Help needed from signallers / engineers

[Islineclear3_1]

Can anyone identify what the two white things sticking up are please and what purpose they serve?

TIA

 

[Railsigns]

They're lubricators.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

They're lubricators.

Oh thank you

 

[Annetts key]

They're lubricators.

Auto lubricators I presume?

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Auto lubricators I presume?

I've since found out they're manufactured by Simatec(?) and yes their website says they are auto-lubricators. Being so high up on a signal however, how does one know when the tubes are empty and need refilling?

What on earth did Network Rail/Railtrack/BR do in the distant past....??

 

[Annetts key]

I've since found out they're manufactured by Simatec(?) and yes their website says they are auto-lubricators. Being so high up on a signal however, how does one know when the tubes are empty and need refilling?

Not worked on a mechanical signal for many years, but if they are similar to the type used on points, they are checked during routine maintenance, and replaced if needed.

The maintenance instructions are

The lubricator timer should be set to 12 by inserting the Allen key into the top of the lubricator and rotating it number to align with the arrow on the outer edge of the timer unit.
NOTE: Setting 12 will give 1 year of lubrication. Lubricant level may be monitored via the viewing window.

What on earth did Network Rail/Railtrack/BR do in the distant past....??

Used grease guns (that attach to grease nipples) or oil cans (depending on which part). Routine maintenance was at more frequent intervals then. At busy junctions, up to once a week or once a fortnight for some equipment.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Not worked on a mechanical signal for many years, but if they are similar to the type used on points, they are checked during routine maintenance, and replaced if needed.

The maintenance instructions are


Used grease guns (that attach to grease nipples) or oil cans (depending on which part). Routine maintenance was at more frequent intervals then. At busy junctions, up to once a week or once a fortnight for some equipment.

I guess grease guns are still used for points (?) or simple grease and brush/nozzle

 

[Annetts key]

I guess grease guns are still used for points (?) or simple grease and brush/nozzle

Yes, grease guns are still used in various places, such as cranks for point rodding (and for back drives on point machine operated points), Western Region type barriers plus various other mechanical equipment. On slides or similar moving parts, grease is applied by brush. Mineral oil or synthetic lubricants are also used.

Modern slide chairs may have nylon pads and are supposed to be maintenance free. Rollers are now used and the slide chairs have non-ferris inserts, again, to reduce maintenance requirements.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Many thanks for your detailed expertise

I am captioning up photographs hence my original question