I've had the DCC capable turnable announced by Walthers on preorder for about a year now at my favorite supplier. Checking the Walthers website now I see them listed as "sold out". Did I miss out or are they yet to be released? I'm talking about the DCC version, not the original ( which can be "converted" I'm told... Thanks for any info, Otto
My local hobby shop owner said that he has $34,000 worth of stuff on backorder from Walthers. Something funny going on?
They are advertised and were in stock, in fact I saw one listed in the flyer I get every so often from them. I believe the release was in 2010. However having things on backorder seems to be a way of life for as long as I can remember from this certain big catologue outfit. Have you checked the Trainboard advertisers?
I got the original one. Walthers must have taken a page out of the LifeLike sales catalogue because they were blowing these things out the door for about $169.00. Naturally they sold out. Then they announced a DCC version was going to be released. I didn't follow it anymore but I think the release date was pushed back once or twice. I'm not sure what added benefit the DCC version provides over the original one.
What is the difference in a "DC" turntable and a "DCC" turntable? Seems to me it would be only the type of signal you put in the wires / track. Sort of like the "difference" in an "AC" bulb or a "DC" bulb. Thanks for the help.
The DCC version allows OpSwitch control of the turntable itself, for accessing the different index points (i.e., storage tracks). The original version, you have to push/hold the button to move the bridge between tracks. Both are fully DCC compatible for the track itself, as long as you pay proper attention to wiring polarity on either side of the "dead zone"
Current schedule shows the shipping date to dealers is 04/28/2012 for the N Scale version. They have not been received yet. The HO version has shipped to dealers.
130' is a bit big for me, I dont run large articulated engines. A 90-100 footer would be better for me. I don't think that in reality there were many 130 foot turntables around. Most that I've worked with were 100' or smaller. I have an old Diamond scale 90 foot turntable that needs repair I'll settle with that one even though it doesn't have the goodies of the new ones. Randy
Thanks for all the responses, looks like I have to wait a bit longer but at least I didn't miss the DCC release. I use DCC stationary decoders for most of my turnouts, including the incredibly slick and practical MACRO functions which allow me to select routing through up to 10 turnouts with one track number command so it's only logical I'd like DCC turntable indexing. Given a choice, I'd prefer a 120' table, like the original Heljan, but I had a chance to operate on a friend's HO layout and his DCC indexed Walthers TT is slicker than snot... So unless I find a practical way to shorten the TT, I think I'll just accept the 130' compromise.... Thanks again, Otto
I still use my original Walthers 120 foot TT with a slow motion drive unoit from Bershire Junction. It is not indexed and track alignment is by eye. Still it is not difficult to align the bridge with the tracks. You do need good sight lines however. I guess that is a given.
Try the Peco Turntable. That is a 90 footer, and its easily motorized with a mechano motor. The code 70 track even aligns pretty close with atlas code 55 if you use cork. There was even a prebuilt one made but it was a small manufacturer and quickly sold out. The kit is well built and the alignment easy. The only thing bad about is that the turntable wheels are just castings rather than real wheels, but the best part the kit is like 30 bucks online. http://www.hmrg.co.uk/techtops/ttable/turntable.htm
I had my LHS look it up when I was there. According to Walthers, they were not happy with the DCC function and were re-writing the code to get it right. Supposed to be released late April. This was as of 2 weeks ago. I don't know about the non-DCC version or even sure if there will be one, or if the DCC one will have non-DCC functionality as well and just force people to kick out the extra $100 for something they don't need.
Well that seems to be the way this hobby is going. I don't want to begin another DC vs DCC war but this hobby is getting mighty expensive of late. I'm retired and live comfortably on my retirement but I do have a part time job to support my hobby habit. But I have to draw the line with $30 boxcars and $25 gondolas. I imagine I am not alone.
Have you looked at the Atlas turntable? According to the specs it is 7.5 inches in diameter. That is about a 90 to 100 foot turntable. I'm not sure if the turntable edge is counted in that or if it is the diameter of just the turntable. It also has a separate motor kit available can be manual. Atlas shows both in stock. The only thing with this turntable is the covered pit.
Well that makes a 100 ft turntable in my book. I have one tucked away somewhere with the motorizing kit. To me they are a nice sized turntable that will accomodate my locos that would need it. I got rid of a bigger Walthers turntable, I believe the 120 foot one, as too big for my revised layout plans. Also dumped the roundhouse in favor of a couple of the standard shotgun style engine houses.