from the research of Larry Butler
The Pea Vine route ran from Lexington to Perryville and returned. It is was necessary to reverse the engine at the end of each run for the return run . The Lexington yards included a wye track to reverse the engine while Perryville utilized a turntable. The turntable at Perryville included retaining wall to support the weight of the engine as it was transferred to a section of moveable track. The engine was “balanced” on a center pivot which allowed the train to be easily rotated, most likely, by manpower. After rotating the engine would return to the train cars and connect to the opposite end of the train for the return trip.
The turntable was removed with the rail tracks but the foundation walls and center pivot foundation can still be seen adjoining the boat ramp off Kilo Ford. The turntable ruins are located at GPS coordinates – 35.61756, -88.046311.
The Wiscasset Waterville and Farmington Railway has restored a similar turntable which is demonstrated in the video below.
Enjoyed