Firehole door for 5inch gauge

[Perko7Participant @perko7]

Looking for some feedback from experienced loco drivers:

I am currently finalising the design of the boiler for my 5inch gauge Queensland Railways tank loco and was thinking of using a drop-flap style firehole door.

Just wondering if anyone has experience of using this type and can compare it with a normal hinged type.

I don’t have a strong preference at this stage, but like the idea of the drop flap for ease of opening/closing using the shovel. Keeping it closed may be an issue, I have a sloping backhead but it’s only small amount off vertical so may need a latch to keep it closed.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Look at how it might be impeded from closing by dust and small particles. Sliding door the worst.

[WearyParticipant @weary]

Suggest that you also pose  your question on Model Engineering Clearing House under the ‘General’ heading where I suspect you will get some feedback of the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ from others who have experience.

[Author]

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