Just finished tearing down my old layout and I am now it the process of finishing the frame work for a new layout. Would like to have a turntable in the new layout. Would like some recommendations which turntable to buy. I will be operating HO in DCC. Thank You for any help in this matter
Would be helpful to tell us what kinds of locomotives you will be turning. Once you tell us that, we can help figure out how big a turntable you need.
Thanks,
Marty
Most will be GP30, GP35,SD40, F7’s, Switchers and a few Makido’s
Marty, I checked out your site, very impressive, great photos. Loved the aerial views.
I have a pre DCC built up Walthers 90’ turntable that I am pretty happy with. Since I run mostly four axle diesels and one Mikado, I thought the 90" would be adequate. But, if I had it to do over again I would probably go for the 130" TT…I generally run two locos together, mostly GP7’s and 9’s, RS1’s, 2’s and 3’s and F units. Two lashed up are too long for the 90’ bridge.
Why not use a Wye? This way you can turn whole consists instead of one loco.
Pete
I’ve recently built and installed a 90’ Custom Model Railroads (CMR) turntable, as presented here:
http://www.custommodelrailroads.com/turntables-3.aspx
I’m very happy with it, and Jeff from CMR was very patient and generous with his time when I called him for advice or support. I also bought their motor assembly. I’m very happy with both.
Rick Krall
A wye large enough to turn a complete train would require a lot more room than a Turntable. I can not even accommodate a why just large enough to turn an engine, never mind a whole train.
Why turn a diesel consist at all? Do what the real railroads do, and run them back-to-back so there’s a cab on each end.
But, you do bring up a good point about turntable size. I’d recommend getting the largest one that you can fit in the space you’ve got.
Measure your Mikado’s coupler to coupler as they will be the longest of that list. Take the length in inches and multiply by 87 (for HO) and divide by 12 to get feet. 9" = 65 feet 12" = 87 feet.
I only have a 9" = 65 feet turntable by Atlas. It isn’t great but it is easy to install. It is long enough for my 3T Shays but not my small 2-6-0 Moguls with tenders.
http://www.oakhurstrailroad.com/Turntable%20web.htm
For you I bet the 90 foot turntable would be good. Others with more experience with turntables would have to help with the options available in terms of manufacturers and kits.
I would not worry about trying to turn 2 diesels while still coupled.
Marty
Marty
I have the Walthers DCC 90’ turntable. It accommodates my BLI Mikado just fine and operates very well. it is an easy install.
Dante
I have the Wathers Cornerstone 90 foot KIT. I would never make that mistake again {the KIT}.
If I had to do it again, and stuck with {and maybe not} the Cornerstone turntables,and was running various sized steamers, I would go with the 130’ built up here as it is worth it {If I had the real estate} :
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2850 It is available JULY, get your order in early as these always sell out!
If not, or only doing diesels, I would still opt for the built up Cornerstone 90’ here:
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2849
The Bachmann 9incher is just too small. I made that mistake FIRST by buying it first, before buying the 90’ KIT. It is basically worthless.
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