If they are like the ones 'up here' they are flange lubricators.
	A measured (hopefully) amount of lube is spritzed out to lubricate
	the wheel flange/gage face of the rail.  Reduces rail wear and
	flange sqeual and energy consumption.  Ours typically operate by
	the pressure of the flange on a treadle spritzing the lube...
	Most sommon on curvy bits.
thanks
dave pierson                        |the facts, as accurately as i can manage,
Digital Equipment Corporation       |the opinions, my own.
334 South St                        |
Shrewbury, Mass USA                 pierson@gone.enet.dec.com
"He has read everything, and, to his credit, written nothing."  A J Raffles