I keep hearing the term plug doors. I reviewed MR magazines recent article on different types of box cars. But could someone explain the different types of frieght car doors and there names. Thank you Kevin
I don’t know what all of the different types mean, such as a Youngstown Door, but a Plug Door is one that doesn’t close by simply sliding over the opening but continue hanging on the outside of the car, it actually moves inward and plugs the opening and provides a tighter seal.
Kevin
I will attempt to answer the basic question. There are many, many types of doors so someone else may weigh in with that info.
A plug door does exactly that, it plugs the door opening. When it’s opened, it is pulled out, away from the opening and then slides on tracks away from the opening. It is useful for many reasons, it provides a flush surface inside the boxcar, and more important, it provides a near airtight closure. If you notice, many (newer) refridgerator and insulated boxcars have plug doors versus simple sliding doors.
Sliding doors simply slide on tracks over the opening, they do not provide an airtight seal. They are less expensive to maintain though.
Rick
Links to pics of Branchline Trains models showing three common door types:
Superior door (6-panel; 5- and 7-panel doors also common):
http://www.branchline-trains.com/blueprint/40boxcars/40'aar8/40-8_top.jpg
Youngstown door (in this case, 5/6/6, referring to rib arrangement in door):
http://www.branchline-trains.com/headers/ncstl40-6.jpg
Plug door:
http://www.branchline-trains.com/blueprint/50boxcars/50pdaar/bra_1711.jpg