IronBeltKen
Lazy Daydreamer
Well, it seemed like a great idea at the outset: By excavating a few 13” pits in my layout, I would install turntables, so visitors with steam locos could run their non-articulated main line power in point-to-point operations. Space limitations would not allow me to install any ‘wye’ trackage, and the longest turntable I could hope to fit was the Walthers 90-footer. (Click HERE to see track plan)
I’ve learned a few things in the meantime that make the cost exceed any anticipated benefits:
(1) Installing a turntable is a major engineering project, whether scratchbuilding or using a kit [can’t afford even one built-up, let alone two!];
(2) most of my steam-loving friends own models that are too long to fit on a 90-foot turntable;
(3) steamer guest visits will be few and far-between;
(4) they can still do railfan-style ‘loop’ operations on the mainline;
(5) I would have to sacrifice at least 2 potential trackside switching industries to accommodate these turntables.
To paraphrase Rick Nelson’s immortal lyrics from his hit song Garden Party: since “you can’t please everyone, you’ve got to please yourself.” So I sadly announce that the Iron Belt turntable installation project has been placed on indefinite “hold” – sorry about that, gang! [But I do hope you’ll still drop by if you’re in the neighborhood…]
I’ve learned a few things in the meantime that make the cost exceed any anticipated benefits:
(1) Installing a turntable is a major engineering project, whether scratchbuilding or using a kit [can’t afford even one built-up, let alone two!];
(2) most of my steam-loving friends own models that are too long to fit on a 90-foot turntable;
(3) steamer guest visits will be few and far-between;
(4) they can still do railfan-style ‘loop’ operations on the mainline;
(5) I would have to sacrifice at least 2 potential trackside switching industries to accommodate these turntables.
To paraphrase Rick Nelson’s immortal lyrics from his hit song Garden Party: since “you can’t please everyone, you’ve got to please yourself.” So I sadly announce that the Iron Belt turntable installation project has been placed on indefinite “hold” – sorry about that, gang! [But I do hope you’ll still drop by if you’re in the neighborhood…]