Turntable Recs

Folks, does anyone care to recommend a source/brand for a turntable? I've looked about and just keep finding the Atlas, which is highly unrealistic. I've seen several articles about kitbashing it into a more accurate turntable, but would prefer to find something off the shelf...

Thanks,

Kris
 

DeaconF

New Member
Walthers

I don't know what your budget is, however if it is limited take a look a Wathers HO turntable. I have had one on my layout for about 3 or 4 years now. It is not engineered vary well but I can still use it. The motor turns the table about 30% of the time and power goes to the track about the same ratio. For the money it is the best I have seen. Frank
 
Deacon -

Thanks for the info... I did look at it, and one thing that wasn't clear is if it's indexed -- to me that's a requirement.

Overall, while I don't have a money tree in my back yard, I'd rather save my pennies and pay a bit more for something more robust than get it sooner/cheaper but it only works 1 out of 3 shots... So while a cost-effective solution is going to find me all ears, I'm open to things that cost a few dollars as well -- if they back up the cost with reliability.

Kris
 

DeaconF

New Member
money

I hear ya. the Walters unit will give you a little frustration and it is not indexed. Go for the gusto you will be happier. Keep in mind size. mine is now too small for my larger engines. I have to put them straight through to go into a round house. Frank
 

DeaconF

New Member
mine too

Yours and Mine too. I think they all went to school together. Good luck on your search. Frank
 

Gary Pfeil

Active Member
Kris, I haven't yet built one but years ago I bought a 90' Diamnond Scale Models turntable kit. I'm only just getting to the point where I will be ready to build it. However, I developed a liking for larger steam and now the 90 footer just ain't gonna cut it. The kit by the way does look a bit daunting. You need to glue the pit rail to nicely cast plaster pit ties. I think this would be the hardest part of the assy. One person I know managed to wind up with a vertical bump in one place and broke the plaster ties when he tried to correct it.

Anyway, I just bought a 105' turntable, which will just fit my Erie Berkshire. It is made by CMR and it just arrived yesterday. It consists mostly of laser cut acrylic parts. A quick read thru the instructions has me feeling pretty confident I'll be able to build it so it works. Cost is $145. It does not include indexing but they do sell two motorizing kits which include indexing. Check out the web site.

http://www.cmrtrain.com/
 

jwmurrayjr

Member
Kris,

If you've got good slow-speed motor control and can see your turntable you don't need indexing (like the real thing). DCC or a decent power pack will give you good slow-speed control.
 
L

lester perry

I have a Helgan powered turntable. It works very well but must use extreme caution when assembling. I wish it was longer as I have aquired some rather large locos since I put this in (H8 & T1). Most other locos will fit though. I looked in my Walthers book and found it as manual turntable. 322-804. As I said mine is powered and came with the motor many years ago. It is not indexed. Here is pic it is in look to the right.

100_0497.jpg
 

dr.5euss

New Member
Go Hornby!!

I got a motorised Hornby turntable yesterday for £45, and it is indexed electrically and physically - it waited at every output for 'pausing time'. The only problem is that it looks crap when you don't use all the outputs, so I think some plasticard would do the trick??

George
 
L

lester perry

Go to Photography Scenery & books forum to see a better pic of Helgan turntable in action. I am very satisfied with it.
Les
 
Hi all, this is my first post. I have an Atlas turntable, that seems to work very well but like others have said its not very realistic, but i like the indexing and plan on motorising is soon, but I have recently bought a very nice Hudson loco with vanderbuilt tender that is much too long for it. what if a person was to use an Atlas turntable for the bottom of the pit and build the deck and a pit wall ontop of it of the desired size? just useing the Atlas for the movement and power transmission?? any thoughts?
 
ChadYelland said:
Hi all, this is my first post. I have an Atlas turntable, that seems to work very well but like others have said its not very realistic, but i like the indexing and plan on motorising is soon, but I have recently bought a very nice Hudson loco with vanderbuilt tender that is much too long for it. what if a person was to use an Atlas turntable for the bottom of the pit and build the deck and a pit wall ontop of it of the desired size? just useing the Atlas for the movement and power transmission?? any thoughts?

Many, many people do exactly that. I don't recall any offhand, but I get if you Google a few relevant phrases, you'll find sites describing/showing how to do it.
 

krokodil

Member
Fleischmann makes a good and indexed turntable. It works quite well and is simple in operation. Unfortunately is not very cheap....
 

cidchase

Active Member
Hi Eric,
You prolly have great stuff, but when you come in the house, at least wipe your feet!
(and read the posting rules)
 

Ralph

Remember...it's for fun!
Members who also manufacture or sell products are invited to do so in the Buy, Trade, or Sell forum or the New Products forum as appropriate.
Thanks!
Ralph
 
Top