Abstract: A railway vehicle wheel flange lubrication system includes a body mounted integrated supply/drive unit, a gapless delivery hose of low friction, e.g. thermoplastic, material and a truck mounted holder bracket. The supply/drive unit has a box enclosing a lubrication strand dispensing reel, a gearmotor drive unit, a control panel with operating circuitry and a lube out signal. The gearmotor drive uses a preferably nylon housing with an enclosed, preferably arcuate, passage in which a toothed sprocket driven by a stalled gearmotor penetrates and drives a lubricant strand. The bracket is configured for sturdy mounting on an axle bearing adapter to maintain the hose end against the associated wheel flange.

Abstract: A lubrication applicator presses a block of solid lubricant against the flange of a locomotive wheel. An applicator nozzle loosely fits over the body of the applicator and lightly engages the block of lubricant to bridge the gap between the body and the wheel. The applicator is supported by a main bracket fixed to an unsprung portion of the locomotive truck, such as a journal box or a traction motor, and an adjustable bracket which establishes a good attitude of the applicator and is movable radially of the wheel to accommodate wheels of different diameters. A bracket attached to a journal box fits in a restricted space between the truck frame and the wheel and comprises a plate with upper and lower channels attached to opposite sides to provide strong and light structures subject to minimal inertial loading in a severe vibrational environment. To lessen the inertial forces the brackets angle upward (rather than horizontally) to position the applicator within about 45.degree.