???
how can you use a turntable with e-z track??
Dear Canada,
Run the EZ Track to the edge of the pit, trim the hook, and shim the track or the turntable to be level.
Have fun!
the Bach-man
what turntable would work the best
The Atlas turntable works great with EZ track and is inexpensive plus it has a great matching Roundhouse.
Dave.
A larger unit is more expensive, either of Walthers units with indexing is about $250. Bowser makes one but it is really old school and expensive
acemanjay,
What is the largest locomotive you want to turn? That should be the first criterium for deciding which turntable to use.
Gene
Gene, of course, has it right.
If the cost of a large turn table is not in the budget, you might consider building your own.
dear steamgene
my largest engine is a 2-10-2 and i am running a dcc setup
A 2-10-2 will not fit on an Atlas table.
Gene
Didn't Peco just announce an On30 turntable?
I still can't believe that Atlas doesn't make a 90' surface mount turntable, like their 65'. Though they don't make steamers, some of their own diesels won't fit on the regular table.
I called Atlas, but they are not very receptive to suggestions. >:(
I'm currently bashing one of their tables since I don't want a pit.
The Walthers one are really great if you don't mind paying for them.
Quote from: Yampa Bob on October 25, 2008, 08:30:02 PM
I still can't believe that Atlas doesn't make a 90' surface mount turntable, like their 65'. Though they don't make steamers, some of their own diesels won't fit on the regular table.
I called Atlas, but they are not very receptive to suggestions. >:(
I'm currently bashing one of their tables since I don't want a pit.
I had also contacted Altas about a 90' turntable and was informed that the anticipated cost would place the 90' turntable close to the new Walthers turntable. End of story.
if you like to do kit mods, use an atlas turntable for a base and put a bridge on it and bury it under the table. That way you could go on the cheap with the atlas and have a turntable what ever size you want.
Acemanjay,
You are not going to get a 2-10-2 on a stock Atlas table. My USRA heavy fills up most of a 130 foot table and it has a USRA heavy tender, not a long haul.
Gene
just picked up an atlas myself
I just did some measuring, the only steam locomotive I have that will fit on the Atlas table is the diminutive Roundhouse vintage 2-8-0, and just barely. My GP40 and FT-A will fit, but my new AC4400 will not.
As for Atlas' statement that a 90' version would cost as much as the Walthers; I find that hard to believe also. Considering the type of construction, I would think in the area of $100 to $125 is more accurate, and there appears to be a fair demand for a larger surface mount turntable. Of course I have no idea what it costs to tool up for a new product.
Bashing the Atlas has not been easy, due to my goal of not having to provide power to the table, only picking up power from the lead and exit rails so polarity is not an issue. I have tried several wiper/contact schemes, so far nothing noteworthy.
This topic comes up frequently, and seems to always end with the same conclusion, which is as Jim noted, either pay the price for a Walthers or build your own. (or do without).
They ( atlas ) all ready make a large turntable for O gauge, why not convert one to HO?
Quote from: SteamGene on October 25, 2008, 09:55:38 PM
Acemanjay,
You are not going to get a 2-10-2 on a stock Atlas table. My USRA heavy fills up most of a 130 foot table and it has a USRA heavy tender, not a long haul.
Gene
the only spectrum steamers I can place on the Altas turntable is the 4-4-0 and the 4-6-0. I am advised that if I could find the tender from the Russian it would allow the Connie to fit as well. Just glad that I had the room for a wye and passing track.
im using a dcc system and i would like to add a turntable soon as ive said before the biggest loco i have now is a 2-10-2 and i would like a turntable that will work best for e-z track,dcc and my loco i am also looking for the sheds that go around the turntable i am somewhat of a newbee at this and im turning to learn as fast as i can and i thank everybody for there input on this post and all others ive started
A 2-10-2 will require a 130' table. (Not actually, but the choice is 90' or 130'. The 90 won't cut it. ) Walthers is the best, but costs the most. If you want a less expensive one, contact me off list. It can be cut to fit the 2-10-2 and save a bit of real estate. OTOH, it will take a bunch of work on your part.
Gene
Paul
Thanks, but the Atlas O is too large, and too rich for my blood. For the $150 street price I could buy that new Power Cab.
If you find one at a yard sale for, say $10, let me know. :D Cutting down something is easier than stretching it. What I really need is a piece of white styrene 12" in diameter by 1/8" thick. The outside ring is no problem.
A turntable isn't a high priority for me, I'm just determined to design a simpler one without all the wiring and polarity issues.
Quote from: SteamGene on October 26, 2008, 10:34:08 PM
A 2-10-2 will require a 130' table. (Not actually, but the choice is 90' or 130'. The 90 won't cut it. ) Walthers is the best, but costs the most. If you want a less expensive one, contact me off list. It can be cut to fit the 2-10-2 and save a bit of real estate. OTOH, it will take a bunch of work on your part.
Gene
My three GER 2-10-2s all fit on a the Walthers 90ft turntable but then again, I've kitbashed the tenders, as well as the locos but they do fit. :-)
But would it fit with the USRA long tender? ;)
Gene
This is a Diamond Scale O-scale TT model OT 105 (105 scale feet) with a Weaver M1b with long haul tender.
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w141/mikedian/IMG_6604.jpg)
Third Rail DM&IR 2-10-4 with large tender.
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w141/mikedian/IMG_8101.jpg)
You're probably right, 90 scale feet is not going to work on some of the larger engines This is a scratch built turntable 33 1/2" or 134 scale feet. A big boy will fit.
This Pensy C1 0-8-0 looks small on the TT.
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w141/mikedian/IMG_7690.jpg)
Diamond Scale and Bowser also makes HO TT as kits.
http://www.diamond-scale.com/products.htm
http://bowser-trains.com/hoother/ttables/ttables.htm
My Spectrum light 4-8-2 with the "medium" tender will work on a 90' turntable, but probably not anything much bigger than that.... I've heard that the heavy 4-8-2 won't fit, so the light loco seems to be about the limit.
-Paul
I was going to post some photos of my larger engines on the 90ft 'table but the camera batteries are flat and won't hold a charge. :(
has anyone here used a turntable with e-z track?
not yet but im planning on it one day and hopefully one that is dcc i would also like to know what kind of sheds people are using
The atlas roundhouse is inexpensive and can house three trains.It doesnt look bad for the money. ;)
yeh but it is nly the atlas
Ya well not everyone has 100+ dollars to spend on a toy train turntable.
A member of a different forum used a piece of 1x2 lumber, cut up some atlas girder bridges which he glued to the sides, added flex track and a basswood deck, and built a pit with masonite. I think the total cost was 15 or 20$.
Links from a Google search for HO scale turntable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgYfiHNoCkk
http://www.tslrr.com/turntabl.htm
http://www.2guyzandsumtrains.com/Content/pa=showpage/pid=15.html
http://www.2guyzandsumtrains.com/Content/pa=showpage/pid=15.html
http://www.deskproto.com/gallery/turntable.htm
You can also search model railroad magazines for articles and buy the magazine or article.
http://index.mrmag.com/
Rich
That seems like a lot of work to make a pit, why not use one of these:
http://www.instawares.com/aluminum-deep-pizza-cake.jr63212.0.7.htm?LID=GGLE&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=JR63212
Although I have a square for finding centers on a circular object, some people would have trouble finding the center. Tolerances are tight. With all that i have read, there is nothing easy about building your own turntable.
With many ideas available, it might make it slightly easier but that is all relative.
Rich
The make or buy decision is always difficult to make , but that is one aspect of model making in miniature railroading. If you have the skill and patience you will end up if a unique product. Early prototype railroads couldn"t buy everything off the self . They had to build their own in the beginning.
Here is a little more info on building a turntable.
http://www.simplytrains.com/pages/hints&tips/turntable/turntable2.htm
http://www.zealot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113505&highlight=turntable+tutorial
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/sgratke/sgrr/trains/matt/index.htm
Here is a link to one modelers experience.
http://www.housatonicrr.com/DIY_Turntable.htm
Your mileage may vary..
Rich
I had done a rather extensive fabrication of a turntable in O-scale. Using some Diamond Scale parts and a Bowser deck detail kit.
Here is a link to another post I did on another forum. I should give you an idea as to how complex the project can be. http://ogaugerr.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3681097934/m/6381056754?r=6381056754#6381056754 (http://ogaugerr.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3681097934/m/6381056754?r=6381056754#6381056754)
Pictures posted on my website.
http://www.mikedian.net/trains/Model%20Train%20Pics/Model%20Train%20Pictures/Fort%20Pitt%20Hi-Railers/Turntable/index.html (http://www.mikedian.net/trains/Model%20Train%20Pics/Model%20Train%20Pictures/Fort%20Pitt%20Hi-Railers/Turntable/index.html)