Door off a steam engine firebox?

Trains Magazine Steam & Preservation
1

Hi all.

Found this Saturday near some railroad tracks. There is an older rail bed also near there that is no longer used. I’m thinking a door or half of a door set from a steam engine firebox. I’m not sure if that’s the correct term. It’s roughly 10 inches wide. There does look like a hinge type area on the backside. The way it’s oriented in the pic, the hinge area is at the top. Thanks for any help IDing it.

I did not bring it home. I had a long walk back to the car and didn’t feel like lugging it. :laughing7:

2

Looks like a journal box cover.

3

I agree, and I’ve seen others in similar condition dredged up by tie gangs or undercutters.

4

Thirded. When swung up, it reveals the axle end.

5

Thanks guys! I had never heard of that. I figured y’all could help me out.

6

If you were to post this picture over on RyPN, some serious preservationist or other can probably get to tell you exactly what kind of door this is, and what cars it would have been used on.

7

Thanks. I’ll check that out.