Railroad Turntable Introduction
Watching a steam train on a turntable, pure gold. We rode the train through the Nantahala gorge and back to Bryson City NC …. that’s about a 4 hour trip. Well worth the price of admission, in and of itself. More on that at a later date. We had the bonus of watching the steam engine turned using 1937 technology. Operators must achieve absolute balance of the table itself, with the engine perched, in order to just get the turning motion started. Watching everything and realizing what a feat it is, pure amazement. The realization of human power actually moving such a massive piece is awe inspiring.
Video of the event !
Photos
Here is a photo of Steam engine 1702, as well as, a photo of the turntable. The actual steel turntable is of manufacturing pedigree circa 1937. The pit is recent in construction technique. Construction according to the documents and specifications of the period is adhered to. Finally, I would very highly recommend witnessing this particular event, if possible. It is really something to witness the raw power of a steam engine juxtposed by the finesse of a human powered mechanism …. pure theater.
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