I need help finding a turntable just long enough for a Life-Like Berkshire. I was planning to use a Custom Model Railroads 105-foot turntable kit, but just found out their N scale turntables have been discontinued and CMR has none left. The Walthers 130-foot turntable is awfully big, and the Peco turntable is too small. I guess scratchbuilding is a possibility, but it would be a challenge. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!
Get the 130' Walthers. A Berkshire is more than 100' long over the coupler faces, so a 130' table really isn't that long. I think the NKP's 'tables at major engine servicing facilities (e.g., Bellevue) were 110'. In N scale, 20' = 20/160, or 1/8 of a foot, or about 1.5". If you want to see what a Berk looks like on the Walthers 'table, here's a photo: Plus, as you've realized, there just isn't anything else out there that even comes close in terms of operation. Automatic indexing, virtually flawless operation. You might be able to scratch build something that came close, but if you were interested in an indexing mechanism, you'd have to build the electronics yourself - possible, certainly, but a major project. The Walthers was on sale for $200; save yourself some grief and buy one. John C.
Okay, you guys have convinced me. It'll take a few adjustments, but I think I'll have room for the Walthers turntable.
Steve, I agree with John that the Walthers TT is the way to go. Here's a table I scratchbuilt around a Heljan pit back in 1980 or -81. Like a number of the real roads, I never thought I'd be turning anything longer than a Mikado. It sure took a lot of time, and I sure wish it had more sophisticated alignment than eyeballing! Scott
I have had great luck with the Walthers table and have had it mounted in two layout now. I think it is the only way to go. I also had a CMR. Nice table but no indexing and took some skills to build. New layout Old layout Mike
Two storey roundhouse Hmm, not sure if it would work but is a thought. Now, they say there is a prototype for everything but I've yet to find one for this. Cheers, Alan.
I did the same thing Scott did - reworked the Heljan turntable. I still haven't installed it in part because of indexing issues - but if I do use it I'll save some money!
