A friend owns this and he doesn't know exactly how it would have been used back in the day. He doesn't think it was for lubrication because it has what seems to be foam wicking in the spout. Maybe a torch of some kind?
It's a feed wick oiler.
The wick provides a controlled amount of oil.
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrainIt's a feed wick oiler.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
And on the railroad the car knockers and roundhouse engine crews and boilermakers would use them to help find air leaks. Sometimes it was too noisy to hear a leak but the oil torch would flare up in the presence of an air leak. Some were on long handles for reaching below the boiler or under cars without having to crawl all the way under the car.
https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_1213000
A different type of torch here but it shows the idea:
Somewhere I came across a similar video that actually demonstrated how the leak was found. I need to find the leaks in my memory
Cheers, Ed
So, are all 3 of us correct?
I need to win those Fiji War Bonds.
Thanks fellas for the information. Looking at the photos in the links it looks to be an inspection torch because of the wick seen in the spout. I suppose someone could also use it as an oiler for lubing hard to reach spots on the locomotive.
Jarrell
jacon12 Thanks fellas for the information. Looking at the photos in the links it looks to be an inspection torch because of the wick seen in the spout. I suppose someone could also use it as an oiler for lubing hard to reach spots on the locomotive. Jarrell
richhotrainooh, maybe I win those Fiji War Bonds.
richhotrainJaBear must be hibernating.
richhotrainOr, licking his wounds.
I rest my case. Please pass the Fiji War Bonds. I will take all of them, thank you.
Inspectors Torch by Edmund, on Flickr
I sorry to say Rich, but it is obvious the seller has led you down the garden path with a mistaken description, not uncommon with those unfamiliar with the importance of the proper use of nomenclature. Cheers, the unrepentant Bear. PS. Being a magnanimous sort of chap, I will offer you a small glass of “Ratu” to ease the pain of defeat.
Drambuie trumps Ratu every time.