Grizzly Flats Turntable Dedication- July 28, 2001

The museum's new 3-foot gauge "armstrong" turntable is now in service. The 56 foot wooden turntable is a faithful reproduction of a standard 1880's Southern Pacific design, and even features iron work made from replicated SP patterns (some of which were loaned by the Nevada State Railroad Museum). The table is virtually identical in appearance to the SP installation at Laws, California on the old Owens Valley narrow gauge, and also the replica turntable at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City.

Ward and Betty Kimball were among the dignitaries on hand to help celebrate the completion of this four year project. Despite a very hot afternoon, about 200 people came out to enjoy the festivities. Following the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon, the Kimball's hopped on board the pilot of locomotive Emma Nevada for a spin around on the new table.

The turntable was built on-site by OERM volunteers, with funding provided by Ward and Betty Kimball, to whom we offer our sincere thanks. 

John Smatlak photos -click any image to enlarge-

 

The Emma Nevada is switched onto the turntable

 

 

Emma on the table, ready to be turned for the first time in many decades.

 

 

 

Turntable project manager Dave Wolven addresses the crowd.

 

 

Ward Kimball cuts the "ribbon" with a little help from Dave Wolven.

 

 

After the turntable crew took the first few spins, the kids in attendance had a chance to take their turn. John Kimball looks on at left.

 

 

Ward and Betty pose proudly on the pilot of Emma Nevada.