Track Modifications 2

Manual Turntable

Due to the small radius turn on the main line track in my greenhouse yard it is necessary to back in some of the locomotives and the large passenger cars. Last year while returning a train into the greenhouse. I noticed an open area about 4’ x 4” that could be a possible site for a turntable. Since the purpose of this turntable would be reverse the direction of a locomotive or a long car it would be a manual operation.

Step One - Build the surface and cut out the section for the turntable. I used two

pieces of ½ “ plywood 2’ x 4’ screwed to a 2”x 4” frame. Using a Jig saw I cut out a 32 ¼” circle for the turntable. I then installed eight 6” pieces 2”x 4” for the table base.

Step Two - Assemble the base for the turntable. I used the two pieces that were cut out in step one. The joint was reinforced with 6” x 26” piece that was glued and screwed to the underside.

Step Three - Build the turntable. The turntable is composed of three parts. A 12”

Diameter, used, lazy-susan was screwed to the center of the base. A 7” piece was connected to the top of the lazy-susan and the track was then added. It works well.