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Reg H
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Well, the turntable has been assembled and fitted.
But it is a disappointment. If someone is considering a turntable, I would advise going a different route. The Walthers turntable is not satisfactory. I am not even going to wire it up. For now, it is a scenery item.
Should you think of using it as a starting point, here is a list of the mods I would make.
1. Fabricate metal bearings to replace the plastic ones. Use much tighter tolerances than the kit. You will need a drill press and a set of over/under reamers to get this right.
2. Remove the plastic perimeter rail and replace with metal.
3. Do not use the molded plastic wheels on the bogies. Machine brass or steel wheels using the plastic wheels for dimensions. You could probably do the machine work ala Mel Thornburgh with an electric drill and files. It would be much easier with a lathe.
The poor quality of this item has me rethinking my operational concepts. I just might eliminate turntables altogether. I have two Kato GP-35's. I could couple them back to back and MU the controls. The SD-9 can operate in either direction. That gives me plenty of motive power for this small operation and eliminates the need for turntables.
I am considering trashing this turntable, extending the siding, and putting another industry here.
My nasty little brain also had the thought of eliminating the engine terminal and building a lumber mill in that space.
Reg
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Reg
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Reg H
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Then there are these beauties.
The track looks weird because it is remnants of the On30.
Reg
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Reg
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Alan Sewell
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Hi Reg
I had some issues with a turntable - was going to use it a stand-in for a wye in hidden storage but that did mot work out and I saw lots of potential issues, as you have actually found out.
Given diesels and even with steam I would forget the turntable and engine terminal build a lumber mill and have the locos tie up there. Could even have some simple servicing shared with a plant switcher
Your progress continues to be well ahead of mine
Best wishes
Alan
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Reg H
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Alan:
After sleeping on it, the decision is made. The turntables (two were planned) are out and the lumber mill is in.
I am even dreaming of a bit of logging railroad trackage. I am not sure I can make it work, but it has me thinking. I might be able to make it fit if I do a switch-back arrangement.
But, for the present, I need to finish this west end of the line and then get started ripping up the remainder of the On30 so I can do some detailed planning.
I have a nice little NWSL (I think) kit for a GE 44-tonner. I can't remember where I got it but it might have been passed to me from John. On occasion he would spot things I might like and would hand them to me when I wasn't expecting it.
Having the road power tie up at the mill is a good idea. PS&P often parks locos on the old Simpson sidings behind Tozier's. I have photos, which I will post presently.
Reg
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Reg
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Reg H
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As promised:
Some PS&P power parked behind Tozier's. What was once the Simpson dispatch office is out of the picture just to the left.
Reg
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Reg
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Reg H
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I had to try some of Lee's techniques. I obviously have some detail work ahead of me.
But still, it came out better than I expected.
I was inspired by a photo on Page 90 of a book about the Spokane & Inland Empire Railroad.
It was an electrified interurban line in Eastern Washington eventually owned by the GN. The GN even operated it as an electric line for awhile.
Reg
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Reg
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Lee B
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Reg H wrote: I had to try some of Lee's techniques. I obviously have some detail work ahead of me.
Reg
Reg,
Looks great but I have to know; what did I do to inspire this (assuming I'm the Lee you're talking about, that is)...
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-Lee
Commanding Officer, 796th Railway Operating Battalion (in On30 gauge), operating on the Stoney Creek branch of the ET&WNC RR
Photos of my layout: https://www.flickr.com/photos/53587910@N05/albums/72157668176638961
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Reg H
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Assuming I know what I am talking about...
Your low angle photos using just the cell phone. Plus a bit of monochrome.
Reg
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Reg
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Lee B
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Ah, I get it now.
Heck, I even got some of those low angle cell shots published in my narrow gauge and short line gazette article this year...
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-Lee
Commanding Officer, 796th Railway Operating Battalion (in On30 gauge), operating on the Stoney Creek branch of the ET&WNC RR
Photos of my layout: https://www.flickr.com/photos/53587910@N05/albums/72157668176638961
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Reg H
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Lee:
Yeah, I saw those. Great article.
Reg
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Reg
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