11:39 AM

You didn’t say what locomotives you’re planning on using on the turntable, HO scale 110’ (15⅛“).  For HO diesels the DD40 is the longest at just under 99’ (13⅝”), but for steam my Cab Forwards and AC-9s clock in at 124’ (17”), the UP Big Boy is 132’ (18¼”) long.
 
I built a 135’ (18½”) CMR Turntable for my layout and kitbashed a Korber Roundhouse to 135’ to house my monsters.
 
 
 
Mel
 
Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951
 
My Model Railroad   
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
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Posted by ACY Tom on Sunday, August 21, 2016 1:27 PM

The important factor is not engine length, but wheelbase. Measure your longest engine, coupled to its tender, and don't forget to allow for the flanges. If it's longer than 15-5/32" long, it won't fit on the 110' turntable. 

On the prototype, most steam locomotives --- even large, modern ones --- would fit onto a turntable of about 105 feet or less. A Union Pacific Challenger should fit onto a 110' turntable.  A bit of overhang was often tolerated, just as long as the wheelbase would fit. B&O used 115' turntables to turn EM-1 2-8-8-4's, and C&O also used 115' turntables for their H-8 Alleghenies.  A Big Boy or PRR Duplex might require a 130' table, but most engines will fit on something smaller.  Many large engines were serviced at terminals that had turntables too small for their wheelbase. They would be turned on a nearby wye or (more rarely) loop.

Tom

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  • From: Ludington, MI
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Posted by Water Level Route on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 3:27 PM

Woodman,

I have the 110' and the largest steamers I currently own are BLI 2-8-2's and a Bachmann 4-8-2 and they all fit with plenty of room to spare.  In fact, I can turn an AB set of Proto 1000 F3's.  They just fit.  Hope this helps.

Mike

  • Member since
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 9:21 AM

I have a 130, and wish I had waited for the 110'.  The 110' has a new control box different from the 130 and 90' that has direction buttons for control like the old 130' (red box) had (a sort of hybrid between the old and new).  I was very excited about this feature until:

At the NTS Walthers said they were not going to sell the control system separately.  I told them Im not buying any more of their turntables if they were going to continue to change the control system with new runs and not provide a way to upgrade without buying a whole new turntable. 

  • Member since
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  • From: BELLEVILLE. ILLINOIS
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Posted by UPFEF on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 2:49 PM
walthers new 130' turntable will be available 10/28/16. Part number 933-2859.
  • Member since
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  • From: Mount Vernon WA
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Posted by skagitrailbird on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 5:52 PM

There is a 130' tt for sale on ebay right now. A bit pricey but if you need it... .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walthers-HO-933-2850-130-Motorized-Turntable-/361700126581?hash=item543701ef75:g:j5sAAOSwn8FXSKHE

Good luck.

Roger Johnson
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
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Posted by EMDSD40 on Monday, September 26, 2016 8:50 PM

Did you look at Micro-Mark?  I received a catalog  listing that 130' turntable for @250.00 if memory serves me correctly. I tossed the catalog so I can't verify. Currently installing the TT now along with two roundhouse structures. Train world in NY just came to mind also.

  • Member since
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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Monday, September 26, 2016 9:26 PM

woodman
Looking to purchase a Walters Cornerstone DCC Turntable 130' in HO scale, it is out of stock on most sites that I usually purchase from, Walthers site states that it is discontinued

The very latest "Walthers Flyer" has two HO and one N scale turntable being made available in October. 933-2859; 933-2860 and 933-2618.

https://www.walthers.com/monthly-flyer

The Micro-Mark is the Walthers 110 foot.

http://www.micromark.com/walthers-cornerstone-motorized-110-turntable-with-dcc-ho-scale,12312.html 

Hope that helps,

Ed

  • Member since
    July 2006
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Posted by bagal on Monday, September 26, 2016 10:06 PM

BMMECNYC

I have a 130, and wish I had waited for the 110'.  The 110' has a new control box different from the 130 and 90'

Good comment. The control system on our 130' causes some frustration. Looks like Walthers is introducing a 90' and 130' with the new system. My recommendation would be to get one of the newer ones, the smallest that will accommodate your locos.

bagal

 

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  • From: Cumberland Plateau
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Posted by CentralGulf on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 7:29 AM

bagal
 Looks like Walthers is introducing a 90' and 130' with the new system. My recommendation would be to get one of the newer ones, the smallest that will accommodate your locos. 

I am very interested in the new 90 footer. Hint to our hosts: We need a thorough review of these new TTs. Sooner would be better than later.    Cool

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