I was watching TV and they were showing that a new engine was being serviced. They were adding Graphite sticks to the wheel flanges. The stick looked about 1 inch wide, 1/4 inch thick and 1 foot long. the stick was gravity fed to rub on the wheel flange. This was to reduce friction when in a corner. Question: When did the RR or GE/EMD start this? Thanks All = GH
My employer’s 25 ton Plymouth had holders for graphite sticks,but we never used them. Never saw them on our GE or EMD switchers. Plymouth was built in 1958. Joe
are you refering to the show on the history channel about locomotives and the stick flange lubricator? if that is the case… it is used to put lubrication on the wheel where the flange mets the inside of the rail… they started showing up here about 4 or 5 years ago i do belive…
csx engineer
TO: CSX Engineer; Yes it was on the History Channel. I have seen them grease the inside of the rails on curves, but I think this is better, cheaper. Thanks = GH
Both methods are still used…in the field there are ‘greasers’ on specific curves to provide lubrication for the train as well as the locomotive in an attempt to increase the life of curve rail.
they are better for getting more fuel milage out of the engins… helps the rolling resistance on the engin wheels so in theroy what would be lost in friction on the flanges and thus incresses better fuel mileage… granted it is only a small present…but when your talking about thounsands of locomotives over millions of miles a year… even a small saveings can add up to some impressive numbers to the bottom lines…
csx engineer
also increases the life of the wheels too…
csx engineer