Turning a Locomotive.

Nominally 60' turntable. Nominally 59' 4" wheelbase. Sit back and watch the 'fun.'



The NSWGR stopped trying this in 1926, hence the introduction of 75" turntables.

 

They could always try outriggers a la GWR. The first time I saw them in use was to turn 7812 at Pwllheli in 1964 - quite impressive to see the back 1/2 of the tender leap into the air and overhang the pit. Not sure the crew were as thrilled at having to manhandle the heavy ramps into position though!
Ray

 

I saw a similar situation at Noyelles on the Baie de Somme earlier this summer.
After 5 failed attempts to get all the loco wheels on the table and the conductor making his views on the drivers skills increasingly obvious, what I assume was the Gallic equivalent of "bo***ks" was muttered loudly and the tactical decision made to return to St Valerie bunker first!

 

I saw the same mob trying to turn the 35 class and a water gin inch perfect on a 105' turntable with a half pit only to go too far and drop the front 2 bogie wheels off and have them dangling in the air. The 35 class didn't return with the train to Sydney that afternoon.

 

I saw the same mob trying to turn the 35 class and a water gin inch perfect on a 105' turntable with a half pit only to go too far and drop the front 2 bogie wheels off and have them dangling in the air. The 35 class didn't return with the train to Sydney that afternoon.