Any tips for putting together a Diamond Scale Turntable?[?]
I just got my 134’ twin span girder
I was going to ask the same thing other than go slow take your time be extremely precise, oh and follow the directions
Got my pit rail in place took me 3 hours but it looks just about perfect if not exact
Sean
Greetings Garrido
I see this is your first post, so [#welcome] to the forum!
Sorry I don’t have tips on building their kit because I don’t own one, but here is a link to Diamond Scale’s web site in case you haven’t been there.
http://www.diamond-scale.com/products.htm
The only advice I can give you is make a copy of the instructions and read it over from time to time untill the paper is wore out, then take one step at a time.
If you are missing instructions, you can order updated copies.
If you don’t think you’re at that skill level, you may be able to find someone more experience willing to help (or build it for you for a price) at a divisional NMRA meeting, model railroad club or your local hobby shop.
If you have a specific question, e-mail me and I’ll try to help.
Here’s a few words from their site about the turntable.
[quote]
QUOTE: Diamond Scale produces craftsman-style kits, primarily of structures found in and around engine terminal facilities for steam or diesel locomotives. Our turntables are designed to operate smoothly as well as to be realistic looking, and can support the weight of your engine at each scale.
We must say that these are not beginner’s kits. The level of a craftsman-style kit is very different from the snap-together type plastic model. Craftsman kits involve the use of tools to a greater degree, and generally have small parts and materials that must be assembled. Accuracy in making measurements is also very important.
How difficult? For example, several of our kits require the bending and forming of 0.020 inch diameter brass wire into handrails or other small items. We use basswood parts as small as 3/64 or 1/16 inch angles, and scale 2 x 4’s (which in HO are 0.024 x 0.048 inches). Some of our metal castings are as small as 1/16 inch. A turntable can take several hours to complete. We don’t mean to discourage you from buying our kits but we don’t want you to be disappointed either.
Many
I have a completed Diamond Scale turntable. I really like it. It was time consuming to put it together, and you’ve got to read the directions several times. Measure carefully. Use Code 100 rail in the pit, if you use code 83, your contact with the brass wheels on the bridge will not be as complete as you might want.
I did not purchase indexing, since my turntable is more for show than actual operation. I mean, I run engines in an out, but the main focus of my layout is mainline; yard is mostly there because 1. it has to be to give the feel 2. you’ve got to have somewhere to display your locomotives.
Great products. also an inspection pit for steam is very nice, simple to put together, and inexpensive.
For turntable indexing try the New York Railway Supply PTC III system. It really works. www.nyrs.com
I own a 134’ TT and am thrilled with it. As noted by the others here, the construction is slow going but the finished product is incredible!!
I had some help completing and painting the TT. It is motorized, but not indexed…