What size turntable did you decide for your layout?

I regret not having space for a larger TT, but I had to settle for the 24" Atlas.   This was the only spot I had for a TT, and the bigger ones simply wouldn't fit.

While it's far from a perfect solution, it's fun having a TT on the layout, and I can live with it.

Having a multi branch line operation featuring an interchange with a trunk line circa 1950  involving steam power there was a need for a variety of TTs.

Each of the 5 branch lines needed a TT at their terminus and there was a need for a TT at the interchange for the shuttle operation.

A couple of the branch lines only take smaller power while others have larger traffic concerns.  Needing multiple TTs I decided to forgo round houses and only have a few engine houses thus saving a lot of real estate.

I say all that to say this, I have a 24" TT, a 26" TT, two 28" TTs and a 32" TT.

I did cheat where two branch lines terminate not too far from one another so they share a TT.

I wanted one that would accommodate a NYC Niagara, and space was tight so I went with 26".  Wheel base just barely fits.

I bought the biggest that Millhouse River Studios makes.  While not installed yet I wanted to be able to turn a Big Boy.  There was only 1 choice and that was Al Z's aluminum constructed TT.  There are a few engines, none that I own, that won't fit.

Older Diamond Scale OT 90, about 26.5" diameter. Weaver M1a/b, long haul tender. My longest locomotive.

Korber 304 house is good for 30"'s.  There is/was a 304 extension for longer locomotives.

We’ve had Atlas 24” which was fine for years as I didn’t have but 2 large engines. However, my grandson developed a liking for the BIG locomotives, and not only is 24” too small, but the Atlas isn’t substantial enough to handle the heavier loads. So we’re on the hunt this York. Stopping by Millhouse and Ross to look at 30” or larger. Drawback is shipping costs, so we’ll probably research to buy in Oct, and buy in April.

but if one of them has an extra unit there…who knows

I knew a challenger or big boy was in my future at the time of building the layout.  Ended up with a challenger so 32 inch table was in order.

Longest loco you want to turn wheelbase is minimum.

I prefer longer that the overall length (not wheelbase) but about an inch to allow a half inch clearance on each end. 

I have a small layout, so Atlas 24".

Due to space constraints, I went with the Millhouse 24" and am very satisfied with it. I have longer loco's, but they just don't get turned on it. Also, keep in mind that an overall larger loco may still fit on the turntable because the wheelbase itself is smaller.

I only had room for the atlas 24” but I am happy with it. My longest engine is a big boy, and I just have it cross the turntable directly into a stall. Otherwise, everything else I need to turn around fits fine.

Much as I'd like one, I just don't have the space on my roughly 6' x 12' Lionel layout for a turntable.

I also have a Marklin layout and this vintage metal turntable fits quite nicely on my roughly 5' x 9' Marklin layout. I wish there was something comparable in the "0" scale world.

I want to thank everyone for the replies and input recieved so far in this discussion. The pictures are rather helpful as I ponder how to lay out the TT / Whisker Tracks and a mainline behind. Not sure if there will be more than a three stall engine house.

Richie, what is the curve radius behind your enginehouse?

Right now I'm leaning towards a 24" or 26".

The other option is no turntable at all and use that space for a yard ... so many decisions.

Paul

Most customers tend to go with 34" TT. Eric from Eric's trains wanted to replace his Atlas with the same size due to his steel bridge supports near by. I have had a few guys buy 28's and say they never plan on buying a Big Boy in the future. Well not even 4 months went by after they got their 28"and proceeded to tell me that they had just purchased two Big Boys from Lionel.

When people ask what size to order, I tell them they should always go for the bigger unit, since space difference going up to next size is only a couple of inches overall and the price diffence is negligible between them. Hopefully this helps them not out grow there engine roster.

Here is a 34 with a MTH PRR S-1 on it. (Bigger than a big boy, but wheel base fits)

@Railrunnin posted:

I want to thank everyone for the replies and input recieved so far in this discussion. The pictures are rather helpful as I ponder how to lay out the TT / Whisker Tracks and a mainline behind. Not sure if there will be more than a three stall engine house.

Richie, what is the curve radius behind your enginehouse?

Right now I'm leaning towards a 24" or 26".

The other option is no turntable at all and use that space for a yard ... so many decisions.

Paul

Hi Paul - it's O-48 diameter all around the roundhouse, but it has a short (4.5") straight piece in the center to expand it a little bit.

The Korber roundhouse will fit w/in an O-48 diameter curve, but I had a little more room to add the straight piece, which allowed me to fit in another siding. Due to curvature restraints, only 8 of the 11 sidings are actually powered - the other 3 are for static display only. 

The lead in track is Fastrack (as is the rest of my layout), but all the yard sidings are Gargraves.

@Keith Crook 020419 posted:

I only had room for the atlas 24” but I am happy with it. My longest engine is a big boy, and I just have it cross the turntable directly into a stall. Otherwise, everything else I need to turn around fits fine.

My sentiments exactly.  I have a Ross 24", which I bought second hand for a very good price, and no layout yet.  When it comes I plan to drive the Big Boy straight over the turntable bridge and directly into it's own long stall.

Everything else will fit on the 24" bridge, although my scale Hudsons just barely so.

Mike

I'm currently installing and wiring up an Atlas 24" on my 9x12 layout. It'll turn all individual engines except my LC+2.0 Big Boy. I don't have room for a long track across the table for the Big Boy, but I've got a couple of longer sidings where it and lash-ups with dummy units can be staged. Good enough for me right now. I echo @gunrunnerjohn's sentiment - I'm just happy to have one on my layout!

Go with the biggest you can fit.  I have the Millhouse 34 inch and love it!

I have a pretty big layout (26x55) but chose to install a 24" Ross turntable. My rationale is that I'm modelling a branch line connecting to the larger through line. The smaller TT is adequate to turn the switchers based and serviced locally. Of course my bigger power comes through on the main line. 

Jan

Largest locomotives I have are a Lionel scale SP AC9 and a MTH Premier DM&IR Yellowstone. I built a 30" turntable that fits both no problem. I have clearance issues on my layout that prevent me from ever having a Big Boy, so the 30" turntable is as big as I'll need.

Millhouse 34"..I had to have a TT and I have a Big Boy and an AC9 soooo.. I love it BUT dont get it without the control system ..Ill be calling soon and ordering one for mine ..Its an amazing pc well worth the $$ I love it