Boxcars (again)

[John Taylor]

Let me restate my question.  Why did some boxcars have plug doors and sliding doors on the same car?  My wording was poor the first time, sorry.

[Steve Dolzall]

I think the intent is that the combination door boxcar can serve a dual role purpose. With the plug door closed the car in effect becomes a conventional single sliding door car and shipments can be loaded against the plug door just as if it were the conventional side of the boxcar which would not be possible with a sliding door there. In those cases where  double doors are necessary for loading/unloading both doors can be used.

[John Taylor]

That makes sense.  Thanks, Steve.