- Bill, interesting observation. I agree that 180th st. Station was probably not ready when service started May 29, 1912 between 180th st. and North Ave. New Rochelle. The Electric Railway Journal articles of May 25 and June 2, 1912 describing the line picture several station buildings but not 180th st. which was described as "being created" (May 25). The viaduct to the NYNH&H was completed and service to Willis Ave started on August 3, 1912. There probably was a temporary station.
A NY Times article of May 21, 1912 mentioned plans to extend the Bronx Park terminal " this summer." It expressed a hope to have over the platform transfers to the planned IRT line extension, in the 180th st. station. That never materialized, by the time the IRT had negotiated the Triborough proposals and the Dual Contracts, and settled land disputes with the Bronx Zoo, the eventual IRT station on the White Plains Road extension was built next to the W&B Station, with a connecting concourse underneath. That in turn may have affected a different plan of 1912 for the 180th st. Station.
It was described on May 21 as a three level structure: passenger platforms on top, a freight siding or tracks on the middel level, and a produce market on the ground level. Meat and produce freight cars were to be delivered on the middle level. Were there ever freight tracks on that level? How would they have fit into the massive viaduct construction?
It doesn't appear that the market or shops were built either?
Noel, I agree that a temporary stop was most probably north of the present terminal, but with the Unionport Yard and Shop under sonstruction, it would have been tight. The Electric Railway Journal of Dec. 14, 1912 shows the shop completed. It was certainly a construction site in May and early summer. Perhaps the W&B temporary station was
on the east side of Unionport Yard, where passenger storage tracks were laid, and with wooden platforms and steps down to the street?
Best wishes
Roger Wines
