I'm building an N scale version of the Bekin United RR track plan in Don Mitchell's "Walk Around Track Plan" book. It calls for a turntable. I haven't done N scale in 5 years (been garden RRing). I remember hearing that no turntable will work well unless one is willing to fork over hundreds $. Has this changed? Is the Walther's or Peco any good? I think I want to run it manually- just looking for good conductivity. Also, I'm recycling switches (turnouts), etc. from an old layout to build the new one. I can't remember why I used all Peco vs. cheaper Atlas manual switches. I need a few new switches and wondering which brand to get.I tested a new Kato loco over an Atlas switch and it ran fine. Bill McLean
Bill, First let me welcome you to Trainboard !!! I think you will find that this place has lots to offer...good info, advice, and frienship !! Now, about the turntable. I just finished building the Walthers turntable and I can tell you that I would NOT recommend it. The model looks good, but the design of the shaft and the way the contacts are set up makes it very difficult to build and get good conductivity . I have heard that Diamond scale turntables are very good and affordable. Peco, I believe, offers a manual turntable for under 100 bucks. Beyond that, though I think you are looking at large $$$. Check out Walthers online catalog for current choices, including ATLAS (very loud and non-prototypical) at http://walthers.com I am currently installing Atlas turnouts on my layout. I would suggest ONLY #6 or higher. So far they are behaving well, but I have had trouble with the HO version of these trunouts in the past, so we will see. I think you can't go wrong with Peco, but, I have never met a turnout that hasn't had one problem or another. I hope this helps, good luck, and let us know how things are coming along!! Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
Bill, I have been using the Walther turntable for many years (or, at least, the Heljan turntable, which is exactly the same). I'm operating it manually. I had to change somewhat the electrical pickup contacts but this turntable works well for me. If you need more info, just ask. Jean-Louis Simonet visit traiN'ternet: http://www.trainternet.org/
