I need to model a turntable pit. The sides are going to be concrete and that is taken care of. I could do concrete or dirt at the bottom of the pit but would like to see some examples of what others have done. I'm leaning torwards a dirt pit as the turntable is a small scratchbuilt one for a branch line up in the pine covered mountians.
I made a gravel bottom using ballast. Added some grass and weeds.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
Being basically lazy, I opted to use the Walthers' 90' indexed built-up version as it looks, except to weather it and add an oily puddle around the bearing. I painted a black disk around the central pivot and then added a thin layer of finish quality epoxy.
I built mine with a dirt bottom with weeds, but still need to add a couple of catch basin grates. My free-lance road is set in southern Ontario's "snow belt", so the pit has steam lines beneath it to keep it functioning in even the worst weather.
Wayne
I made mine from plaster to look like concrete...It still needs some weathering.
Enjoy your project.
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
I did mine using ties as a wall and a dirt bittom, although my dirt/turf turned out a little greener than I planned:
It's faded since this picture was taken and I feel like it looks fairly realistic. By the way, the figure on the bridge serves a purpose; he indicates the correct position of the bridge polarity switch (when he faces the front of the layout, the switch should be in the up position).
Phil, I'm not a rocket scientist; they are my students.