I’ve got this 1950’s vintage Wilson’s 16 inch turntable that I got cheap that I’m going to use on the 4 X 12 Virginian layout I’m starting soon. The turntable works fine but the bridge is bare-bones; no control cab, railing, decking, arch, nada. The railing I can get from Walthers and attaching decking is not a problem, but I still need a control cab and the only available source, Diamond Scale, is not yet back in business. That leaves scratchbuilding one. Any help with dimensions and materials suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
gharrod, Welcome to Trains.com! [tup]
I would think that it wouldn’t be too big. Just big enough for an operator to sit or stand in and close the door and be able to operate a couple of controls. The ones I have seen are small and almost square.
Perhaps there was a fire and the table had to be rebuilt, including the control cabin. The railroad would most likely have done it themselves, so it may not match any existing prototype.
Thanks for the reply. I think what I will do is pick a figure for an operator and just build the cab around him.
you took the words of my suggestion right out of my mouth. Did you fix the loose filling while you were in there?? [:P]
[8-|]
I measured the one on my Walther’s 130’ TT and it is 1.00" long, 11/16" deep and 1" high at the lowest point on the sides. It has a curved roof which is optional since you are building your own. It has a 2-pane window on the long sides and a single window on the short end. the other short end has the door. Hope this helps.
-Bob
Sorry, I had the wrong pic posted, here is the correct one.
I built mine from some scrap styrene and windows and a door from my parts supply dept.
Wayne