Well, well, well, how the turntables...

I'm also in need of some advice. So a lot of O scale turntables I've seen incorporate wooden ties under the pit rail. However, some of the larger real-life turntables used ties plates bolted right to the concrete. My turntable is loosely based on PRR turntables, and most pictures of smaller ones show wooden ties while the larger ones look like they're sporting only the tie plates. But I'm not sure. Does anyone know if a larger PRR turntable from the early 40s would have used wooden ties or just tie plates on concrete?

I moved this thread from the real trains forum.  Dane....this is NOT about real trains!

Not exactly sure but it might depend on how used the turntable/facility was. I know the B&O roundhouse in Cleveland had wood ties until we just replaced them this past year.

If you keep your eyes open, used 0 scale TTs are usually available for $50 to $250 dollars.  They seem to be hard to get rid of maybe because some folks do not feel they have the ability to install them or the needed space to use them.  I picked up several TTs from this forum over the years.

I admire your effort so far.  You have tackled one of hardest parts of building a turntable first, an intricate TT bridge.  I used a two sets of small ball bearing for my bridge wheels.

I started my $10 homemade TT  with the TT hole and pit, which went fast, then the homemade drive system and the simple bridge last for my postwar toy 027 layout.  You may have the easier parts too come but I have not seen your plans.

Do not get discouraged.  I see you are enjoying building it and that is the most important thing.

Keep us posted on your progress but do not spent a lot of time on the forum or posting, as you have more important things to be doing.

Link below on how I built my homemade turntable in a month of so spare time after work, it may be encouraging.

https://ogrforum.com/...ra-027-layout?page=1

Charlie

from Macon, GA