Track bays in GCT

[CP-4070]

Why are some ends of the track bays (if you call it like that) in GCT round and others straight? Has this something to do with observation cars when they were placed against the bumper while other platforms were rather used for MU cars with rather square ends?
Thanks, A.

[JamesRR]

I think it was just an aesthetic design decision, as the cars would never be rolled that far back to 'hug' the rounded concrete. It appears to be a more elegant way to have the platform straddle the bumper end of the track. Most of the tracks on both levels have them, but there are some squared-off ones. As to why....hard to say. Some might have been redone over years for whatever reason, but more likely, the original building of the station was such a big project done over phases that a deviation in the design occurred.

[Backshophoss]

Some were changed when Standby ground power was installed for the Turbos.
the Steam plant lines were next to the bumping block.
At the loop tracks the main ramp would send passengers to the concourse level,while the car knockers would cutoff the inbound road power
under the ramp.

[CP-4070]

the Steam plant lines were next to the bumping block.

By the way, where was steam generated for this purpose?

[Ridgefielder]

the Steam plant lines were next to the bumping block.

By the way, where was steam generated for this purpose?

I believe the Terminal uses the same Con Ed central steam system for heat and hot water as the rest of Midtown Manhattan-- so drawing from the power plants at 60th/York and/or 14th St. and the East River.

[DutchRailnut]

in boiler room far under lower level near tracks 200 and 101.

[Backshophoss]

Don't believe the GCT steam lines was ever tied in to the Con-ED service,GCT did provide steam service to some of the buildings in the area.
Both GCT and MO Yard have "in house" steam plants.

[CP-4070]

Thanks guys!
Was it then close to the room with the rotary converters?
I trust that coal was used for the boilers. How was it delivered to the boiler room? By hopper cars and chutes?