Turntables as a part of railroad Museums

steamloco35 · **Joined:** Mon Feb 26, 2018 11:00 am **Posts:** 11

I’d like for everyone to chime in on this, please.
What Railroad Museums in the USA have operating turntables and do any of them offer rides to their guests.
I’ll go first-Oyster Bay RR Museum in NY.
Gary

elecuyer · **Posted:** Thu Dec 09, 2021 9:56 pm

The WW&F has one in service and one that will be coming online in 2022.

Public spins upon the in-service turntable bridge (when devoid of operating equipment and other hazards) are given at the discretion of qualified volunteers. Alternatively, if something needs to be turned during a public operating day, "volunteers" are often recruited from any onlookers. (It is an 18-ton "armstrong" turntable.)

EJ Berry · **Posted:** Thu Dec 09, 2021 10:07 pm

Steamtown's turntable works. It's a DL&W 90 foot table.

They turned freshly-painted Big Boy 4012 on it (engine and tender separately and they were towed)

Phil Mulligan

steamloco35 · **Joined:** Mon Feb 26, 2018 11:00 am **Posts:** 11

EJ Berry wrote:

Steamtown's turntable works. It's a DL&W 90 foot table.

They turned freshly-painted Big Boy 4012 on it (engine and tender separately and they were towed)

Phil Mulligan

But is the public allowed to ride on it?

steamloco35 · **Joined:** Mon Feb 26, 2018 11:00 am **Posts:** 11

elecuyer wrote:

The WW&F has one in service and one that will be coming online in 2022.

Public spins upon the in-service turntable bridge (when devoid of operating equipment and other hazards) are given at the discretion of qualified volunteers. Alternatively, if something needs to be turned during a public operating day, "volunteers" are often recruited from any onlookers. (It is an 18-ton "armstrong" turntable.)

This is great news and as a WW&F member, I’m looking forward to the number 2 turntable coming online next year.
You folks do awesome work. Thank you all.
Gary

John Redden · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 8:53 pm **Posts:** 220

Not a museum, but Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway (for-profit, tourist shortline), has a functioning turntable. They let me on, when they were spinning their steam loco in 1997. Not sure whether this is still allowed today.

JR

Les Beckman · **Joined:** Tue Aug 02, 2005 1:25 pm **Posts:** 6482

John Redden wrote:

Not a museum, but Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway (for-profit, tourist shortline), has a functioning turntable. They let me on, when they were spinning their steam loco in 1997. Not sure whether this is still allowed today.

JR

JR -

When the wife and I rode on the ES&NA a number of years ago, the passengers were also allowed to ride the turntable when 2-6-0 # 201 was turned around. Nice little ambience. Since they no longer use steam, I wonder if they even use the table anymore?

Les

Howard P. · **Posted:** Thu Dec 09, 2021 11:29 pm

NCTM at Spencer. Working table, and visitors can go for a spin.

Howard P.

Pat Fahey · **Posted:** Fri Dec 10, 2021 9:01 am

Hi
Here in New England we have the Danbury RR museum, and Conway Scenic RR have turntables, but not allowed to ride in them.
Also in Pennsylvania you have the East broad top, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania also have turntables. just to name a few.

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jettrainfan · **Joined:** Wed Apr 24, 2013 5:04 pm **Posts:** 43

Midwest Preservation in Cleveland, Ohio has a turntable, but I don't believe they offer rides on it. Last I heard it was operational. For a time they were using a crane to turn it.

Age of Steam has a turntable as well, and they offer rides during their tour.

John Redden · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 8:53 pm **Posts:** 220

Greenfield Village allows visitors to help turn their turntable. Not sure whether they are allowed on for a ride, though.

JR

Trolleyguy · **Posted:** Fri Dec 10, 2021 11:25 am

The California State RR Museum in Sacramento has an operating turntable. I've ridden on it during a train show. Not sure about other times.

exprail · **Joined:** Fri Jul 07, 2017 2:37 pm **Posts:** 83

Monticello Railway Museum, IL has a functional wye at each end of their trackage and has moved the former RI Peoria turntable to their site which is awaiting installation.

Exprail

Mount Royal · **Posted:** Fri Dec 10, 2021 5:21 pm

Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum
Texas State Railroad
East Broad Top
Durango and Silverton
Baltimore and Ohio RR Museum
Nevada State RR Museum
Railroaders Memorial Museum
Juniata Loco Shops
Western Maryland Scenic
Railroad Museum of PA
Steam Railroading Institute
Colorado Railroad Museum

Dave · **Posted:** Fri Dec 10, 2021 5:41 pm

They were a standard part of our visitor tour package in Savannah - but it's been a long time since I was working there. Popular.