Historical information

Large Gangers Trolly Turntable

Many trollys were too heavy to physically lift off the track, so a turntable was needed. A railway gangers trolly was required to be "off tracked" at its working location, so that it would be clear for trains to operate. A special track at right angles to the running line was usually provided. When all the work was completed and after all the trains had cleared, the trolly was then "on tracked" so that it could proceed to its next location. These turntables were also in use at the Works Depot location. They were provided at designated locations, and in some cases the trolly carried a turntable on board. To allow for more than one trolly to be taken off the line, a longer version was available for use.

The turntable would be placed on the rails and the trolly driven onto it. The turntable would then be rotated 90 degrees by human power and the trolly pushed off on to a prepared set of rails on the side of the line.

The turntable would then be removed from the track allowing trains to run through that section. The gang could then get on with the work required near that location.

Significance

Historic - Railway Permanent Way and Works - track equipment - Ganger's Trolley Turntable

Physical description

Large Gangers Trolly Turntable made of wood with wrought iron fittings