Need some turntable info.

[Anonymous]

I'm in about the 20th redesign of my replacement layout for my current 4x8 and due to space restrictions (my wife won't let me use our 14x24 living room[:(]) I am considering a turntabe rather than a reversing loop.

My problem is, I run Big Boys, Challengers, Cab Forwards and F7A/Bs with drawbars and need a 130' turntable. The only ones I've found are $225 and up.

Does anyone know of any cheaper source or possible kit? I have found built 90' and kits for 90' and 105', at reasonable prices, but none for 130'.

[selector]

Internet and e-bay are the only ones where I've heard others say they've had success.

Trouble is, they're becoming the hottest thing since sliced bread, and that will tend to keep the prices high.

Good luck...heck, you're already lucky if you have Big Boys and Challengers.

[ereimer]

i just had a quick look on ebay ... the only turntable selling there in that size is the Walthers 130' . the kit is a pretty recent release and they're being sold by ebay 'dealers' rather than used or old stock which might sell for lower prices . considering that it's motorized and indexed it's pretty reasonably priced .
there is also the Bowser , a bit more expensive and you have to buy the indexing kit seperately .

i think the turntables you're seeing at reasonable prices are either not motorized or not indexed or both .

but good luck with your search , and please post results

[Anonymous]

How are you at scratch -building?
I'm just about finished with one for my layout.
http://2guyzandsumtrains.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=137/start=0.html
I have found a good bit of info on the net and there are drawings in MR magazine that can be adapted to your specifications.

[Anonymous]

Unless you find a really good deal on eBay or estate sale, the only cheap way to get a 130' turntable is to scratch build one. Take a look at Bowser's HO Turntable to get an idea. .

[tomytuna]

I posted a note regarding the new Walthers 130'.....priced right when u combine all the items...works great...Tom

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Ray Marinaccio

How are you at scratch -building?
I'm just about finished with one for my layout.
http://2guyzandsumtrains.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=137/start=0.html
I have found a good bit of info on the net and there are drawings in MR magazine that can be adapted to your specifications.

Beautiful job on your turntable! Total scratch building is not my strong point, kits are OK though. I've been watching Ebay, too. Just having a hard time getting the value vs. price figured out in my head.

A turntable will save me some space, but the cost seems to be a lot for a "scenery item." Most of my buildings, etc. are inexpensive kits that I detail and weather, but I am looking at spending a great deal on Kato HO Unitrack....

Maybe if I can just think of it as a "track" item, like the $53 Kato #6 turnouts.....

Thanks for all the ideas.

[robengland]

I believe you get what you pay for in turntables. I have a Walthers 90' kit for sale after I spent six weeks trying to get the &!#@&*^ thing to work. I look forward to the arrival of my Diamond Scale turntable....

[dinwitty]

get industrious and build one. Use some bridge girders, plastic pieces or wood, many hobbyshops sell them.
Look for some surplus tools and motors or junk stuff stores.
find some motors and gears.

[gmcrail]

You might try Custom Model Railroads at:

http://www.custommodelrailroads.com/turntable.html

I built a 105' kit of theirs, and was very pleased with it. Though working with clear sheet acrylic was a bit disconcerting at first, it went together well, was very precise, and runs very nicely. The price was the most reasonable on the market, as well. They make up to a 135' table.

[Robert Langford]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ereimer

i just had a quick look on ebay ... the only turntable selling there in that size is the Walthers 130' . the kit is a pretty recent release and they're being sold by ebay 'dealers' rather than used or old stock which might sell for lower prices . considering that it's motorized and indexed it's pretty reasonably priced .
there is also the Bowser , a bit more expensive and you have to buy the indexing kit seperately .

i think the turntables you're seeing at reasonable prices are either not motorized or not indexed or both .

but good luck with your search , and please post results

[Robert Langford]

I'm just finishing up my scratch built turn table. It will hold my Y6b. I used a power steering motor and gear box from a junked car. I have used a windshild wiper motor and gear box on one I built years ago. Paid $10.00 for the window motor, can't beat the price.

[Anonymous]

CMR has a 135' for $158.00. I've built one of their kits and it is a nice unit. you can see it at
http://www.railimages.com/gallery/bobstephens

CMR's address is:
http://www.custommodelrailroads.com/turntable.html

Have a good day
Bob

[rexhea]

I have built a 120' CMR turntable and I am very happy with the results. The kit is not hard to build, but you must take your time and be careful to align the parts correctly. My Challenger and Class "A" will just fit on the 120'. Please visit my picture link
http://www.railimages.com/albums/rexheacock/acp.jpg
http://www.railimages.com/albums/rexheacock/adl.jpg

REX