Sheepscot Turntable - Official Work Thread

[John Kokas]

Win,

I'm pretty sure that the turntable will be a full 360 deg., it's just hard to visualize with the current foundation pattern.  WW&F turntables were full rotation but there was also a wye at Weeks Mills.

[Mike Fox]

Win,
What you are seeing here is the center support, and the wings that go from it to the retaining wall (bottom photo) where the Roundhouse and formerly track 7 will meet with the turntable. Everything else, turntable included, is above ground. There is no retaining wall that goes completely around the turntable, but the turntable will be able to make a complete swing.

The reason for the wings is to keep the center pivot and retaining wall alaigned to prevent future issues.

[Win Nowell]

OK Mike - that makes me feel better! There does need to be a way to turn things around for wheel wear etc. I guess I'm just not that familiar with the ways of 2 footers!
Win Nowell

[Joe Fox]

This will be a replica of the original table in Wiscasset. The wing rail will be constructed on the ground, thus not requiring a full foundation all the way around.

[Mike Fox]

To clarify, the outer ring rail will only be where the foundation is, where something would come on and off the table. The center bearing will take all weight while turning, which is why it is so significant in size.

[Bill Myers]

Really ?

[Jason M Lamontagne]

See photos of the Albion turntable for clear evidence of the partial outer rail design.  Wiscasset was the same way, however the earth retaining wall, first timber and later concrete, makes it harder to discern.  The Albion arrangement makes the system clear.

See ya
Jason

[Brendan Barry]

Foundation progress.

[Jason M Lamontagne]

I believe Dave asked about drainage.

The bottom of our footer is a good 30" below what the local watershed is capable of draining.  So the footer will be poured, and the forms set up for the main body pour.  Before that pour we will arrange drainage pipes through the wall, in line with the bottom of the existing drainage ditch along track 7 (to become the turntable lead). 

In this way we will drain as much as physically possible.

We also plan a drain pipe directly above the one described above.  This one will go though the retaining wall and handle surface water during storms.

See ya
Jason

[Mike Fox]

Moving right along. When do you expect to pour the footer?

[Jason M Lamontagne]

Monday afternoon.  That gives Jeff time to move the mountain, so the cement truck can get closer and avoid a pumper. 

Also gives time for footer form backfilling.

See ya
Jason

[Ted Miles]

Folks,
         I am enjoying both the historic and modern pictures of the turntable on  the Facebook pages.

I note that the outer circle was originally wood and at some later time it was re-made in cement. is it known when this was?

It does not appear to be something that Mr Winter, the lumber man would have done.

Ted Miles, WW&F Member

[Richard Cavalloro]

Any estimate on the amount of concrete required?  That center support looks like a big pour.   By the way, just saw pictures posted on another website of the Corkscrew Gulch turntable and it's a similar design to ours.

[Stephen Hussar]

Phenomenal job everyone!! And GREAT pictures, Brendan! Thanks for documenting this so well!

Stephen

[Mike Fox]

Corkscrew Gulch turntable center bearing