Turntable Demo | B&O Railroad Museum

See the technological marvel that is the B&O’s Roundhouse Turntable in action, rotated by the power of just one person.

Among the many hallmark features that make up the B&O Railroad Museum’s 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse is the 60-foot turntable in the center. When the Roundhouse serviced and repaired passenger cars, the turntable was used to position them throughout the Roundhouse’s 22 bays. Instead of electricity, it uses central ball bearings to rotate. When centered properly, a single person can push the turntable!

This turntable still functions today and you can see this technological marvel in action, featuring rolling stock from our collection!