What timber are the men's dunny doors in Museum Station, Sydney?

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

I know it's an odd question, but it's one I was asked recently... and shown a set of photos that didn't supply much in the way of helpful detail. Oak was my first thought but in all honesty I'm unsure that they are a timber finish and not just covered in many years worth of grime.

I've never been there personally, so I can't even guess one way or t'other, although I suspect I may have to head down there soon and eyeball them for myself.

Can anyone here give me a more informed answer?

[ian]

assuming the doors you're talking about are still original, my first two guesses are Mountain Ash or Red Cedar -- both easily workable and readily available in the mid 1920s when the station was built.

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

Well, I went down and eye-balled them myself.

It looks like you might be right, Ian, they were originally old-growth eucy. The many, many coats of stained lacquer makes a better ID nigh impossible and many parts have been replaced with what looks like whatever convenient timber was at hand at the time. Bits of pine, cedar and other mismatched timbers.

So Mountain Ash should be a good match for the grain.

[wheelinround]

Andy if I recall and its over 40 yrs ago since walking through one of those doors they were heavy as to open. These days don't they have to be fire safe type?

I'll behave and not say it

[Handyjack]

These days don't they have to be fire safe type?

I'll behave and not say it

Probably not a requirement for the doors to the cubicles.

[wheelinround]

Got to thinking more and on recollection main entry was just a tiled arch which snaked around no main entry door.


Handy Jack no but in some cases for those on the outside maybe they should have been

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

While I was inspecting 'em I was wishing they were gas-proof...

[Christos]

Ok. I am in.

Did you take any photos?

Or

Honey I am going to be late coming home, I will be heading to Museum Station Toilet.