line, the points were connected to the signal boxes and the signals were brought into use. This arrangement finished in the 1980s or 1990s when the sidings were closed. Infrastructure The line is double-tracked throughout. A third track used to be available for down trains from the Showgrounds platform to the Racecourse, but it is now blocked at the Showgrounds end and used as a siding. The Flemington Racecourse line had Melbourne's last remaining example of two-position automatic signalling, apart from the Hurstbridge line between Greensborough and Hurstbridge. The short line had three mechanical signal boxes, including the Flemington Racecourse box opened in 1895. Terminating facilities are provided at both the Showgrounds and Racecourse stations, and stabling facilities are provided at the Racecourse. The Showgrounds station has only one platform, on the up track, because trains terminate at Showgrounds when that station is in use. However, if necessary, down trains to Racecourse station can be routed via the Showgrounds platform then back to the down line. Stations Showgrounds Showgrounds station is an intermediate station on the line, and is named for the adjacent Melbourne Showgrounds. The station is only open during special events, such as the annual Royal Melbourne Show. The station has turnstiles for entry to the Melbourne Showgrounds, and a Ticketek booking office for show admission tickets located on the platform. A wooden station building is located at the station for selling rail tickets. The station is equipped with myki vending and top-up machines and validators. Three abolished signal boxes are located at Showgrounds. Epsom Road box formerly controlled trains at the up end, Showgrounds Junction box for the down end, and Showgrounds Rostrum box (above the station platform) for all movements into and out of the platform. Flemington Racecourse Flemington Racecourse station is the terminus of the line, and is named for the adjacent racecourse. The station is only open on race days and during other special events, such as the annual Melbourne Cup during the Spring Racing Carnival. At other times it is used to stable trains between peak hours. Possible extension Some have suggested, including a former lord mayor of the City of Melbourne, that the line is under utilised in periods outside of events at the racecourse and showgrounds (most of the year) and should be extended to the west to service suburbs such as Maribyrnong (including a new housing estate being proposed by