The title says it all I need help in coming up with a schmetic of a turntable that works for automobiles. I remember reading about one in a MR couple of years ago on a guys layout but cant find that issue. Ever since then I wanted to make one and install it. I have the Walthers (prebuilt) Motor that they now sell and I want to work off of that but have no knowledge of gears as I thought I did at one time. Any help would be geatly appreciated. For the facts I am working in HO scale and its only for automobiles and or small trucks. Thank you.
A turntable for automobiles? I never heard of it. Why would cars need to be turned on a turntable?
I would imagine this is something so rare, each one would be custom made, so I think you could build it how you please.
I can recall that “back in the day” large congested cities would use turn-tables to turn BUSSES at their terminals where real-estate was at a premium. This way, the bus would enter the depot, be turned on the table and leave the same way they entered.
Not sure what the purpose of a table for automobiles would be used for. Back in the fifties, Popular Mechanix illustrated one for in front of a residential garage so you wouldn’t have to be backing out of your drive-way into traffic - it was concept only.
Mark.
Perhaps as a display at a dealership? Back in the day it wasn’t all that unusual to see an automobile slowly turning on a turntable at a larger dealership. Is this what you are after?
I’m sorry I should have said this turntable would be in a dealership to show of the car(s). Not for actually turnning them in the street.
Find an old record player that works, preferably with a 4 speed, (16, 331/3, 45, and 78 rpm). Hook it to a dimmer switch at 16 rpm and you can reduce the RPM’s down to the speed you want by adjusting the light dimmer switch.
John
Ahhhhhh - I see !!! What would be even simpler … get yourself a Hankscraft switch motor, set at 2-3 volts they turn as slow as 1 rpm !!! Just attach a round platform to the shaft and you’re good to go.
Mark.
I found one designed for 1:43 diecast models - spec says 6" mirrored turntable. Looks like it is battery operated - less than $15.
In fact, the B&O did just that at the CNJ Jersey City Terminal. They were tight for space and they would enter the Trainshed, turn the bus, and leave the way they came in. In those days the B&O controlled the Reading, who in turn controlled the CNJ. Very complicated but it explains the presence of B&O loco’s, trains and even buses at this busy terminal.
Hope this helps! Chris
Here in Milwaukee, I have seen a few older houses, built by/for wealthy owners, that actually had automobile turntables in the garage. The one I recall most clearly was at the end of a narrow alley with a 90 degree turn in it that would have made it difficult to back a long car out of. The chauffeur would head in, and then turn the auto to head out so it would be ready for the next trip.
Faller (Walthers) makes one for their Mercedes dealership kit. It can also be used for rotating signs.
been scanning for it on walther sight do you have a part number or page number?
Walthers/Faller part # 272-180628 and 272-180629 “Synchronous Motors”
Ahh yes the same motors they use to power the circus rides. hmmm maybe I will look into that but have two ove the walthers motors so I was hoping to use them with gearing you know to give me something else to do like I dont have millions of other projects lol.
(Item #1212)
http://www.hobbyengineering.com/CatMM.html
Miniature Gear Motor: Right Angle Shaft
The GM7 is a baby version of our popular right-angle drive GM3 gearmotor, again designed by Mark Tilden to have tighter tolerances and better performance than a regular toy-style motor. These smaller, quicker 120:1 gear reduction ratio’d motors are sure to stir ideas!
This gearmotor starts rotation at 0.58 volts, turning 7RPM drawing only 46.5mA. At 5 volts, this unit really humms, spinning at 145RPM and drawing 88mA no-load (610mA stall producing 20in*oz torque).
And best of all - $5.25
IMO, 7 rpm should be just about right for what you have in mind, considering 1/87 fast time and all that… Yes I have used these myself and find it’s simpler, by far, to used a gear motor at a specific output that running a motor at a speed it was never designed for. Speed changes are easily accomplished with sprockets, pulleys or gears, similar to bicycle spockets.
BTW: Lots of good stuff on that site…
I wonder if that motor could make a good turnout switch machine, especially at $5.25. Does anyone know what current a Tortoise draws at stall?
my uncle once worked for a man who had a turntable in his garage for turning his car. hed park in, flip a switch and 1 minute later the car was facing out and ready to go. that was back in the early 40’s