OK then! Here's a couple more bits to think about. " Under Application of Rule 99(State of New Jersey), Timetable general rule 1103-A1" it states via a column table that "The grade crossing for Gate Siding at Philadelphia Ave in Egg Harbor that the highway crossing protection must be operated manually to protect train movement." And on the same column table it says "All trains or engines must stop before passing over the highway crossing and a member of the train crew must protect the crossing in advance of each movement. This applies to all crossings between Egg Harbor and Gate on Gate Siding except Philadelphia Ave in Egg Harbor".So it would appear that the former No.1 track (southbound) on the Main Line was left in place between Egg Harbor and Gate B.L.S. with crossovers on either end and was designated " Gate siding". I say No.1 track because I have noted on my track chart that No.1 track between Port and Winslow was out of service at the time and it would follow that No.2 track was left for the Main. But this could be wrong too, because at Absecon (Tide B.L.S.) the main went to single track with the old No.2 track being the Main until you got just about the the city limits of Pleasantville where the old No.1 track became the Main. So,it was either the old No.1 or No.2 track that became Gate Siding and was in service or out of service seasonally according to the schedule of the A.C. Racing Association.(?????) I'm so confused now,but you gotta love the goofy way the railroads did things.
Note: Bold writing quote from Timeable No.4 Effective June 14,1971
Note: Bold writing quote from Timeable No.4 Effective June 14,1971
W.L Avis
Steam professional since 1974
Former Block Operator- PRSL
Steam professional since 1974
Former Block Operator- PRSL