Turntable run-round

[Martin Wynne]

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There are quite a few branch terminal stations which used a turntable at the end of the platform for running round, instead of a crossover. This can save a lot of space, but is more time consuming to use.

This is an interesting case having both:

http://disused-stations.org.uk/a/allendale/allendale(1930alsop)old4.jpg

linked from http://disused-stations.org.uk/a/allendale/index.shtml

Allendale (formerly Catton Road), Northumberland, in 1930.

The loop access to the table is puzzling. The assumption would be that the crossover was a later addition to avoid having to turn the table. But the 1920 map shows the crossover in place but no loop connection to the table:

© NLS Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-SA

It would make an attractive model. Here are the coal drops alongside the turntable. The loop line appears to stop short of the turntable, as on the map:

linked from: http://www.allenvalleyslocalhistory.org.uk/photo/catton-0002-098/

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Simon Dunkley]

There was a similar arrangement at Holmfirth on the LYR, but the turntable was at the end of the crossover, not acting as the points for the run round.

That did happen, for example at Alston. The problem is that if locos used on the line get bigger, then enlarging the turntable takes a fair bit of the station out of use, so when this was required the new turntable was frequently placed somewhere else, or dispensed with completely (as happened at Holmfirth in LMS days.)

Bembridge and Ventnor on the Isle of Wight used turntables for the run round, except they were actually centre-balanced sector plates in use (I.e. limited swing). Bembridge’s lasted until its closure (although O2 tanks only just fitted!) but that at Ventnor was replaced with pointwork in Southern days.

 

[Paracelsus]

Several in Ireland too, including both ends of the delightful Waterford & Tramore line.

 

[John Palmer]

A further example to be found at Rothbury, where the turntable was the only engine release mechanism provided, but was long enough to accommodate a J21-sized 0-6-0, albeit a tightish fit.

 

[Bunchie3174]

Harbourne LNWR