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Straight and flat stretch of track upon which an engineer can safely make unusually high speed. Also parallel stretches of track of two competing railroads upon which rival trains race one another (contrary to company rules but much to the delight of enginemen, trainmen, and passengers, and perhaps to the secret delight of some officials).

Rigby yard gets this designation for the former Rigby Trotting Park in South Portland. It was the site of the 1896 New England Fair. The track was known for the fastest horse racing in the United States at the time and operated from 1893-1898.

In the 1920's the park was purchased by the Maine Central Railroad and became the Rigby Railway Yard. Some of the engineers will announce their readiness by saying they are in the starting gate.