What's This on Some RDC End Doors?

[SharkNose]

Can anyone identify the name of and the purpose of this protrusion on some RDC end doors (see images below - click to enlarge)? It seems to be totally welded up from the outside and there is an indentation on the back of the door from the inside. Is it an unused device similar to some sand box doors on RDC sides that were just welded shut? I haven't a clue and wondered if any Trainz prototype fans might have the answer.

Thanks! :wave:

Andrew

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[JIb228]

I don't think it would be sand, placing the sand box on the door like that just seams impractical. Id wager it might have been a storage bin of some sort. Maybe a first aid kit, or emergency kit, or possibly small items the crew might need in route. It could have even been a flyer holder. Some thing to hold adds, or news papers for passengers.

 

[JCitron]

The box on the Lehigh Valley unit (the one on the left), looks like a placard holder, at least by the frame on it. I agree though as a box it could be to hold stuff maybe cables or tools, or something. The shadow and lighting makes it difficult to tell what it is.

John

 

[SharkNose]

Well, after doing some research it looks like the Reading shops have something to do with it. Any of the later Reading RDCs have this "box" on the doors as well as any RDC that was refurbished by the Reading shops sometime in it's life. This also includes some units that were owned by SEPTA or PennDOT in their later years.

Clues, but no solution. Yet! Thanks for the suggestions above guys, they do sound reasonable.

Andrew