New Flange Oiler at Pinole

When I was done studying, I went for a walk along the line. At Pinole, the UP has installed a new flange oiler. The railroad has taken care to prevent excess lubricant from seeping from the tracks into the marshy shoreline area just on the other side of the tank cars.

You can see the reservoir to the right of the track mounted on a couple of wooden ties. It has a solar panel to supply power to the sensors and mechanism.

Here are some views of the reservoir which is different in shape from most others found in this area on both the UP and BNSF.

Modelling details

• Sight glass beside the pole supporting the solar panel
• Uneven lengths of the supporting ties
• Lift loops welded to the sides

Here’s some views of the hoses. There are two with a diameter less than an inch and two thicker ones that are about two inches in diameter.

The rusty pipe taking the hoses under the rails to the applicator is about four inches in diameter.

Be careful around the tracks!!!

While I was taking these shots, an Amtrak doing 40-50 MPH came around the corner very quietly! It is always amazing how quietly a full size train can move and how easily they can be at your location. This one has two big GE units leading about twelve passenger cars. Take care and stay well back from the tracks. People close to trains make engineers nervous and give railfans a bad reputation.

Happy hunting!