Smoke box door handing

[Bill DawesParticipant @billdawes]

[Bill DawesParticipant @billdawes]

Is there any reason why smokebox doors always seem to be hinged on the right (looking at the front of the engine)

I have asked several people at various events and no one seems to really know.

Bill D.

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

Hi Bill,

The smokebox door hinges can be on either side, depends on the make of the boiler. The Ruston Proctor SD which I am building has them on the LH side (looking at the front of the engine). A Fowler which I drive also has them on the left. Our club's Marshall portables have them in the right and a Roby on the right.

Paul

[Bill DawesParticipant @billdawes]

Sorry Paul should have clarified I was talking about locos, you are referring to traction engines of course, I have made a point of looking at scale models, full size, photos and films but yet to see one with left hand hinges.

I am intrigued as to whether it is just tradition or is there a logical explanation.

Bill D.

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

Perhaps because most folk are right-handed…?

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

Hi Bill, I am not a loco expert but checked a photo of 4 locos which were at the Maitland Steamfest (Australia) last year and they all have hinges on the RH side as you have noted.

A video of the train race with 4 steam locos and 2 biplaines in the sky above can be found at: **LINK**

Paul

Edited By Paul Lousick on 15/12/2016 06:48:43

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