North Country Ribbons
Lube into the Curves
VIA's #185 heads west towards Pogamasing crossing a flange lubricator system as they navigate the curve heavy right-of-way along the Spanish River.
The flange lubricator lubes the inside edge of the rail head (gauge face) and helps to reduce wheel and rail wear among other things. Physics can be brutal on tight curves with the flanges constantly in contact and the outer rail taking significant lateral force. Without lube, wear and tear can skyrocket and the lubricators can extend rail life by years on tight curves.
The metal box is the lubricator housing which includes a grease reservoir, pump, battery/solar setup, and control unit. A wheel sensor detects an approaching train and pumps a measured shot of grease, fed through the hoses to the applicators mounted at the rail. Meanwhile, the black mats over the ties are catch/containment mats, catching excess grease, protecting ballast and ties, and keeping lube from migrating to places it shouldn't. An easily overlooked system in the middle of nowhere, integral to keep the railroad running smoothly.
- MP 19 CPKC Nemegos Subdivision.
Lube into the Curves
VIA's #185 heads west towards Pogamasing crossing a flange lubricator system as they navigate the curve heavy right-of-way along the Spanish River.
The flange lubricator lubes the inside edge of the rail head (gauge face) and helps to reduce wheel and rail wear among other things. Physics can be brutal on tight curves with the flanges constantly in contact and the outer rail taking significant lateral force. Without lube, wear and tear can skyrocket and the lubricators can extend rail life by years on tight curves.
The metal box is the lubricator housing which includes a grease reservoir, pump, battery/solar setup, and control unit. A wheel sensor detects an approaching train and pumps a measured shot of grease, fed through the hoses to the applicators mounted at the rail. Meanwhile, the black mats over the ties are catch/containment mats, catching excess grease, protecting ballast and ties, and keeping lube from migrating to places it shouldn't. An easily overlooked system in the middle of nowhere, integral to keep the railroad running smoothly.
- MP 19 CPKC Nemegos Subdivision.