Freight Shed, Calais, Maine

[sailormatlac]

I've been documenting many branchline terminus over the last weeks and found out this interesting picture of Calais Station, Maine which is is the subject of a interesting switching layout still in building process.



I'm amazed how the sidings climb a "steep" grade before reaching the freight house. But, most amazing is the second siding that is serving a loading pier diretly located on the the grade. Was such occurences a rarity? I suspect the took advantage of the natural relief. That way, the warehouse floor is at street level on one side and raised on the other.

Anyway, I'm just puzzled how unloading a freight car on a grade must have been tedious.

BTW, any of you ever saw a front picture of Calais Station? Most pictures show the side or the street view. Old postcards show a steel canopy running in front and independantly from the main station. It's definitely a interesting mundane building. Any relevant book could be useful too.

Matt