NTS&B Adding clearance on the mainlines for big steam

Bob P. brought over a Williams N&W #1218 2x6x6x4 which showed many clearance issues on the mainline.  It took much whittling of supports and platforms in the yard to pick up about 1/8 to 1/4 inch clearance between each siding.  I also had to create additional space on all of the curves so it would clear some 21 inch cars Bob also brought.  This involved stretching track joints to the max in some cases.  After all this work, he brought over a MTH 4x6x6x4 UP challenger, which was even bigger and created more problems.  It also had a extra piece on one side that stuck out an additional 1/4 inch, which made it even more (excuse the pun) challenging for clearance.  I then had to extend the approach to the 2 bridges so the engines would have a straighter entry.  I finally had to decide that there were limitations when running this engine (and others like it), that the other mainline could only run cars that are 15 inch maximum, and an adjacent track may have to be cleared in the yard.  The N&W engine, and all of my engines, had enough clearance to run 21 inch passenger cars on the adjacent track.  Here are some pictures of the engines and layout mods.

 N&W 1218.  Notice the overhang in the fron of the engine which tends to hit long cars on the adjacent tracks when the engine is on the inside curve. 

 The UP #3985 was bigger and had more overhang, plus an piece on the back of the engine that stuck out and additional 1/4 inch.

Took about 3/8 inches off the support columns for the upper level, and added an extra 1x2 on the outside to help support Bigville.   Also took about 1/2 inch off the passenger platform between the tracks. Since there are 7 tracks in the yard, all of the trimming netted only about 1/8 inch extra clearance between the tracks.

Along with trimming the other supports. the supports for the winter loop had to be trimmed also.  I ended up having to remover 1 complete support, but it didn't seem to effect the upper level.

The challenger took out part of my tunnel portal, so I trimmed it up the best I could.