I found a very inexpensive and effective dust cover for my 130’ turntable and thought I would share it with you all. The dust cover is a cake cover from Party City and is exactly the right size, 19" diameter with a 1/2" flange, but is only about 4" high which is OK except for the bridge arch. I cut out the center of the plastic cover to allow the arch to protrude about 1" or so. I am still looking for a small vacuum formed or molded ‘cup’ of sorts to glue or otherwise mount to the top to cover the opening. I hope to find something that will also act as a handle. The cover is $3.99 at Party City. I think they had some smaller ones but didn’t check them out since I don’t need one. If anyone has any ideas for the missing part let me know.
The answer to your dilemma is in your refrigerator - in the form of a small circular freezer container. Just widen the hole, insert the little plastic bowl from the inside and apply cement of choice. To make it really elegant, screw a drawer knob to the top center of the freezer container.
No offense to the OP, but I agree with Jay that the cover is unnecessary. The OP gets high points for creativity but at what cost? You wind up with a flimsy plastic cake cover with a hole in the center. You need a second raised piece to cover the hole, and then you need to add a handle to lift the entire contraption off the turntable.
As Jay inquires, what’s the point? The turntable gets no more dust than the rest of the layout. True, there are some moving parts, but they are generally concealed.
The one problem with an open turntable pit is ballast. And if ballast is likely to reach the pit under normal operating circumstances, it is even more likely when installing and removing the contraption.
I don’t cover my turntable, and I don’t use it every operating session. But, when I do, I begin by removing the bridge track (a simple lift out procedure) and vacuuming the pit and the toothed edge of the pit. My turntable has been in operation for over 7 years, and I have never had a problem yet by leaving it uncovered.
I cover my turntable because it is so sensitive to dust and dirt. If I can keep dust out of the gear track with a 30 second cover install, why not? If I take the bridge out and vacuum and then replace the bridge and run the ‘Home’ position it takes at least 5 minutes for all this; not that it isn’t a good idea, but with a dust cover I can avoid this for most of the operating sessions. And yes I need to cover the hole in the middle, which I pointed out in my original post; I just haven’t found the right container for it. It is a little ‘flimsey’ but I don’t want a heavy cover that might damage fine detail around the pit. Didn’t think this would bring such negative comments. Dust is always a problem on a layout, not just on the tt, but the tt is more likely to be affected by it than the rest of the layout.
My apologies if that came off negatively. There is really nothing wrong with trying to cover the turntable, and you deserve plaudits for your creativity. But, as you have discovered, the real issue is trying to find an appropriate cover, given the size and shape of the turntable.
I plan to keep mine covered too, at least for now, as I am in construction phase. I have your top right here in my utility room. The laundry detergent or floor cleaner bottles both come with a clear plastic measuring cup on top which is about two inches wide and tall. Glue this on with some clear adhiesive caulk and you have the top done, and a handle to pick it up as well.
Bob… I did the same thing with my 90’ , also had the same problem, I used a cover from a spray paint can. works as a great handle and glues nicely. Also allot of colors to choose from. Just a thought. I agree with covering it and protection from dust in the track. I also made a vacuum hose for mine so I don’t have to fuss with the bridge. I made it from 1/4" poly tubing And attached it my shop vac.
Bob I noticed your using cornerstone round house . I am getting ready to build mine except I want to use 8 stalls is it a good idea to build this item on the layout instead of on the bench. Never built one before. Any suggestions.
If you are having a problem w/ dust and that TT is very tempermental, I would be working on controlling the dust, ie: drywall ceiling, airtight recessed flight fixtures, ect. Even have used tru-wall filtered fans ( in other instances) to create positive pressure for dust control. Takes very little air movement to help w/ this.
I built the HO scale version of the Walthers Cornerstone Rondhouse plus an add-on set of stalls for a total of nine stalls. I built it on a separate work table and then moved the completed structure to its place on the layout. I really think that is the best way to do it, given the need for access when building and painting it.
I built my roundhouse floor in place but I have an access opening right next to it. With the very close tolerance fitting of the rails matching up with the tt bridge I felt it was better this way; however, I am making the roundhouse walls and roof removable so I have clear access to the stall tracks. I may leave the interior stall trusses in place and have the roof panels sit on them, possibly in groups of 2 or 3 panels. I have been running the tt for about a year now with no problems other than an occasional alignment error?? I love the whole turntable and roundhouse facility and it is the main attraction to visitors.
Like you, I did not glue the roof panels in place so that I would have easy access to the interior. I recommend that practice to anyone who builds the roundhouse.
I found a very inexpensive and effective dust cover for my 130’ turntable and thought I would share it with you all. The dust cover is a cake cover from Party City and is exactly the right size, 19" diameter with a 1/2" flange, but is only about 4" high which is OK except for the bridge arch. I cut out the center of the plastic cover to allow the arch to protrude about 1" or so. I am still looking for a small vacuum formed or molded ‘cup’ of sorts to glue or otherwise mount to the top to cover the opening. I hope to find something that will also act as a handle. The cover is $3.99 at Party City. I think they had some smaller ones but didn’t check them out since I don’t need one. If anyone has any ideas for the missing part let me know.
Absolute genius. That’s one of the best things about model railroading, you can find uses for just about anything. How wide is the hole in the top? Perhaps you can find one of those plastic cups used for dipping sauces. They may be about 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep.
The hole in t he top is about 4" diameter and I am still looking for a ‘perfect’ bowl. cup or ?? to fit. I want something that will also act as a handle! Not too picky am I?
Oh, it never made it to the cake MonkeyBucket! Straight to the train room.
Bob, Great idea! I keep mine covered all the time because ‘stuff’ somehow manages to migrate into the center hole. If I am not going to run the railroad during an extended time, I use very cheap plastic paint cloths to cover the entire road. I get them from Lowe’s for $2.00 each and it take 4 to cover everything.
Well, I finally found the perfect top handle for the dust cover, a snack bowl at Walmart! Who’d’a thunk it? I just had to cut the threaded top (where the lid screwed on) off, hit it on the belt sander to make it flat and glue it to the top of the dust cover. Works great! The whole cover weighs about 10-12 ounces and is so easy to pick up and replace. The new handle is just the right size and the same material as the main cover. This waa necessary to clear the TT bridge structure in the middle.
I actually started out with that in mind; manufacture them for sale, even made a CAD drawing of it. Wasn’t sure of the market though, how many 130’ turntables are out there and how many would buy this. May still try Ebay with handmade ones. I like your slogan!
