My question deals with 2 different bridges, one is currently available and the other isn't. 1 Atlas code 55 through truss bridge--Does anyone know when they might become available? Now that the curved turnouts are here and the c55 flex restock is getting close, my rr will soon have a complete mainline except for a bridge. This is the bridge I would prefer based on it's dimensions, but as a plan B, I have question 2... 2. Central Valley Truss Bridge-- I seem to recall these having clearance issues with double stacks(I run all different manufacturers of these so anything must fit). Can anyone confirm this? I noticed that Central Valley is advertising a second version to this bridge in NSR but I don't think it is available yet, perhaps it has taller clearances? I checked their website and didn't see anything on this. It's nice having more bridges on the market now, I just need something that can handle anything I roll through it! Thanks for the info guys!
I've been eyeing the CV bridges but don't have one. IIRC the very tallest things in N are Walthers well cars with Walthers containers in them. Those work out to be about 1/16" to 1/8" taller than anything else, enough to cause problems everywhere. Autoracks seem to be no problem except for side-to-side clearance if a sharp curve is just outside of the bridge. If NMRA clearance standards/RPs have been followed, the minimum clear space allowed is still only 1/64" (proportioned to prototype), not quite enough if you train has a hiccup IMO. Or if I need to get tweezers or something to get in there to pull out derailed cars. Much more than 1/64" clearance for the CV bridge, for everything else. So you can lower Walther well cars as has been shown in various how-to articles. You don't stack Walthers containers together (easy to forget). Switch to Fox Valley 28" wheels; I don't think the originals are 28". Or even just use DI containers only when stacked in Walthers well cars. On the CV bridge, What the Walthers cars hang up on is bracing at the entry point. That can be trimmed and modified. If you have other clearance situations, I'd do the car modification instead. EDIT: the CV modernized bridge has somewhat more clearance.
The "modernized" CV bridge was released to address the clearance problems with the doublestack cars. Right after I purchased my "classic" model. Sure will look good on a branch line though. Jamie
