The turntable was built in 1917. On the west side there are several short tracks that led into a locomotive service building where their ash box's were cleaned out, lubed, and watered. The building went with the steam engines. The turntable was rebuilt in 2017. Used mostly for turning engines because wide body's have no ditch lights on their B end. Without ditch lights on the head your limited to 30mph. I worked the night job F703 for years. Really a yard job building the 711, 709, 735, and F741. Used that turntable a few hundred times. Bridge dept. has always wanted to tear it down, but it's the only way to turn an engine in Raleigh.
Not to be too semantic about it, but it's the only way for CSX to turn an engine in Raleigh. NS has that wye, which now has the new Union Station in the middle of it, assuming it's still functional By the way, I went there last Saturday to see it in person, and it must have a drainage problem. The standing water in the pit has made it a wading pool, with the belly of the truss submerged-which means the main bearing is underwater, which I can't imagine is too beneficial for it.
I was just there today, and although it's weedy you can easily walk to the north end of it which is clear, and if you want to drive and are not worried about debris potentially damaging your tires you can even drive up to the north end (which is the track entrance). I would love to see it in operation.
I have lived in Raleigh for over 30 years. Never knew there was a turntable there. Question: Why does the locomotive need to be reversed? Visual safety while running? Or is there some mechanical reason?
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The turntable was built in 1917. On the west side there are several short tracks that led into a locomotive service building where their ash box's were cleaned out, lubed, and watered. The building went with the steam engines. The turntable was rebuilt in 2017. Used mostly for turning engines because wide body's have no ditch lights on their B end. Without ditch lights on the head your limited to 30mph. I worked the night job F703 for years. Really a yard job building the 711, 709, 735, and F741. Used that turntable a few hundred times. Bridge dept. has always wanted to tear it down, but it's the only way to turn an engine in Raleigh.
Not to be too semantic about it, but it's the only way for CSX to turn an engine in Raleigh. NS has that wye, which now has the new Union Station in the middle of it, assuming it's still functional
By the way, I went there last Saturday to see it in person, and it must have a drainage problem. The standing water in the pit has made it a wading pool, with the belly of the truss submerged-which means the main bearing is underwater, which I can't imagine is too beneficial for it.
Wow no idea they still used the turn table. Thanks for uploading!
This old thing is hard to get to, and is obstructed by overgrowth. I'd love to see it in action!
I was just there today, and although it's weedy you can easily walk to the north end of it which is clear, and if you want to drive and are not worried about debris potentially damaging your tires you can even drive up to the north end (which is the track entrance). I would love to see it in operation.
Nice video Anthony, I had no idea that turntable was still in use
awesome catch with the turntable! love hearing that 710 idle also
Awesome video! Thanks for sharing!
Was just there and saw an HLCX GP40-2 sitting on the track next to the table idling. Nobody on board as far as I could tell.
Nice! Rare to see a turntable used on a class one these days!
Good catch!!!!
is that near the NCDOT yard ( piedmont yard) or deep in chapel yard (csx yard)
Its just south of the NCDOT yard. South of Peace Street.
I have lived in Raleigh for over 30 years. Never knew there was a turntable there. Question: Why does the locomotive need to be reversed? Visual safety while running? Or is there some mechanical reason?
The required lighting is on the front end only. Speed limit is 30 without that.
ok thank you