National Museum of Transportation in Kirkwood in St. Louis County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Sellers Turntable
The turntable is one of the most distinctive objects from the steam era of American railroading. It is the most efficient way to turn a steam locomotive around, using less space than any other method. A turntable was often located in the center of a roundhouse, where engines were serviced between runs. In the 19th century, one of the most noted makers of quality turntables was Wm. Sellers & Co. of Philadelphia, PA. This unique design was made of standard cast iron parts and available in several sizes. An 1885 catalog listed eight lengths from 30 to 70 feet, as well as an extra-heavy-duty 50 foot size. They were built to be taken apart for easy movement as the rail network expanded and turntables, along with other locomotive servicing facilities, were often relocated. Sellers received his first patent for the design in 1858. In 1873, a 50' Sellers turntable cost $1645. By the early 20th century newer structural steel turntable designs were needed by the larger and heavier locomotives being introduced. Most of the older Sellers Turntables were cut up for scrap, but this 60 foot turntable was sold to the Maryland and Pennsylvania
this page online
Erected by Museum of Transportation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 34.324′ N, 90° 27.731′ W. Marker was in Kirkwood, Missouri, in St. Louis County. It was in National Museum of Transportation. It could be reached from Barrett Station Road east of Old Dougherty Ferry Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 2933 Barrett Station Road, Saint Louis MO 63122, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in Greater St. Louis. It was also in the American
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: A different marker also named Sellers Turntable (here, next to this marker); Erie-Lackawanna #3607 (within shouting distance of this marker); Laclede-Christy Clau Products Company #2 (within shouting distance of this marker); Laclede Christy #2 (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicago & Illinois Midland #551 (within shouting distance of this marker); #9908 "Silver Charger" (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Louis - San Francisco #1621 (within shouting distance of this marker); Sabine River & Northern #408 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kirkwood.
Photographed by Garrett Koch, November 14, 2025
3. The Sellers Turntable Marker - NEW MARKER!
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,125 times since then and 77 times this year. Last updated on November 10, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on November 17, 2025, by Garrett Koch of Saint Louis, Missouri.
