Modeling a Turntable in HO. (Structure Build 9.3 Commutator, Pit Rail & Bridge)

The turntable build has been quite an adventure. This has easily been the most challenging build I've ever undertaken (Not a good kit for a beginner) and this video shows the bulk of the build and the problems I faced!
All I have left to do now is finish up some of the final white metal casting details like the commutator, push poles and the bridge locking system. Of course motorizing the bridge will be a dedicated video when I get around to it and final weathering and finishing touches will happen when I scenic Frying Pan.
You can support me at www.buymeacoff...

[@bessemerlakeerieinhoscale6061]

Master level craftsmanship. Beautiful.

[@OtterCreek]

Thank you sir. I appreciate you stopping in and watching!

[@russrockino-rr0864]

Great details and explanation, Dennis. Awesome project! Thanks for sharing

[@OtterCreek]

Thanks Russ!

[@harperlarry49]

Oh man, I like how that turned out. You named some glues that I have never heard of. Guess I need to do some research. Thanks for sharing this. Great job Dennis.

[@OtterCreek]

Thanks Larry!

[@cowboyvalley]

Sorry I missed the live stream. But Dennis, that was fun to watch and listen too!!! Well done on the video and the turntable!! It looks fantastic! ...Claude

[@OtterCreek]

Thanks Claude!!

[@customwoodworketc1046]

The phono plug idea comes from an article in Model Railroader from the mid 90's. I can't remember which magazine. I've built a few turntables this way and it works perfect.

[@OtterCreek]

Yes, I'm aware of that technique. IMO it would have required a lot more modification of the pedestal. My modification Is still working fine. kudos on your working turntables.

[@roberthubal6278]

I think your paint job on the bridge is perfect.

[@OtterCreek]

Thanks Robert!

[@DruSteel69]

Excellent work, Dennis. Amazing precision. Beautiful results. Thanks for sharing.

[@OtterCreek]

Thanks Drew!

[@Steelerfan820]

yes super work

[@OtterCreek]

Thanks Frank!

[@boomerdiorama]

Nice!👍

[@OtterCreek]

Thanks Boomer!

[@thecnwmondovilinepaulscota7304]

Nice build, Dennis. That turned out fantastic. Luckily you have the skills to fill in what the instructions leave out, or got wrong. Too bad about the motor shed clearance, but even without it, it looks good. I think turntables are one f the most difficult builds in the hobby, and I've never done one. We had a Wilson brand turntable on my dad's layout in the 70s that worked okay, but looking back, wasn't too prototypical. He had a real nice Diamond Scale turntable on his last layout, but sadly I couldn't save it when removing the layout. In my era, the turntable at Mondovi came out years previous when they dieselized. Anyhow, great job! Thanks!

[@OtterCreek]

Thanks Paul! That’s something I didn’t mention really in the video. Mine should be easily removable with only minor damage to the scenery. That’s a plus.

[@ajkleipass]

Impressive work! ❤
On the pit rail, if it's a uniform distance from the wall, might not premounting it by solder to PC ties give it a more perfect circle?
I like your solution to the powering issue. I must say that those split shafts and whatnot are why I've avoided installing turntables over the whole of four-plus decades in the hobby. But having committed myself to a WWII era layout, I'm going to need a few.
One method I've seen - and I want to say it was Bob Hayden's HON2½ layout that it was built for in an article in Model Railroader magazine - he used a 1/4" stereo plug to transfer power to the bridge rails and a DPDT switch to change track polarity.

[@OtterCreek]

Thanks A.J
I considered PC ties, but I thought trying to integrate them with the real ties that were wider and much taller was going to result in a look I wouldn't be satisfied with. The spikes are holding well for now. If I have issues with them later I may re-think the pc ties.
So far the commutator is working well. If it ends up failing I will probably look for some copper tubing. I'm a little worried about the longevity of the copper tape.
I'll have to see if I can find that MR article. I understand how a stereo plug works electronically, I'm just curious how he used it in conjunction with the drive shaft of the bridge??

[@locolorenzo]

Wow, Dennis! Nice looking turntable.❤ Your patience and persistence are admirable. It shows in every video.🙂
Thanks for sharing that preheat tip for spray cans - it's kind of like low heat softening of raw honey - the results are always worth the extra effort.
That old, obnoxious, rivet-counting engineer, 🚂Lawrence

[@OtterCreek]

Thanks Lawrence! Keep on counting rivets and being obnoxious!

[@locolorenzo]

@@OtterCreek Ouch! Well, I had that coming to me. LOL 🙂

[@pdrrengineer1404]

Sorry that I missed the presentation live with any opportunity to comment Dennis, but tonight was my train club meeting. It looks like the commutator build went well. I hope that its operation is as good as it looks. Catch you next time.

[@OtterCreek]

So far so Good! I’m sure I’ll catch you on the next one Art 😉

[@customwoodworketc1046]

Why not use a phono plug it does it all

[@tczephyr3665]

So you decide not to motorize the turntable. Here’s a scenario. The motor on turntable suffered an electrical failure and it burned out. The railroad decided not to spend the money to repair it. Instead they added a long wooden bar and turned it into an “Armstrong” turntable. ( Glue an “action “ figure to the bar😊)

[@OtterCreek]

I like it! It actually has two push poles with the model. I could put up a little sign that says “Armstrong Bridge”
Lol.