turntable 24"

The $300 Atlas is a tabletop turntable and it's pretty much plug and play, this is what I have. The others to my knowledge have to to be installed and sometimes involve an in depth setup to work.

not versed in atlas turntable is it really a 24 inch model?  next what size is you longest steam engine with tender?  if its longer than 24 inches then that size turntable is out. as to either the ross or the mill house studios that csx al makes that will be a personal choice one is wood and if in a humid climate may have warping issues between it and the layout table top. if you use the all aluminum one csx al sells it actually can be re-adjusted as needed as it really is suspended on 8 bolts not actually tight to the layouts platform.

all 3 other than cutting of the hole in table top for the ross and csx als mill house studios are pretty much plug n play as even the atlas one you need power for the track and power to move the turntable will assume atlas like ross and mill house studios  turntables all the wiring for track and turntable motor wiring is pre-done for you just a matter of connecting a power source to each one.

personally I had a bowser turntable and when humidity changed so did the track height from layout table to turntable ironically since installing the mill house studio turntable I have not had to re-adjust it. good luck on whatever you decide to do

The Atlas is pretty simple to install, and reliable to work.   You can automate it or run it manually.   It does not require a deep well to install - it installs flat on the table surface.   The motor is in a shed adjacent.   So no cutting or complexity.   Atlas has rail joiners to connect it to tubular, and Lionel has a track section to connect to tubular, so it can be used with FasTrack if desired.

In terms of measuring for the 24" width, as long as the front and rear wheels are within the turntable bridge, its OK for couplers and pilots to overhang at the front and rear.

Here is a link to an old discussion on this forum Atlas-TT.  Atlas has released an updated and improved version available now.   The thread contains a pic showing how it can be detailed and improved for appearance.

I have seen small prototype TT's that did not have wells, but have there been large (24"/96 scale feet) prototype TT's that did not have wells?? I plan only an armstrong one, literally, but need to do some research.  I like the "Mixed Train Daily" low budget, barely made it through the Depression, look.

Diamond Scale (kit) 27" 

Built this one myself, about 10 years ago. I put some 027 rail and Atlas HO bridge girders to good use. The actual bridge is wooden.

Crude, effective and the moat annoying project I ever did. Never again. Just write the check and never look back. I would buy one from Millhouse or Ross if I had to do it again.

BTW - mine was sized to the wheelbase of a Lionel SP AC-9 articulated. My biggest loco, and it shall remain so.

Here is a Bowser 32 inch turntable on my layout,I have done a lot of work to make it perform like it should.

The Atlas is the simplest to pay, plug and play, just too toyish for me.  I have been collecting TTs for my RR build and can say any built in TT has a degree of effort required. 

If you can live with the Atlas concept and are somewhat limited in time, money or skill, go for it.  For another redo,  another Ross or Millhouse would be my choice.

23Trainman posted:

There seem to be a lot of turntables on the market.  From Atlas for $300 to CRXAL for $2000+.

Ross seems to be in the middle with one for $1400.  So, for someone like myself needs more of a plug and run type of set-up, which of the turntables are reliable and easy to install?  Thoughts would be appreciated.

Just a FYI you might want to see what we have posted on our website for a few more days

I looked long and hard before making a turntable decision and can honestly say I picked a 32"Millhouse and have never ever thought twice. Yes you have to cut a hole (Turn the turntable upside down draw a circle and cut) then mount it. It was very simple and easy other than the fact a 32" turntable has some weight (I used a floor jack and blocking). As for wiring and programming I was shocked at how easy it was. MOST important thing - SUPPORT! When I placed a call on a day I knew they were closed I expected a callback on their next business day. NOPE! Same day and he was on Vacation. NAME ONE OTHER COMPANY WITH SUPPORT LIKE THAT! Never had a problem with warping  and height differences! Only one choice in my opinion.

Curtis

I really think there’s several great choices of automated Turntables to choose from, I just wish these were available in the year 2000. One needs to look down the road as this decision should be based on how it will be operated, by Command, or by a small dc transformer, what sizes of equipment to be turned, large Diesels and long Steam Locomotives? Also, if I had purchased a 28 inch turntable it would have saved me a lot of money as I could pass on those long and expensive engines. A friend of mine purchased the Millhouse 28 inch TT and it’s so cool. The hang down below the table is very minimal, it can easily be taken out and moved to another location. I like the round aluminum pit, the 1/2 inch shaft, the weathering, the precise way it operates. Remember, it’s a purchase that can last and last and last, it’ll be the main attraction, a crowd pleaser second to only a transfer table....It will be the wow factor your friends will remember after running trains at your home, or club. The la 

Being that I do not know how to edit, the above pictures also include Farmerjohns TT for larger engines, also his roundhouse has opening doors, amazing Imagination. Enjoy the hobby to the fullest....it can last a Lifetime...

I didn't have room for a turntable but I did have the room for a transfer table. I ended up with the Millhouse River model. It was expensive but definitely worth every penny. My thought was if it doesn't work perfectly it would drive me nuts and be a distraction to the entire layout. The table is built like a truck and the controller is very precise. I did have a few questions after purchase and Al was very accommodating.