My sliding doors open-up!

Is this about a van or a train?

I use toothpick in top where you can't see it to keep the doors closed.

That's a common problem in box cars with opening doors. The Atlas trainman HyCubes also have an issue with doors vibrating open.

 

The exception seems to be Weaver's cars as their doors are set up tightly. Jeff's (Chessie1971) suggestion of a toothpick in the door track is a good an effective way to keep them closed. I actually view non-operating doors as a "feature" on box cars. For a diorama/static display, the open doors are fine.

"..why couldn't vibrations CLOSE the doors?" Yeah, ya wonder about things like that.

So, open all your boxcar doors and enjoy seeing them all closed at the end of the session.

Problem solved. You're welcome.

 

These are Cosmic Questions, like those about the Land of Lost Socks.

I'm betting NO money on my suggestion above.

You could also fill the inside with crumpled newspaper or the like.  It worked as a kid.

-Greg

All my container doors would pop open on my K-Line intermodal cars.  It looked terrible to me, so I glued them all shut.  Just used a drop of glue and problem solved.  I couldn't think of any time when I would want them open.

 

Art

You can use a dab of the Woodland Senics "Accent" glue because its thick, tacky, and temporary. You can just pull it out of the track if you don't want it in there any more.

Some of my auto rack end doors kept popping open. I found out one must secure these type doors carefully in order for them to remain closed while running the layout. In one instance, I had to use a very small piece of tape. Which I placed inside the door and then closed the other upon the tape. This works great and since I don't plan on placing any automobiles in that car, it is okay by me.

 

As for box car doors. That can be a most confounding problem. My solution. Put a Hobo figure in that box car and let him worry about that door for awhile. LOL

 

Seriously, I would follow the suggestions made by other members as they have likely dealt with this issue for a long time. Thus they have good ideas on how to deal with this.

 

 

Pete

Sometimes I cut a tiny portion of a thin rubber band, and wedge it into the door channel as I close it.  This seems to keep tension on the door.  They never pop back open unless I open them.  

A drop of Elmers white glue. It will hold them in position when it dries, but is easily picked out if desired.

 

Steve

The crumpled up newspaper works well. I've also cut a scrap piece of extruded foam (the pink stuff) and wedged it between the doors as I closed them.

 

J White

 

My preferred method is to remove the shell and use masking tape to secure the doors from the inside.

I have purchased some used cars where a previous owner had stuffed them with tissue paper and that works well too.

Curt

Doors on boxcars (and on baggage cars) opening during  running is a common and annoying problem. There are many ways to deal with it but bending the guides or using a wedge may ruin the cars value. I guess that using temporary glue that doesn't damage the paint is easiest. An Elmers glue stick might work but that glue can dry rock hard. Anyone try using non-hardening modeling clay?

I have that problem with passenger cars: the vibration of running seems to open the doors. 

 

I use a tiny drop of silicon glue - just a smidge, carefully applied to the lower edge of the door in its frame, and they stay close.

There is a product called tacky wax. Works like a charm and is easily removed.

I've had this issue with some of my Lionel 9200/9400/9700 boxcars.  I'll second Curt's (Juniata Guy) suggestion- a bit of tape on the inside keeps the doors closed, and is easily reversible.

I like the open door look on my box cars, the self movement allows for a different look during the running session. what's the problem?

The doors I don't want to open, I have glued them shut with a very small dab of Walthers Goo.

What Brian said...

 

- Mike

 

Good morning

 

Or you could leave them open

 

Clem k

On my tinplate passenger cars, I use small strips of balsa or styrofoam wedges to keep the doors shut. My Lionel MPC "Standard O" cars do not have that problem.

PTC (Brian) posted first about this, but I also use Tacky Wax to hold stuff in place.

 

Mine is the Department 56 stuff used to hold people, but can be used to hold doors open, or hold them closed as well.

 

Its mostly clear and can be removed.

 

Charlie

 

Best idea in the thread! There is no adhesive or goop that is as easily removed as this. 

I take a piece of urethane foam, squeeze it, put it into the car and close the door. When it expands, it holds the door shut. An added bonus, it helps quiet the car and there's nothing permanent.

 

Gilly

That's brilliant! An idea that good must be stolen!

WOW!  Seems that I hit on a very common problem....and see some uncommon solutions.  Thanks, folks.  I shall ponder these replies, but at this moment, I'm leaning toward a small drop of silicone glue....which was one of my own 1st thoughts.

Simpler than what I do.  I shall do this from now on.

Well yes, the doors WOULD be open like that prior to loading grain. However, once the grain is loaded, the door/doors would then be closed, latched and sealed with the lead seal strap.