After many pages of the previous “Question” thread it appears it is the wish of the original poster to let that thread die. [:(] [V] [|)] That thread contained many extremely good questions and equally valid answers. It is a shame to see it go considering it was such a wealth of information. Many of our newer users have searched that thread and learned much valuable information from it.
After looking through the first 2 or 3 pages myself today, I ran across this post that I made about 2 years ago.
Hi everyone, Hey Nora, you have probally read all the columns like Dear Abby, Ann Landers, and many others. I was justing wondering if we shouldn’t change the name of this thread to ASK ED. Who else is as knowledgeable and articulate as our southern statesman friend. I truly am amazed at his knowledge and inspired by his willingness to share with us and expand our knowledge. If it wasn’t for Ed, I would still be wondering about many of the questions that have been ask here.
Let’s hear it for ED. Three Cheers. [:)] [:)] [:)]
End of Quote from previous thread.
I believe “Ask Ed” or something close to it is already in use these days. [;)] Therefore I will simply call this thread, “The NEW and IMPROVED Question Thread.” [:)] (Sounds like a plan. [:o)] [8D] [:D] )
Having one place to ask questions cuts down on the number of topics going and brings together those asking questions with those willing to answer them. Let’s face it. We have a host of railroaders who are willing to answer most any question. Plus add to that, it makes for some very good reading with such experience and knowledge unleashed in one place. [:)]
I sincerely hate to see the other topic go by the wayside. The vast amount of knowledge contained in that thread was amazing. It is such a pity to see it slip back into the pages of oblivion. [:(] [|)]
You know I attempted to do that a long time ago, by doing the "Electric Diesel and Steam Locomotives topic, but since then it has pretty much died … the info is still there, just hardly any new posts.
I’m not shooting you down, but yes I agree we should have some sort of Q&A addendum …
Don’t worry Jim. Until I go to college there will always be the random questions that I always come up with. It is nice that there is always someone here who will answer my questions.
Maybe I will actually be able to start answering other peoples questions someday.
Did EMD’s FT103 ABBA demonstrators leave Lagrange equipped with steam generators. If not what was the first F unit to have EMD build it with a SG installed. This is not a trvia question??? THANKS
I gotta question, I don’t know if it is new or improved, but it is a question.
I ran across this strange looking track greaser today. I have never seen one before and had to wonder exactly what they are for?
I can only guess that they lubricate the wheel flanges.
Is this correct or is it something all together different.
Are they used very often and how often do they need refilled.
YES to the first question and are sometimes call flange oilers or greasers. They help prevent flange and rail wear. You don’t see them very often and I do not know. Hope that helps. ENJOY
Trailryder,
You guessed right.
As rrandb stated, it is a flange greaser, used to lube the inside flanges of the wheels.
This one wouldn’t be located near a curve, is it?
As for turning it on and off, they are on all the time, there is a trip mechanism or trigger inside the rail head, just before the grease nozzle.
I don’t know the service schedule, but the ones on my railroad get filled once every two weeks, although they are on a switching lead with a curve, so they do get a lot of use.
Ed
I believe you’ll find that that headlight (sorry - don’t know the manufacturer) was standard for WP when that locomotive was acquired. Either it was never changed, or the current owner backdated it to original.
Can’t help you on the second one. Interesting concept, though.
Perhaps it can be archived and made available via another avenue on the Trains website. Or, if someone has the time, it could be turned into an FAQ page.
Wheel plunger mechanically lets out the grease along the blades.
Usage determines maintenance/ refill schedule for the 5 gallons of grease in the pot. (Most grease now comes in a plastic sack that gets dropped in the holding pot - 30+% of the flange lubricant now used is not petroleum based)
Lubricators are quite common. Placed wherever rail wear/tonnage is a problem.
Even though train crews hate 'em, you GOTTA have them. There is a science to properly applying the grease beads in the proper amount.
Just ask any question, someone will try and answer it. Sometimes 2 or 3 people will answer it each shedding a little different light on the subject and helping to cover it just a little more.
So ask away. The old question thread had many a good answer. I hope this one does as well.
After watching one of the three vids in another thread and seeing the 3985 with two diesels behind it I wonder . . . can the diesels now be controlled by the 3985’s engineer (thanks to moderen technology and MU and all) or do the diesels still have to have their own train crew ? ? ? Is the 3985 set up with DPU technology ? ? ? OR is there some other way the 3985 might control the diesel helpers ? ? ? [?]
