Actually not (!). The modern N&W locos were equipped with a sophisticated lubrication system which distributed oil under pressure to the various nooks and crannies in a short space of time. I'm sure too that roller bearings were used on many moving joints.
I'm guessing things may be similar across countries...
I was on a train from Sydney to Newcastle and we got an announcement that there were signal failures and the train would dramatically halt -- which it did several times. We weren't going fast but the stop was sudden. How does this work? Does a red signal send some sort of signal to the train to stop it if it goes past? Is there some mechanism on the track that halts the train?
edit: do not know if it matters but this line is electrified; our regional routes aren't
In Britain there are various systems which will automatically stop a train if the driver fails to respond to caution or stop signals; in some cases they will "trip" if a train is going too fast as a specific point, such as entry to a dead-end platform. The Great Western had a electro-mechanical system using a ramp between the tracks way back in the 20s and 30s; in the late 30s the LMS was developing a magnetic system which was developed into the standard British Railways one. More modern electronic systems are now in use, at least on main lines. Underground trains with drivers have tripcocks by the track which apply the brakes if the driver passes a red signal; some lines of course are run automatically with constant electronic input (the trains do stop suddenly if the input is lost).
I'm not sure though why your train stopped so suddenly. In normal service the automatic brake only kicks in if the driver fails to apply the brakes normally. Conversely there are procedures to deal with total signal failure, including driving at a reduced speed and stopping at each signal to ask for permission to proceed. Perhaps the driver was running at the maximum reduced speed permitted and braking late in order to minimise delay?
Comments
Great Winston Link photo here: https://encyclopediavirginia.org/j-o-haden-with-his-grease-gun-bluefield-lubritorium-bluefield-wv-1955
I was on a train from Sydney to Newcastle and we got an announcement that there were signal failures and the train would dramatically halt -- which it did several times. We weren't going fast but the stop was sudden. How does this work? Does a red signal send some sort of signal to the train to stop it if it goes past? Is there some mechanism on the track that halts the train?
edit: do not know if it matters but this line is electrified; our regional routes aren't
I'm not sure though why your train stopped so suddenly. In normal service the automatic brake only kicks in if the driver fails to apply the brakes normally. Conversely there are procedures to deal with total signal failure, including driving at a reduced speed and stopping at each signal to ask for permission to proceed. Perhaps the driver was running at the maximum reduced speed permitted and braking late in order to minimise delay?