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How to Build a Model Railroad Turntable

A model train, just like a real one, can only travel in two directions: forward or backwards. To be able to switch a model train's engine from one track to another that is not parallel to it, build a basic railroad turntable to rotate the engine. Supplies from a hobby shop or home and garden store will be needed as well as tools found in most homes.

Things You'll Need

Lazy Susan, 6-inch diameter
Foam core, 10-by-10-inches
Pencil
Ruler
Bonding glue
Railroad track
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Place the foam core on a work surface. Place the lazy Susan face down on the foam core. Draw an outline on the foam core, around the lazy Susan, using a pencil. Place the lazy Susan aside.
- 2
  Measure across the circle from the left to the right side, with a ruler. Make a dot at the halfway point with a pencil. Draw a vertical line down the length of the circle, on the dot, with the ruler and pencil.
- 3
  Apply bonding glue to the bottom left and right sides of the piece of railroad track. Place the track, glue-side down, vertically on the line that was drawn on the circle. Let the bonding glue set overnight. Cut out the circle from the foam core, with the utility knife.
- 4
  Place the lazy Susan face up on the work surface. Apply bonding glue to the rim of the lazy Susan. Place the bottom of the cut foam core on the top of the lazy Susan.
- 5
  Press the foam core against the lazy Susan so that the glue adheres the two together. Let the bonding glue set overnight before placing your railroad turntable into your model railroad setup.

Model Railroads