Seller's Turntable - St. Louis, Missouri - Railway Roundhouses on Waymarking.com

This interesting turntable is located near the parking lot of the Transportation Museum. The sign reads: "THE SELLERS TURNTABLE
The turntable is one of the most distinctive objects from the steam era of American railroading. It is the most eflicient way to tum a steam locomotive around, using less space than any other method.
A turntable was often located in the center of a roundhouse, where engines were serviced between runs. ln the 19th century one of the most noted makers of quality turntables was Wm Sellers & Co of Philadelphia PA. This unique design was made of standard cast iron parts and available in several sizes. An 1885 catalog listed eight lengths from 30 to 70 feet as well as an extra heavy duty 50 foot size. They were built to be taken apart for easy movement as the rail network expanded and turntables along with other locomotive servicing facilities were often relocated. Sellers received his first patent for the design in 1858. In 1873 a 50 Sellers tumtable cost $1645. By the early 20th century newer structural steel turntable designs were needed by the larger and heavier locomotives being introduced. Most of the older Sellers turntables were cut up for scrap but this 60 foot turntable was sold to the Maryland and Pennsylvama RR a short line between York PA and Baltimore MD in 1903. lt was used first at York and after 1921 at Delta PA. In 1986 the 55,000 pound relic was donated and brought to the Museum of Transportation for preservation. It is the only known survivor in the United States. Two others are known to survlve in El Salvador and several more in Australia and New Zealand along with local copies of this design."

Number of Stalls: 0 Currently in Operation: no Year Built: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   05/21/2014 Monk-E Arms visited it 11/14/2010 Capn Sea Bert visited it 06/26/2010 kJfishman visited it

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