QUOTE We'll probably offer either the turntable bridge with only its bearing assembly, or the complete turntable assembly with the pit and all the mechanical and electrical details. For the complete turntable, the shipping costs will be high, so the bridge alone may be an attractive proposition. The turntables are based on the same kind of miniature, rather than scale, riveted plate girder construction with wooden decks that you see in the bascule approaches, and the remote controlled versions will have similar drive systems (we're planning to end up with a common digital controller for all products).
Here are the reasons why I would buy, rather than make my own turntable, they might help (hinder?) your development plans:
1) I do not possess the tools to get the precision dimensions right; I'm thinking here of having the center bearing dead center and so on.
2) I do not have the experience to do the mechanical bits; so sourcing an adequate bearing and then the gear box stuff would be difficult.
3) I do not have the skills to confidence to make a stong enough bridge.
I think I could manage the "decorative" parts, but I wouldn't object to buying the bridge as a complete unit.
I would like the option of a manual control - say via a handwheel at the side somewhere rather than an electric motor. I am a bit nervous of electric motors left outdoors in all weathers - well rain is the worst I guess.
The pit certainly poses a problem especially for shipping. How about this for an idea?
Create a frame which is centered on the main bearing. This will form a hub for a series of spokes which will radiate outwards and perform two
purposes:-
1) Position the pit wall
2) Form a support for the pit base
The idea is that the pit is shipped (or not shipped at all) as set of segments. The frame and spokes guarantee that the pit wall is the correct distance from the edge of the bridge. The pit wall may be supplied as part of the kit complete with outer support rail. For those that want to build their own pit, either a set of templates or drawings could be supplied to allow them to build their own.
The nice part about this scheme is that one frame would do for quite a few turntable sizes. I presume that the central support bearing and gear box are also shared.
It would probably also be a good idea to have the spokes incline slightly towards the pit wall. Just remember to include drain holes at the center or there will be an "instant" fish pond after each shower.
Use or abuse these ideas as you wish.
David
PS. My comment on the Garrett related to the minimum turning radius required rather than actually turning them on a turn table. I was also teasing Doug for obvious reasons
