Re: Rail washers

Rail washers were fairly common on many standard gauge steam locos. In the newest issue of "Classic Trains," there is a story by an Erie RR fireman during World War II in which mention is made of the use of the rail washers on a heavy Pacific in high-speed passenger service. The Western Maryland also equipped their steam locomotives with rail washers. The Shays on the Graham County Railroad were fitted with a water drip system to lubricate the leading flanges. The Reading even experiemented in the early 60s with rail washers on diesels to rinse coal dirt, which made the rail very greasy, off the rails.