Imperial Oil put out a well-illustrated 300 page 5x7 inch book which looked at all aspects of lubrication on railways. Petroleum product tradenames: Gargoyle B.R.B. No 3 is my favourite, followed by Van Hymelt 2 ... they are probably both available for video game names if anyone is interested.
Both the lubricant vendor and the railroader would learn about each other's work by reading this book cover to cover. As you'll see, the railway technology is first described in detail, followed by the desired characteristics of lubricants for its various elements and (considerately) the trade names of specially-formulated Imperial Oil products to meet the railroader's needs.
Around 1870, the addition of galena (a form of lead oxide) to Pennsylvania petroleum resulted in the enduring Galena brand name in railway lubrication (used by Imperial Oil in Canada in 1947). With the unprecedented high friction and high temperature characteristics of components in steam locomotive service, lubricants like the Galena product line were indeed needed. Smooth, machined metal parts have protrusions and pits at a microscopic level and it is necessary to maintain an optimized film of lubricant to prevent the surfaces from seizing.
The days of the 'tallow pot' had long ended. However, sheep still kept their hand in the lubrication business, as you'll see - through the use of their wool in diesel electrics!
Electric locomotives even had their own unique lubricants. How might one lubricate the main working surface of a pantograph? Hint: Using a compound which included the same 'special crystals' used to lubricate main line switches today.
When this book was printed, road freight locomotives were not yet firmly established in Canada. An interesting array of Canadian gas and diesel car photos is shown. Steam fans will be interested to see a big 60% on the cab of a little CNR yard switcher. All the lubricating points on an Alco switcher are shown - be sure to buy each type of special lubricant recommended for best results! Many will recognize a small Wabash unit at St Thomas, Ontario.
