Goods Sidings.

“The most conspicuous and extensive part of the new yard that has been laid to date is the goods sidings passing diagonally west of the goods shed. These will eventually extend in their present direction to approximately twice the length they are now. The connections now in use between these page 39 and the rest of the yard will be taken up later on. Provision has also been made for connections from the goods sidings to the waterfront, along the new wharf frontage, which extends to the floating dock. When the yard is complete there will be two main passenger tracks on the west side, and one main goods running line. Between these and the goods sidings on the west side will run the passenger sidings and between the passenger sidings and the goods sidings there are several spaces which will be utilised for various buildings.

“The main lines out of the yard will run in a gentle curve from beyond the platforms; they will roughly parallel Thorndon Quay, passing through what is now the Thorndon Station, and the present coaling place, which will be brought more towards the centre of the yard. Before reaching the oil stores, the main goods line joins the main passenger lines, and only two lines of heavy rail continue on to a point a hundred yards past the oil stores. Here are the points where the two lines towards the Wairarapa leave the North Island Main Trunk, which thenceforwards is a welded 100lb. rail double track up the ramp to the tunnels. In a central position in the yard is the 70ft. turntable, a size demanded by the modern K engine. It seems incredible that such a huge table could be turned by hand, but it is on roller bearings, and swings easily.