What is it? Found along the railroad tracks.

[jcummins]

Small, oily hoses make me think "flange lubricator."

Trackside rail flange lubricators | Dipostel

LINCOLNLUBESRAIL.COM

Probably not all there now. The PTO might go to a pump which went to a tank.

Bruce

What does a flange lube? I guess flange, but how does it work....what requires lubrication on a rail???

 

[/pine]

Is this near a road crossing etc...?

 

[RobertBrown]

That is a strillium enuffrcaitor. It's obsolete. They were replaced with new technololgy. The new device is called a .......

 

[dave1949]

That is a strillium enuffrcaitor. It's obsolete. They were replaced with new technololgy. The new device is called a .......

Where do you get these crazy notions?
Actually, I'm dead certain it's a winder for a spring-driven locomotive.

 

[Cub 7274]

Usually there is a curve and the inside of the rail needs grease applied to lesson the "binding" effect of the the wheels trying to push against the rail.
As the wheels go over it and releases a small amount of grease to the wheel which spreads it out as it turns.
There was probably a small tank there also which contained the grease but due to cutbacks and neglect they usually either run dry or break

 

[RobertBrown]

carbolic conspazmorgate?

 

[RobertBrown]

Where do you get these crazy notions?
Actually, I'm dead certain it's a winder for a spring-driven locomotive.

How can that be......does a spring driven locomotive run in the fall.........? I think not my friend...... I think not!

 

[dave1949]

How can that be......does a spring driven locomotive run in the fall.........? I think not my friend...... I think not!

Okay, you got me. At least I used real words. :laughing:

 

[Daver1963]

Quote Originally Posted by JPRambo View Post

Have you cut the lock to look inside yet?

I think the RR guys frown on that.

When I was 18 I might have done that. I'm not THAT curious anymore.
I prefer to ask questions on here.

 

[bcp]

Here is a patent drawing of the lubricator with a drive shaft.



Full diagram:
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pages/US2486600-0.png

Patent:
Patent US2486600 - Rail lubricator - Google Patents

Secured to the other side of rail is plunger mechanism,... including a plunger adapted to be depressed by the treads of wheels. The plunger mechanism operates through suitable clutch mechanism, ... to drive uni-directionally a flexible shaft extending to a lubricant tank set in the ground alongside the track and filled with lubricant ... The flexible shaft drives a vertical shaft in the tank which in turn drives a series of gear pumps...

Bruce