Meet the Teams - Doors

The Door team currently comprises five members. They are based in the same workshop as the Woodwork Team, and with good reason as the two types of work very much cross-over. Door backs are usually of wood sections, as are the doorway pillars. Working days are currently Thursdays, with Chris coming in on Saturdays as he is still in full time employment.

When a coach is in for refurbishment, most of the doors will be removed and stripped down for a full internal cleaning and servicing. Tolerances are fully checked and any defective parts are repaired or replaced. There is a considerable amount of precision work involved in the fitting of the hinges, windows, and their support mechanisms. Lock and striker plate fitting is an important safety activity. Damaged or worn back sections are replaced as necessary.   

Door refurbishment is always a lengthy process but it has to be done thoroughly and correctly. In some cases the door can be serviced without being removed, which obviously helps with the timing of the overall coach refurbishment.

The Door Team are always on the look out for new members to help with this very important part of Carriage and Wagon.

Craig - team head

 

Trevor

 

Paul 

 

Richard 

(who is also with the Woodwork Team)

 

Chris

 

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In addition to the above, a selection of photos of their work

 

A photo of Derrick (spelling correct!) dismantling a door ready for refurbishing. 

Derrick was with the Team for many years and has only recently retired.

A bare door frame with the three drainage holes in the base

 

 

Trevor secures the base of the droplight scissor spring (named lazy tongs). 

The metal channel coated in red oxide is for drainage - tubes from this exit via the door base.

 

 

Paul fitting the heavy back base section

 

 

Newly made sections of a door back in the Paintshop awaiting varnishing. 

Note the insert in the near edge of the door pull to provide added strength.

 

 

The back sections for this door have already been attached and will be varnished in situ.

 

Returning to Derrick's door dismantling and a fair degree of repair is needed here. 

The three drainage tubes in the door base can be clearly seen. 

Discussion time

Chris working on the door handle fitting.

 

A new insert of bodyside panelling means new holes for fitting the centre hinge.

The gibbet hoist has made door refitting so much easier. 

Doors can now be lifted millimetre by millimetre into the exact position.

 

Derrick checking locks using the lock action test rig and recording his findings.