Turntable Recs

[kchronister]

Folks, does anyone care to recommend a source/brand for a turntable? I've looked about and just keep finding the Atlas, which is highly unrealistic. I've seen several articles about kitbashing it into a more accurate turntable, but would prefer to find something off the shelf...

Thanks,

Kris

 

[DeaconF]

Walthers

I don't know what your budget is, however if it is limited take a look a Wathers HO turntable. I have had one on my layout for about 3 or 4 years now. It is not engineered vary well but I can still use it. The motor turns the table about 30% of the time and power goes to the track about the same ratio. For the money it is the best I have seen. Frank

 

[SteamerFan]

Diamond scale.......http://www.diamond-scale.com/

 

[kchronister]

Deacon -

Thanks for the info... I did look at it, and one thing that wasn't clear is if it's indexed -- to me that's a requirement.

Overall, while I don't have a money tree in my back yard, I'd rather save my pennies and pay a bit more for something more robust than get it sooner/cheaper but it only works 1 out of 3 shots... So while a cost-effective solution is going to find me all ears, I'm open to things that cost a few dollars as well -- if they back up the cost with reliability.

Kris

 

[DeaconF]

money

I hear ya. the Walters unit will give you a little frustration and it is not indexed. Go for the gusto you will be happier. Keep in mind size. mine is now too small for my larger engines. I have to put them straight through to go into a round house. Frank

 

[kchronister]

But my wife always says size doesn't matter...

I'll keep seeking out "the right one"...

Kris

 

[DeaconF]

mine too

Yours and Mine too. I think they all went to school together. Good luck on your search. Frank

 

[Gary Pfeil]

Kris, I haven't yet built one but years ago I bought a 90' Diamnond Scale Models turntable kit. I'm only just getting to the point where I will be ready to build it. However, I developed a liking for larger steam and now the 90 footer just ain't gonna cut it. The kit by the way does look a bit daunting. You need to glue the pit rail to nicely cast plaster pit ties. I think this would be the hardest part of the assy. One person I know managed to wind up with a vertical bump in one place and broke the plaster ties when he tried to correct it.

Anyway, I just bought a 105' turntable, which will just fit my Erie Berkshire. It is made by CMR and it just arrived yesterday. It consists mostly of laser cut acrylic parts. A quick read thru the instructions has me feeling pretty confident I'll be able to build it so it works. Cost is $145. It does not include indexing but they do sell two motorizing kits which include indexing. Check out the web site.

http://www.cmrtrain.com/

 

[jwmurrayjr]

Kris,

If you've got good slow-speed motor control and can see your turntable you don't need indexing (like the real thing). DCC or a decent power pack will give you good slow-speed control.

 

[kchronister]

I was just watching a video of a turntable in action on the site Gary suggested and reaching that same conclusion myself.

 

[pgandw]

See http://www.bowser-trains.com/hoother/ttables/ttables.htm for Bowser turntables.

Hope this helps.

 

[lester perry]

I have a Helgan powered turntable. It works very well but must use extreme caution when assembling. I wish it was longer as I have aquired some rather large locos since I put this in (H8 & T1). Most other locos will fit though. I looked in my Walthers book and found it as manual turntable. 322-804. As I said mine is powered and came with the motor many years ago. It is not indexed. Here is pic it is in look to the right.

 

[dr.5euss]

Go Hornby!!

I got a motorised Hornby turntable yesterday for £45, and it is indexed electrically and physically - it waited at every output for 'pausing time'. The only problem is that it looks crap when you don't use all the outputs, so I think some plasticard would do the trick??

George

 

[lester perry]

Go to Photography Scenery & books forum to see a better pic of Helgan turntable in action. I am very satisfied with it.
Les

 

[ChadYelland]

Hi all, this is my first post. I have an Atlas turntable, that seems to work very well but like others have said its not very realistic, but i like the indexing and plan on motorising is soon, but I have recently bought a very nice Hudson loco with vanderbuilt tender that is much too long for it. what if a person was to use an Atlas turntable for the bottom of the pit and build the deck and a pit wall ontop of it of the desired size? just useing the Atlas for the movement and power transmission?? any thoughts?

 

[kchronister]

Hi all, this is my first post. I have an Atlas turntable, that seems to work very well but like others have said its not very realistic, but i like the indexing and plan on motorising is soon, but I have recently bought a very nice Hudson loco with vanderbuilt tender that is much too long for it. what if a person was to use an Atlas turntable for the bottom of the pit and build the deck and a pit wall ontop of it of the desired size? just useing the Atlas for the movement and power transmission?? any thoughts?

Many, many people do exactly that. I don't recall any offhand, but I get if you Google a few relevant phrases, you'll find sites describing/showing how to do it.

 

[krokodil]

Fleischmann makes a good and indexed turntable. It works quite well and is simple in operation. Unfortunately is not very cheap....

 

[Precision RR]

Precision RR has a turntable option to show in the Buy Sell and Trade forum.

 

[cidchase]

Hi Eric,
You prolly have great stuff, but when you come in the house, at least wipe your feet!
(and read the posting rules)

 

[Ralph]

Members who also manufacture or sell products are invited to do so in the Buy, Trade, or Sell forum or the New Products forum as appropriate.
Thanks!
Ralph