Requirements:
- Minimum turntable length 52" (This is in North America where folks like to run huge locomotives. Not my style, but such is democracy... )
- Remains outside year-round
- There will be three storage tracks on the steam-up area, and two further storage tracks, plus the main access to the layout, on the access side.
- There is a general desire to keep things simple. For example, another group I am involved with has a combined turntable/traverser, but that isn't the preferred option here, since one has to be careful to center the traverser before rotating the turntable. Instead, the thought here is just to use curved connecting tracks from the outside lines onto the turntable.
- Probably needs to be able to be temporarily connected to track power. My thought here is just to use rail joiners that one can slide onto the connecting tracks as required. My guess is they will never be used, but again, this is a case of keeping others happy.
https://www.amazon.ca/Aluminium-Turntab ... 0cnVl&th=1
It's aluminium, which should help it last outdoors, although I realise the bearings and races themselves are likely still steel. Best I can think of is to pack it with thick grease on installation. If it has to be replaced every few years it's not the end of the world. Similar steel 9" bearings are rated for 750lbs and up to 32" lazy susans' so I think this should be plenty sturdy enough.
I hope to get permission to knock out some of the blocks on the storage tracks to create steam-up bays allowing access to the underside of locos. I think I'm the only member with an alcohol-fired pot-boiler loco, but hey, democracy doesn't have to apply everywhere...! For rails here my thought is to just use plain steel bar, aligned to the rails, cemented in at one end, and with an expansion gap the other end.
Any thoughts, pics, inspiration etc appreciated!