Middleton Marshalling Yards And Addington Re-Arrangement.

Work in connection with the above is proceeding satisfactorily. For the past few weeks the men engaged on the plate-laying have been on the Addington re-arrangement works, which allows for the access to the new marshalling yards. In order to carry out the work it was necessary to commence operations at 5 a.m. on a recent Sunday. The men were engaged till 7 p.m. and the whole change over (including signal and interlocking arrangements) was effected in one day.

At Middleton a “Marion” steam shovel is working in the ballast pit. This shovel was formerly used at Otira with the new works following the construction of the tunnel. Lifting three-quarters of a yard at a time, and working in a very line ballast pit it is a decided money saving device in the ballasting of the yard. The ballast is being loaded into “Mb” wagons, fitted with drop sides and ends. A plough worked by a steam winch rapidly discharges the ballast to both sides of the track, leaving it handy for lifting and packing.

An engine pit is nearing completion, whilst one 1,000 gallon vat is already erected. With the early erection of a signal cabin and a staff accommodation building, the yard will take very definite shape.