Russo Loco Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I was VERY disappointed when visiting the Texas
> State Railroad five+ years ago to find that the
> five-eyed (or however you define it) hydrostatic
> lubricator had been removed from the cab of ex-T&P
> #610 (probably when she was in service on the
> Southern in the late seventies). One of my
> favorite chores when hostler of #610 while she was
> with the AFT was starting the air pumps and
> adjusting the lubricator's upside-down drip
. .
> . drip
. . . drip
. .
> . on the appropriate line(s).
Russo...
Rest assured that 610's hydrostatic lubricator is stored safe and sound. It is very typical to remove the hydrostatic lubricator from a locomotive that is subject to freezing in cold weather. Yes, it does get below freezing in Palestine TX, and the part of the enginehouse 610 resides in is unheated. Hydrostatic lubricators are very prone to freeze damage of the internal steam and water passages. If they freeze, they are pretty much impossible to repair and become scrap. I have encountered several 3 and 5 feed Nathan Bulls Eye Lubricator-shaped door stops.