I am redesigning my n scale layout and I have recently bid and one a 2-8-0 and currently waiting to win a second unlettered 2-8-0 that will go along with my Rock Island 4-8-4, CNW 4-6-0, and AT&SF 0-6-0st. I'm planning on using just the 2-8-0 (hopefully both) for passenger operations, the 4-6-0 for logging, and the 0-6-0 as a yard switcher. i do have diesels but it really doesn't matter which way you drive them they still will look prototypical. However, I cannot say the same for steam locomotives and for that I am here asking for help.
I have a stub-end passenger terminal in a corner and I want to be able to have my steam locomotives facing outward without picking them up and moving them. i decided I want to use a manual turntable near the terminal since the line is dedicated for passenger only, but I'm not sure if I could drive my locomotives off the turntable.
My question is if I use a manual turntable on my DCC layout will I still be able to control my locomotive?
Mr. LMD, Owner, founder
The Central Chicago & Illinois Railroad
Mr. LMD I have a stub-end passenger terminal in a corner and I want to be able to have my steam locomotives facing outward without picking them up and moving them. i decided I want to use a manual turntable near the terminal since the line is dedicated for passenger only, but I'm not sure if I could drive my locomotives off the turntable. My question is if I use a manual turntable on my DCC layout will I still be able to control my locomotive?
Sure. The first thing you need to do is provide power to the rails on the turntable track. So, you need a pair of feeder wires. The second thing you need to do is provide some mechanism to account for reverse polarity when you rotate the turntable 180 degrees. Either an auto-reversing unit or a toggle switch like a DPDT will do that. Just don't forget to isolate or gap the reversing section of track.
What brand of turntable are you considering?
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrain Mr. LMD: I have a stub-end passenger terminal in a corner and I want to be able to have my steam locomotives facing outward without picking them up and moving them. i decided I want to use a manual turntable near the terminal since the line is dedicated for passenger only, but I'm not sure if I could drive my locomotives off the turntable. My question is if I use a manual turntable on my DCC layout will I still be able to control my locomotive? Sure. The first thing you need to do is provide power to the rails on the turntable track. So, you need a pair of feeder wires. The second thing you need to do is provide some mechanism to account for reverse polarity when you rotate the turntable 180 degrees. Either an auto-reversing unit or a toggle switch like a DPDT will do that. Just don't forget to isolate or gap the reversing section of track. What brand of turntable are you considering? Rich
Mr. LMD: I have a stub-end passenger terminal in a corner and I want to be able to have my steam locomotives facing outward without picking them up and moving them. i decided I want to use a manual turntable near the terminal since the line is dedicated for passenger only, but I'm not sure if I could drive my locomotives off the turntable. My question is if I use a manual turntable on my DCC layout will I still be able to control my locomotive?
I was thinking of using an Atlas or Walthers turntables.
edit: Do you think the Atlas turntable are able to be used?
Mr. LMD I was thinking of using an Atlas or Walthers turntables. edit: Do you think the Atlas turntable are able to be used?
The Walthers turntable has the recessed pit like the prototype. The Atlas turntable just sits on the surface.
That said, either will serve your purposes.
Mr. LMD I'm planning on using just the 2-8-0 (hopefully both) for passenger operations, the 4-6-0 for logging, and the 0-6-0 as a yard switcher.
I'm planning on using just the 2-8-0 (hopefully both) for passenger operations, the 4-6-0 for logging, and the 0-6-0 as a yard switcher.
Typically the 4-6-0 would be used for passenger service and the 2-8-0's for freight. 2-8-0's were rarely used for passenger service, when they were it was typically mixed trains. 2-8-0's typically had top speeds of 45 mph while 4-6-0's could hit 70-90.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
dehusman Mr. LMD: I'm planning on using just the 2-8-0 (hopefully both) for passenger operations, the 4-6-0 for logging, and the 0-6-0 as a yard switcher. Typically the 4-6-0 would be used for passenger service and the 2-8-0's for freight. 2-8-0's were rarely used for passenger service, when they were it was typically mixed trains. 2-8-0's typically had top speeds of 45 mph while 4-6-0's could hit 70-90.
Mr. LMD: I'm planning on using just the 2-8-0 (hopefully both) for passenger operations, the 4-6-0 for logging, and the 0-6-0 as a yard switcher.
Thank you for the advice. I might just used the ten wheeler solely for passengers while my 2 2-8-0s work freight. My passenger trains will only have at least 4-5 including the locomotive.
The Atlas turntable has the polarity-reversing stuff built in. As stated, it's a deck turntable, not a pit. I took mine and converted it to a pit turntable by adding a bridge and mounting it below the level of the layout. It was a "modeling challenge," to say the least.
Since the Atlas is pre-indexed, it's easy to align the tracks for smooth operation. The motor unit for the N-scale unit is only $26.50. After about a week of turning the hand crank, you'll be ready for that. It's an easy installation, too, and you can add a decoder and run it from your DCC throttle.
However, the Atlas turntable in N is only 7 1/2 inches across. Measure the engines you want to turn and make sure they'll fit.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasley The Atlas turntable has the polarity-reversing stuff built in. As stated, it's a deck turntable, not a pit. I took mine and converted it to a pit turntable by adding a bridge and mounting it below the level of the layout. It was a "modeling challenge," to say the least. Since the Atlas is pre-indexed, it's easy to align the tracks for smooth operation. The motor unit for the N-scale unit is only $26.50. After about a week of turning the hand crank, you'll be ready for that. It's an easy installation, too, and you can add a decoder and run it from your DCC throttle. However, the Atlas turntable in N is only 7 1/2 inches across. Measure the engines you want to turn and make sure they'll fit.
As of 1am this morning I only need a turntable for my two 2-8-0s and one 4-6-0 since they are the only ones who are going to pull passenger cars. I do have a 0-6-0, with hopes of more in the future, but that will be used solely for freight or passenger car uses.
Thank you for the help. I saw the walthers turntable and they are asking for an arm and leg.
Mr. LMD Thank you for the help. I saw the walthers turntable and they are asking for an arm and leg.
You are probably looking at the motorized turntable which lists for $350.
The 120' manual turntable in N scale is just under $36 MSRP and can be found at a discount.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3203
richhotrain Mr. LMD: Thank you for the help. I saw the walthers turntable and they are asking for an arm and leg. You are probably looking at the motorized turntable which lists for $350. The 120' manual turntable in N scale is just under $36 MSRP and can be found at a discount. http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3203 Rich
Mr. LMD: Thank you for the help. I saw the walthers turntable and they are asking for an arm and leg.
this is the one I saw on many websites that I were referring to, but the link you posted showed a pretty nice turntable too.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2616