Combo Door Boxcars - Why?

yankinoz May 9, 2001

  1. yankinoz

    yankinoz TrainBoard Member

    1,014
    0
    28
    So why do some boxcars have both plug doors and sliding doors? I thought plug doors were used to seal the box car (like for reefers or insulated boxes) and sliding doors were used when the seal was not needed - probibly a cheaper and easier to open and close door.

    In general, what are the advantages / disadvantages of each type of door? And why would some box cars have both?

    [ 09 May 2001: Message edited by: yankinoz ]
     
  2. Gregg Mahlkov

    Gregg Mahlkov Guest

    0
    0
    0
    The idea behind combination door boxcars (those with one sliding and one plug door on each side) was that they could be used as either a double door car for those loads requiring a wide opening to put in the car (such as lumber) or a single door car by providing a flush surface on the sides up to the doorway opening, which makes the providing of lading protection easier. In addition to being used on insulated cars (you can't insulate a sliding door), plug doors are also used where the lading needs additional protection in the doorway opening, like canned goods subject to denting. :cool:

    [ 09 May 2001: Message edited by: Gregg Mahlkov ]
     
  3. Alan

    Alan Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    10,798
    460
    127
    Thanks Gregg, that is something I had wondered about, but never though to ask [​IMG]
     
  4. fitz

    fitz TrainBoard Member

    9,709
    2,730
    145
    Greg, Many years ago, the NYC had "Auto boxcars" with double doors. Never having witnessed any of those cars being loaded or unloaded, how was it done? I guess the double doors allowed the cars to be driven aboard? Long before autoracks. :confused:
     
  5. Gregg Mahlkov

    Gregg Mahlkov Guest

    0
    0
    0
    There were some photos of cars being loaded at the Ford plant in the 1920's in the "Model Railroader" article about automobile assembly plants a year or so back, which was written by Jim Hediger. I would say they were "manhandled" in! But the double doors were definitely necessary. :cool: ;)
     

Share This Page