New Fishplate Lubricating Equipment
Fishplates need to be lubricated regularly to allow the track to expand and contract with temperature. Traditionally, this has in
volved removal of the fishplates. Technology has moved on and lubricants are now available that are able to penetrate rail joints without the need to dismantle them. The lubricant is carried in a cylinder, pressurised and sprayed along the top and sides of each fishplate. Hence one person, accompanied by a lookout, can now complete in one day what used to take the entire gang several weeks. The equipment is reminiscent of the ‘Ghost Busters’ film.
Image – Paul Bailey
