This might seem silly, but i heard somewhere that some turn tables were powerd by air from the locomotive being turned, is this true? any information would be helpful and interesting. there are 2 turntables close to where i live, and both are still used, the only problem is they are quite inacessible so i cant check them out, I have wanted to for a long time thankyou
UPSteve, I suggest you go personally to the head office and ask for permission to take a guided tour of the turntable area. Tell them that you model the railroad, and exactly what you want to know, see, or photograph. Ask about why engines are turned, who operates the turntable, act interested, but only ask questions directed toward making a model of their turntable. Do not act like a terrorist by asking where would be a good place to put a bomb or some other foolish topic of course. Dress appropriately with neat, but "working type" clothes, good heavy work boots, and either a cap, or comb your hair. (If you look like a hobo, you wont get past the door, see). Be honest, tell them right out straight why you wish to see the turntable, preferably in operation, but the idea is to see how it functions. Tell them you have heard of air and electricity and be real and serious, you want to learn something only they can provide. You would be taking up someone's time, so be willing to get in and get out, but you just might find a person who would take you through tnhe whole facility, so take some extra rolls of film in your pocket. Do not make jokes, act like you are safety conscious, and thank them courteously if they refuse, or if they suggest you try at a later date to see someone who is not present, and above all thank them when you leave. My Dad and I have visited many roundhouses and boiler shops from the time I was 7 up to today. We were sometimes refused, posponed, or given a supervised tour of the entire facilities and allowed to take all the photos we wanted. I was smart enough to behave, and we were invited to return, which we did. The last place I visited was where they made switch points and frog assemblies, and I was given some copies of blue prints of real turnouts, because no photos were allowed. (OSHA probably) That was a very dangerous place. So keep in mind they are sticking their necks out for you, so you must act and look like you are trustworthy, so would be the least insurance risk to them. It is worth a try, it may take several trips to find out who is the guy who is in charge of what you want to see. Then go to his boss and ask. Be resourceful, but respect their rules!
Watash, I actually did my highschool work experience with Queensland rail, its probably a great idea to go and speak to someone in charge, i should have thought of it when i was doing work experience i met the guy who was incharge of all QR. He was a nice guy, i mentioned my interests in trains and modeling, and so he organised a tour of the loco facility in brisbane. Great day i got a cab ride in a diesel and an electric loco That was about 5 years ago now, so i wonder if the same guy is still in charge, i cant seem to recall his name off the top of my head. if so i think he would be quite reasonable, it might not be so easy to get in touch with him, im going to the city tomorrow, i will try then. I always wear steel capped work boots, and can almost always be seen neatly dressed, and on occasion my hair is neat too! perhaps soon if im lucky i will have some photos of the turntables in question, if not... i will have some train photos anyway, thats why im going out tomorrow I want to get them developed on cd to show all of you
Good advice, Watash. The points you make can also be applied to many other aspects of railfanning. It would be interesting to know of other's experiences along this line. (In a new thread, please.)
Here is at least one turntable powered by a small gasoline engine, shown in this close-up of the mechanism. This is on the one at the Danbury Railway Museum.
How did it turn out for you UPSteve? Did you get to see the turntable? There were some turntables that did use compressed air and steam from the engine being turned. These were usually way out in remote areas on short lines like up in canyon areas or at the end of single track lines where there was no room nor need for a complete roundhouse. I saw a photo of one turntable that had the three cylinder engine from a shay mounted on the side of a turntable, that they powered from the engine's own steam. It would have been impressive to watch all the monkey motion as the table turned!
It didnt go too good, i only got to talk to the people at reception and they said there was nothing they could do pretty much, and despite being rather polite and dressed well they looked to be very annoyed at me for no good reason, so i decided it would be best to leave. i dont know what else i can do but try at a later date.... well its a later date now, but an even later date. at the rosewood railway museum they have 2 turntables, but last time i was there they were both still dissasembled. maybe when they finally put them together, if they havent already i can photograph them.
