Fiddleyard - Turntable

The main requirements when constructing this - at first sight - unusual fiddleyard, that continues the line leaving Wilhelmstal to the West (see layout plan ), have been:

1. Storage of as much rolling stock as possible in a confined space
2. Possibility to reverse complete trains
3. Minimum of wiring
4. Easy handling
5. Troublefree operation
6. Low cost, easy to construct

Turntable Fiddleyard

Exit track to layout on the right background

Exit track to layout

Overall view with control panel

The easiest way to fulfil all requirements above, was to construct a "turntable". It has an overall diameter of 2' 4" and has five through tracks that can take complete trains. After turning the table by 180° trains can leave the fiddleyard loco forward. There are also 14 short tracks (length from 7" to 10"), that can take single vehicles or short train formations. The turntable was cut from 1/2" chipboard (melamine coated). Tracks are N gauge (cost reduction!). The scenic layout parts have of course true narrow gauge track.

The turntable is actuated manually and engages in small notches when tracks line up with te exit track. For easy handling four wooden sticks have been attached to the turntable. The table runs on three brass rollers, of which one has a different distance against the centre. This roller engages in little holes underneath the table, as soon as storage track and exit tracks are lined up exactly. The holes mustn't be too large, as this would bear the danger of heavy shocks to the table while turning, and of subsequent derailing or falling over of rolling stock. The small drilings can be widened with a countersunk drill to the required measure. This is a matter of frequent trials (and most probably no error!). The drillings for engaging of the roller have been made first, and then the tracks are laid, exactly lined up with the exit track.

Underside of turntable.

The traces of the brass rollers are clearly visible, also the holes on one of them for engaging of storage tracks with exit track.
The brass screws for power supply of storage tracks are also visible.

The storage tracks are automatically connected to the power supply, as soon as they align with the exit track.
To achieve this, brass screws have been soldered to both rails of the tracks, their half-round heads protruding slightly on the underside of the turntable. These screwheads slide on appropriate contact wipers.

One of the three rollers, bearing the turntable
(Brass, dia. ca. 3/4")

Centering of the turntable is achieved by this brass pin.
Its construction can be rather lightweigt, the main load being carried by the three brass rolers.

Rail ends of storage tracks,

soldering points connecting rails with the brass screws from underneath.

Contact wipers to supply power to the storage tracks

The whole area of the fiddleyard can be operated from a separate control panel (see picture). This also allows control of the factory sidings and part of the mainline. This increases variations in operating the trains by a second operator for the fiddleyard area.

This control panel is not essential for operating a fiddleyard like this. Only the possibility of switching off the power supply of the access track should be provided. This avoids unintended movemnets of stored trains if their tracks are incidently aligned to the exit track. Except of this switch no further electrics are necessary, there is also no need for any turnouts whatsoever. This provides an easy and cheap construction and troublefree operation of the fiddleyard.

Dustcover, closed

As the whole layout is equipped with glass windows for dust protection, the turntable fiddleyard also was fitted with a dustcover that can be opened during operation of the layout.

Dustcover, in operating position

This turntable fiddleyard has proved extremely useful and operational. It works - due to its simple design - troublefree since twenty years.