When moving, that is. Murphy at work? After all, why couldn't the vibrations CLOSE the doors? Anyway, short of a drop of super glue or silicone glue, I thought I'd ask if anyone has found a good solution....
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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.
-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
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
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 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.
There is a product called tacky wax. Works like a charm and is easily removed.
What Brian said...
- Mike