Hi dpaws sorry the complexity is in my poor description, this is what I meant a segmented thingywhatsit
Yes I sort of guessed - the "turntable" I posted above is actually one of those as it doesn't rotate 360°. For technical contraptions like these the Germans seem to be years ahead of everyone else. They don't do "OO" gauge though, but a search for a "HO segmentscheiben" will lead you many places, including to the Hapo-Bahn site - here you can see the bridge lengths on the left- hand menu: https://www.hapo-bahn.de/segmentscheiben/index.html A common issue with manual sector-plate fiddle yards is usually "stiction" which is the grab before it moves and this jerk can derail everything on board - I'd shy away from the complications of a rail with a following wheel and simply use two sheets of a very low friction material sheet, something like TIVAR® Dryslide (especially if it's a manual system behind the scenes). I confess that I have the very same Noch HO sector plate in the "useful one day" drawer at home somewhere, but I can't remember how many bits I've since pinched from the box to make other things meanwhile! BUT.... if you want a minimum space turntable facility to reverse a train without handling the stock then have a nosey below; it's the type of "so simple but genius" idea that Gormo would dream up whilst slurping a cuppa in his shed!!! Now there's a challenge! Auto-reversing a train in minimum space...? Enjoy!!!
Fortunately for us OO & HO use the same gauge track, providing the rail is of the same height (code 100, code 75 etc) then they will easily join and will operate without issue. You may have to adjust building / fittings if they don't quite look right. Paul
Actually you don't need to worry about that Paul, Peco (and many others) have it covered... just make sure the rail tops are flush and gently file any transition that feels rough to your finger tips
Is this turntable or sector plate in a hidden area or is it supposed to be in the scenic area.??? Maybe I am losing the plot here.????? The reason I ask is because if in a hidden area, it is possible to do a combination sliding three road fiddle yard, that also rotates as a turntable. The simplest method of course is to do lift out cassettes..........absolutely bomb proof and without limitation for stock numbers, however many years ago I designed and built a fixed three road sliding / rotating fiddle yard for my son`s little end to end layout. I have no pictures or drawings, but the the concept is really quite simple. Gormo
My instincts were maybe correct then? Working in the same way as the Utube clip above or something completely different? I'm sure that slide/rotate action above could be achieved mechanically with gearing and a winding handle but my head's just too full of work stuff and Xmas stresses to work it all out at present. I'd love to see a fag packet sketch of yours Gormo...
Here`s your fag packet sketch dpaws. This method relies on laminated particle board or MDF, where the laminated surfaces are in direct contact with each. They slip quite easily, but if you need more slip, you can use some baby powder as a lubricant.........works well and smells nice.............enjoy the video Gormo
Very nice Gormo - and thank you so much for taking the time out - I do wish I had been born with a mind like yours! I did smile when you mentioned the boards sliding all over the place when you're trying to get them home - because a corner always manages to mutilate your foot in the process! If we increase the track length up to the length of a typical branchline train then the space required to clear the entry road prior to rotation with a central pivot is quite considerable so I confess I do prefer the more space efficient version that I'd posted previously - but the talc idea is cute, as long as humidity doesn't gum everything up. I'd over-complicated as always thinking about hydrophobic nano-particle sprays!
That just isn't going to work at all.... you need a gearbox to reduce the rpm and you need a super-slow speed control to align the tracks if there's no indexing mechanism.... Just remind me - is this for on-scene or off-scene? Best save that motor for a windmill project...
Got lots of gears of all descriptions and elastic belts and pulleys (to use as a clutch) … I'll probably have it off scene on my 'box file' build (however not building it in a box) ... the lining up of the 2 tracks will be the limit of travel either side (diagram to follow) now where's mi mulled wine Ian vt
excuse faint image this is the theory .. by using rubber drive belt as a clutch .. and slowing drive speed down using gears I reckon I can get it to work without gnats eyelash or fingernail of bat (aka electronicky stuff from the dark side)
Magnets at each exit position could be sufficient for the indexing as their grab would over-ride a slipping clutch... I'd replace the bridge with the reversing sector I posted earlier so you can rotate off-stage too... Just thinking aloud - if you're feeding a micro you're hardly out of range and needing a remote operation... with a simple manual rod control you'd have it all and a whole load of spare time to invest for the on-scene part... but each to their own. Good luck!
This very interesting thread needs a new title I guess. Something like "Turntables and sector plates" ? An answer from our very friendly staff will be very appreciate. Thanks.