I am redesigning my n scale layout and I have recently bid and one a 2-8-0 and currently waiting to win a second unlettered 2-8-0 that will go along with my Rock Island 4-8-4, CNW 4-6-0, and AT&SF 0-6-0st. I’m planning on using just the 2-8-0 (hopefully both) for passenger operations, the 4-6-0 for logging, and the 0-6-0 as a yard switcher. i do have diesels but it really doesn’t matter which way you drive them they still will look prototypical. However, I cannot say the same for steam locomotives and for that I am here asking for help.
I have a stub-end passenger terminal in a corner and I want to be able to have my steam locomotives facing outward without picking them up and moving them. i decided I want to use a manual turntable near the terminal since the line is dedicated for passenger only, but I’m not sure if I could drive my locomotives off the turntable.
My question is if I use a manual turntable on my DCC layout will I still be able to control my locomotive?
Sure. The first thing you need to do is provide power to the rails on the turntable track. So, you need a pair of feeder wires. The second thing you need to do is provide some mechanism to account for reverse polarity when you rotate the turntable 180 degrees. Either an auto-reversing unit or a toggle switch like a DPDT will do that. Just don’t forget to isolate or gap the reversing section of track.
Typically the 4-6-0 would be used for passenger service and the 2-8-0’s for freight. 2-8-0’s were rarely used for passenger service, when they were it was typically mixed trains. 2-8-0’s typically had top speeds of 45 mph while 4-6-0’s could hit 70-90.
Thank you for the advice. I might just used the ten wheeler solely for passengers while my 2 2-8-0s work freight. My passenger trains will only have at least 4-5 including the locomotive.
The Atlas turntable has the polarity-reversing stuff built in. As stated, it’s a deck turntable, not a pit. I took mine and converted it to a pit turntable by adding a bridge and mounting it below the level of the layout. It was a “modeling challenge,” to say the least.
Since the Atlas is pre-indexed, it’s easy to align the tracks for smooth operation. The motor unit for the N-scale unit is only $26.50. After about a week of turning the hand crank, you’ll be ready for that. It’s an easy installation, too, and you can add a decoder and run it from your DCC throttle.
However, the Atlas turntable in N is only 7 1/2 inches across. Measure the engines you want to turn and make sure they’ll fit.
As of 1am this morning I only need a turntable for my two 2-8-0s and one 4-6-0 since they are the only ones who are going to pull passenger cars. I do have a 0-6-0, with hopes of more in the future, but that will be used solely for freight or passenger car uses.
Thank you for the help. I saw the walthers turntable and they are asking for an arm and leg.