Ok, I'm completely rebuilding my layout (ugh, what a task) and I haven't a clue what turntable to buy (I know about the walthers turntables, nobody has $300 to spend in my generation) and I've given up and I'm hoping to save (approx. $200) and I want a turntable thats at least 120 feet, now, I have looked at diamond scale, it seem promising, but... I have a feeling that with my patience it will not go well. Now I did check this site out: http://www.custommodelrailroads.com/ but I don't know any background on their turntables, and I'm never in a mood for scale structures (scratchbuilding anything is beyond my patience, even just the pit) now, is there anyone that I can rely on? (again, I CANNOT afford the Walthers turntable)
Have you looked on eBay? You might find a good deal on even a Walthers unit.
Mouse is right. Check on Ebay; I got the Walthers turntable and did not pay near that amount. I got one just a little over a $100. Their turntable is awesome and works like a charm; but take your time programming each stop. Larry
I have heard lots of good things with the walthers turntables. they are indexed so that operation is very smooth and simple. we have one at the club and it is said to work flawless.
I have than one in the back of my head, I just want a second option if one for a good price isnt possible
Helijan makes a 98' turntable, it is about $40. Scale Structures makes two different lengths 110' or 130' they are $75 and $85 respectively. Peco makes a code 75 turntable. Kibri makes one that sells for $20 pre-built. Or you can modify an Atlas 90' Turntable that runs only about $20.
If you go to Ebay, look under Wilson turntable. They turn up occassionally. They have a metal pit with plastic table and will hold my son's N&W Class A 2-6-6-4......barely. They were made in the '60s out in Cleveland, Ohio.
again, minimum of 120 scale feet, and I am never in a mood for a major modification (or scratch built), read the original post to understand what i mean
So you want a pre-built turntable that is 120 feet. That leaves but one option... the Walthers 120' turntable. You can't afford to spend a lot of money. That leaves you with no options, unless you can steal a Walthers one for under $100. The problem is that not many companies have 120' or greater turntables let alone pre-built ones.
im fine with construing one, I just dont want to have to scratch build (or it be a huge hassle to have running great)
The Wilson table I mentioned is 116 ft, is that close enough?
Go to Ebay, under toys and hobbies group, type in Wilson Turntable. One there for $49.99, no bids, little over a day to go, seller 100% rating
a club i belong to put in the 120 foot tt and it is not plug and play. a lot of fine tuning was necessary. do not want to discourage you but you will most probably have to do some work to get everything correct. i have seen this with tt installations over the years. careful planning will go a long way.
lex
the wilsons is 109 feet, i think im gonna keep it in mind, im going to wait to order a turntable until my b-day in june
I just measured my Wilson table. The bridge is 14.5 inches long which measures out to 116 ft. 14.5x8=116
ok, final decision, the 134ft diamond scale turntable, anything i should know that may change my mind?
FEC,
I have a smaller Diamond Scale tt that I got from a friend who built it. As I look at it, it seems to me that putting the rail around the pit wall and assembly of the all metal "arbor" that goes over the track on the tt bridge may be the hardest parts. Other than that, the rest of the bridge is bass wood and should be together fairly easy. Hope all goes well as these tt are fine looking models. Good luck.
Why not use one of the newer Atlas 15 degree turntables (yes, only 9") with the Atlas table in the floor of your pit and a 120' tables built above it? You'll have a reliable unit, low price and excellent indexing.
Quote from: Doneldon on November 24, 2009, 05:01:54 AM
Why not use one of the newer Atlas 15 degree turntables (yes, only 9") with the Atlas table in the floor of your pit and a 120' tables built above it? You'll have a reliable unit, low price and excellent indexing.
If you didn't notice, I already suggested this to him, and he said it would be to much trouble/work for him. Maybe if you read what was already posted....
I use the Walthers ready built 90ft turntable. Self indexing, works everytime, best turntable I've ever owned. It works with the heavy 4-8-2, with modified tender, so the 90 foot is just perfect for my GER. I gather that the 120ft turntable is just as reliable for all of you who suffer from "turntable envy". :)
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l99/rogertra/Great_Eastern/Turntable9.jpg)
The current Walthers 120' turntable is as close to plug and play as one can get. It does need programming, sure, but the instructions are clear and precise.
Check eBay often. I paid nowhere near MSRP for mine.
Gene
I can only find a 90", and a 130' one while searching... Where did you get the 120' one, Gene?
Walthers makes a 120 ft. & a 90 ft fully built turntable , they are both prices at $300 and are reported to be exceptionally well made & programmable . John II
I either bought it on eBay or on sale through Walthers. In any event, I didn't pay $300 for it.
Gene
Roger, the GER can get away with 4-8-2s as max power, but the VT&P climbs hills. Those 2-6-6-2s and 2-6-6-6s are l o o o n g! >:(
Gene
I am just getting back to model railroading and I was given Brand new EZ track,I was wondering is there any turntable out on the market that works with the ez track system
Any turntable will work fine with a bit of modification to the E-Z track. The bachmann Thomas the Tank Engine Turntable costs like $175 including a European roundhouse and requires no modification.
My brother just bought the Walthers 130" turntable ( it's 130 not 120) and paid a little over $200 for it. I'm going to his house today to finish installing it. It's a beautiful unit and well worth the price, but a word of caution, make sure you follow the directions about keeping everything clean and dust free or you will have operating problems.