I was recently looking at pics of SD35's on the net and came by something I had not noticed before. On the the firemans side of WM 7433 there is a rather large box behing the cab with a single access door and two standard EMD style latches...does anyone have info on what this contained? Or more pictures of this unit for more details? Pics below. Thank you
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This compartment contained a WM experiment called a automatic flange oiler, the theory behind its development was that selective oiling of locomotive wheels would allow better passage through tight curves, lessening wear to the rails and wheels.
This experiment apparently started with the delivery of the 5 SD35s in 12/1964, all 5 had the compartment.
Considered unsuccessful due to interfering with application of traction sand, the internal apparatus was removed, but the compartments remained through their service lives.
These flange oiler compartments also were tried on SD40s and the high-hood RS3s (see pics)
The MAY,1988 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman had a definitive article by Bill Manzke on modeling these compartments, the history behind the device, and other tips on detailing a HO Atlas SD35 for the WM.
Other info came from the Western MD. Railway Historical Society.
Awesome info. Thank you. I was looking on the western Maryland historical society site and didnt see that info. I now know what I am looking for so it will help alot. Thank you again.
Oh. And I just bought that 1988 issue of RMC too off da bay. Will give it a read
You may be interested in the following issues of WMRHS's " Blue Mountain Express":
Spring 2008; GP-SD35s
Item 38 on the EMD SD35 spec sheet refers to Wheel Flange Lubricator,Burrell (manufacturer)
Spring 2009; GP-SD40s
On the EMD spec for SD40s #7470-7474, delivered 8/1966, item 43 refers to Lubricator Grease Flanges of O.S. Wheels and CTR. PLT.; again by Burrell.
This would be make the total units so equipped at 15:
SD35 #7432-7436
SD40 #7470-7474
RS3 #185,192,193,195,197 probably installed by Hagerstown shop. #192-193,197 had high short hoods
Experiment begun in Dec.1964 with delivery of SD35s, 2nd order of SD40s #7495-96, delivered 11/1968, did not have this equipment, or any delivery afterward.
Additional info from "Western Maryland Diesel Locomotives", by P.H. & P.E. Stakem, 1997, TLC Publishers
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