i just realized I don't know what purpose the arch looking thing on turntables is for. It goes over the engine at the center.
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The arch is where the overhead electric power for the traction motors that drive the turntable, comes in .
Thanks Patrick
I did not know that either. Thanks for the enlightment.
Yes, in photos you can see power lines coming in to insulators on the top of that arch. What l would like to know, is.. were there steam powered turntables between the strong arm and electric ones, and if so, l'd like to see a photo?
colorado hirailer posted:Yes, in photos you can see power lines coming in to insulators on the top of that arch. What l would like to know, is.. were there steam powered turntables between the strong arm and electric ones, and if so, l'd like to see a photo?
I know of no "steam powered" turntables, however there were some compressed air powered turntables.
I’m not positive but I may have read that some had a gasoline engine on each bogey to turn the bridge. The smaller branch lines just pushed the table bridge into position with good ‘ole muscle!