16th November 2010

The photo shows two of the three Wakefield No. 7 lubricators.

All three have been completely stripped, cleaned and parts refurbished or replaced as required. The large number of small parts in each, has meant a great deal of work has gone into overhauling these items.

All three are now fitted to the locomotive.

 

Each lubricator is connected individually to either the left, right or middle cylinders, pumping thick, sticky, steam oil (which thins at high temperatures) via an atomiser into various parts of the cylinders.

It is important that the lubricators are able to deliver a continuous and sufficient flow of oil to the cylinders when the locomotive is working. Any restriction will, over a period of time, increase wear in the piston rings and cylinder bores.