Abstract: Apparatus for operating sliding plug-type railway car doors, of the type in which the front end of the door track is curved toward the car side, the front portion of the door is mounted directly on a track-mounted carriage, and the rear portion of the door is mounted via cranks on a track-mounted carriage, comprises longitudinally movable rack and pinion means on the car side adjacent the door, and mechanism on the door, actuable by longitudinal movement of the rack and pinion means for unlocking the door, rotating the door mounting cranks to swing the rear edge of the door in and out of the door opening, and moving the door longitudinally of the car into and out of registry with the door opening therein.