Picture above - from 2009 - the circular track that the turntable motor would propel the bridge 360 degrees.

So to provide an update regarding the meeting with the City of Dauphin on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025.  We did discuss the idea of moving the entire bridge portion of the turntable (84' x 14' weighing approximately 90 tons) to a site just north of the existing track that the caboose rests on and immediately east of the Berry Patch.

Despite the proposal graciously provided by Reit-Syd and Minty's Moving it was mutually agreed upon that this plan although technically feasible was just too challenging.  Challenges included:  CN property issues, electrical poles, electrified fence in parking lot for vehicle plugs, obstruction of potential future rolling stock placed on existing track).

The compromise for preservation will be taking a section of the turntable bridge (approximately 15 feet in length and full width) that contains the motor and constructing a memorial near the Dauphin Rail Station.  Two potential sites are being considered, first being in CN Park just east of the Station and secondly near the Berry Patch at the end of the existing track that the caboose now sits.

We also will request of the removal of the small plaque on the turntable to be re-installed on the new memorial and possibly a portion of bridge wall to repurposed for fund raising opportunities.

The next step is trying to get some engineering assistance to ensure that the memorial design is stable and will remain so for many years to come.  I have already reached out to the University of Manitoba (who helped 3D print our HO scale model of the Dauphin Rail Station).  If anyone else knows of or could suggest someone to contact regarding this project, that would be greatly appreciated.

Once the engineering side of things is completed, the raising of funds through donation and grants will be applied for.  The City of Dauphin has indicated that they will contribute to this project (amount yet to be determined) and will accept donations for this project where charitable tax receipts can be issued on behalf of the City.

The City has not officially scheduled the removal of the turntable at the time of the meeting however there was indication that the work would take place late summer/early fall.   The Museum has asked that we be informed of when this work is scheduled so we may document the turntable in situ and the process of removal.

Because the fund raising and grant writing will take time, the City has assured us that they will keep our requested portion of the turntable on site so we can then move it into its new location at a later date.

So, if you have the ability to view Manitoba's last remaining steam era rail turntable, please do so as it will be the last year it remains at that original site and will be removed after 119 years.