turntables on miniature type layouts

[rockershovel]

just browsing through the threads about the zoo railway and Shifting Sands, it occurs to me that I haven't yet seen a feature which to me, is so very typical of these lines - the end-of-the-line turntable.

these miniature locos never seem to run tender-first, probably for good reason, and the termini usually seem to include a turn-table; either in place of the headshunt ( in which case there is no points, the loco is swiutched between tracks by the alignment of the turntable ) or as at the Ferry Meadows railway near me, the locos run across it on their way top the shed

is it just a matter of space?

[bluey1989]

I believe a turntable or a pivoting traverser may save space length wise but the turntable would be slightly wider than a point and headshunt.

I have added on of my orignial plans loosely based on Colins Shifting Sands to my post in Zoo post ing size doesnt matter as this had a turntable.

Andy

[rockershovel]

I've never seen a parallel traverser in this application, saving length isn't the issue. It is so that locos don't run tender-first

[Simon Andrews]

I took a picture of a turntable laying in the grass at my local miniature railway just this week. I will post it shortly.

Simon

[Simon Andrews]

Hope this may be of help.



Simon.

[Colin Peake]

A turntable isn't an absolute requirement for a miniature railway, even those with tender locos. 'Shifting Sands' was based largely on the 15" incarnation of the Fairbourne Railway, and the Cleethorpes line, neither of which incorporates a turntable, tender locos running tender firs every other trip.

Cleethorpes plays host to the equipment from the Sutton Miniature Railway (Sutton Coldfield), which was a baloon loop arrangement, but despite this had no turntable so again every other trip was made tender first!

I seem to recall that the Stapleford Miniature Railway, in the 1970s format, had a traverser in the station between the platform lines, which was later incorporated into the shed area in the current format of the line. Both Fairbourne (12 1/4") and Cleethorpes have sector plates within the station areas but sadly neither is part of a run-round set-up. just shed access.

Colin

[chris69]

Hi,
if space is an issue,may be a SEGMENT TURNTABLE is the solution.I am attaching a few pictures and sketches from Standard ,narrow and industrial gauge.
Have fun
Chris

[dieselwater]

Great pics Chris Inspiring to see how a sector plate can be modelled on the scenic part of the layout, rather then in the fiddle yard.

[chris69]

Hi David,
thank you.I thought that a prototype solution may be a different way to solve what you guys call a head shunt if I recall.This is used (was) on narrow and standard gauge lines with limited room for runarounds to move the engine to the other end.
Greetings

Chris

[wahiba]

A real 15" railway can be seen working here: it is towards the end though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTXMXkIslg0

And here to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ppkP50BAww

And here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6PC-uN3Ruk

Think thats the lot:

[Willow Creek Traction]

Whoa, look at that switch/crossing diamond back there; and it is dual gauge on top of that now that's some trackwork
Who is that dude, he's good.

[Willow Creek Traction]

How about a 'turntable pond'.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=306148&nseq=491

Remarks: The village is called Tornamesa, meaning turntable, but the station is San Bartolomé. All locomotives must be turned to continue their journey uphill or downhill cab first. But the turntable is not motorized and it is filled with stagnating water. Thus this scene is repeated many times per day. This is on Peru's standard gauge 369 miles long Ferrocaril Central, definitely the toughest and most spectacular railway in the world, and in addition one of the highest. In scarcely 108 miles it climbs from sea level at the Port of El Callao to 15675 feet / 4781 meters at Galera... more to come!

[chris69]

Hi,
as to my picture,I have no clue who built it.but I do agree with you the track work is superb.
and your picture,well one way to keep the food for the crew fresh and them busy while they wait for the return trip.

Greetings
Chris

[rough-shunter]

No one has mentioned the ravenglass and eskdale or the kirklees light railway they use turn tables there as part of the run round procedure and on my own layout in 09 i am using one as part of the procedure of running round

[rockershovel]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhCrzuWz ... re=related

[JackBlack]

Hi Chris do you what this layout, it really appeals to me??

[chris69]

Sorry Jack,
got the pictures of the net and some sites but do not remember the layout or where the picture came from.should I run across the ORIGINAL I will let you know.

Greetings
Chris

[JackBlack]

Thanks for that Chris