CHAPTER IV. 



Stations: Station Buildings, Rpofs, Lines, and Sidingi. 



Stations. When selecting a site for a station, not only should 

 due regard be paid to the proximity and convenience of access 

 to the town or place to be served, but attention should be given 

 to the gradients of the line near the proposed station. If it can 

 possibly be avoided, a station should not be placed in a hollow at 

 the foot of two inclines, as such a position would always entail 

 heavy work starting trains on the ascending gradients, with the 

 risk of sliding back into the station again in unfavourable 

 weather ; and for arriving trains there would be increased 

 difficulty in properly controlling the vehicles on the descending 

 gradients so as to bring them to a stand in the event of any 

 sudden stoppage being required. With stations on a summit, 

 having gradients falling in each direction, the starting trains 

 can get away more readily, and the arriving trains have the 

 benefit of the rising gradient to assist them in coming to a stand. 

 Possibly the best selection would be a long length of level, both 

 in the station proper and for a considerable distance on each 

 side ; but it is not often that such a combination can be obtained 

 without incurring extra expenditure. The station-yard itself 

 should, however, be on the level, or as nearly so as possible, for the 

 convenience and safety of marshalling or shunting carriages or 

 waggons. No siding should be laid on such a gradient as would 

 render it possible for vehicles to start into motion during high 

 winds. Carriages and waggons having good oil axle-boxes will 

 start themselves on a gradient of 1 in 300 under the influence 

 of a moderately strong breeze, and a slight push will start them 

 on a gradient of 1 in 400. 



The number and arrangement of the lines, sidings, platforms, 

 loading banks, and other conveniences of a station, will depend 

 upon the description and amount of traffic to be accommodated. 



