Abstract: An assembly for applying a solid material, such as a lubricant or an anti-slip material, to wheels. The system includes a pair of spring actuated members located on opposite ends of a holder for the solid material to urge the holder upwardly along guide pins to force the solid material to contact a wheel as it passes over a rail and the solid material element. The solid material element is held or "pinched" between the wheel flange and the gage face of the rail, thereby applying the material to the wheel which, in turn, transfers the material to the rail surface. The upward motion of the solid material is counteracted by a braking arrangement, including a brake release, so that a wheel passing over the release, releases the braking arrangement to allow the solid material to move upwardly to contact a wheel.