Bowser had 2 “Scales”: “HO” and “O-S”. At least that’s what it says on the boxes that I have. My understanding is that there is no scale on a bridge, except for width. The length of the bridge and the weight it is designed to hold dictates the height of the girder, and the girder height dictates the pit depth. That’s why if a model is truly to scale, we S folks can use HO or O bridges by merely modifying the width.
After building a pit from scratch, I would recommend buying one, unless you have a lot of time; or just like building challenges; or can’t find the length you need. I have a layout to build! Jerry Porter gave me another source for an On3 TT that could be easily modified to make a 87’ S model (long enough to turn an Overland Mike). It’s here: http://www.locopainter.com/store/product.php?id=218 Roger Nulton From: Ed Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 11:44 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: {S-Scale List} Turntable > Dear Ed, > You are right. Whew !! I was worried there for a minute. My wife might disagree with your conclusion on some other matters. My kids would disagree on many matters. Oh well..... > I believe that there has not been an S scale model listed since I've been > searching. I think we both are right. > But since the Bowser bridge is supported on both ends by wheels riding the > pit rail, it should be able to support an S scale Big Boy Yes and, if S scale, no modifications either. But if O scale, then the bridge should be trimmed down a bit narrower. Back in the goode olde daze when I purchased a Bowser turntable, the bridge was simply a hunk of wood. I suppose the O scale version could be trimmed down and the HO version could be thickened up a bit. After all, we are modelers..... > if long enough, regardless of the purported scale, Yup, that is so! > I know for sure my Bowser TT handles my Mike, but then its a Light Mike! > Regards, Roger I guess what we are saying is that if you can find a Bowser turntable of acceptable length, it can be modified regardless of the original scale marked on the box. Sounds good to me. Earlier, I was thinking strictly of the S scale version as being rare and impossible to find. You sure opened the door to other possibilities. Cheers....Ed L. www.sscale.org
