Top-of-rail lubrication represents a revolutionary change in railroad practices. Here's a primer on how it works and the benefits it offers.rnFor nearly a century, it was believed that the top of rail had to be kept clean and dry for optimum train operation. This approach provides good traction and braking ability but simultaneously produces severe rail wear and track damage on curves.rnThe high rail wears on the gauge corner while the low rail experiences severe flattening and eventual corrugation of the top of the rail. On tangent track, unlubricated rail restricts or reduces the maximum safe speed due to a dynamic lateral instability, called hunting.
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