The Turntable

Updated Oct 15/09

An integral part of the change in layout plan was to utilize a turntable to accomplish three objectives: to provide an engine run-around; to provide engine facilities; to provide a focal point for the West end of the layout. Due to space limitations, I didn't want to go any larger than 6" diameter. As it happens, 6" is long enough for an 0-4-0 Porter and shorty tender as well as the diesel critters I intend to run. Since I had never built a turntable before, I decided to make it solid with a planked deck as opposed to a bridge. Also, I wanted small changes in elevation throughout the layout and so, for a start, I added 1/2" foamboard to the West and North sides of the On30 portion. The next step was simple: a 6" diameter cut-out for the turntable. I used Midwest model airplane 1/4" plywood and mahogany doorskin to build up the turntable so the rail heights matched (along with a CD disk spacer!). For a pivot, I used 1/4" dowelling set in 5/16" i.d. brass tubing. For alignment and electrical connections, I used Ian Holmes' method of soldering brass tubing to the outside of the rails with sliding solid brass wire providing the alignment and connection, much like a carriage bolt. See Carl Arendt's book "Creating MICRO LAYOUTS", pg. 24. Really slick and easy! The rails were attached in place using ACC. The planking was 1/16"x3/16" balsa also attached with ACC. With the support of the planking, I found that there was no way the rails would go out of alignment with On30 equipment.

With the turntable in place, it was back to laying track.