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To reduce fuel usage and wheel wear, Florida East Coast Railway is equipping its entire locomotive fleet with MPL Technology's Solidstick™ wheel flange and rail lubricating system.

A solid polymer stick designed to precisely apply lubrication where needed, Solidstick can reduce friction on curves and truck hunting action on tangent track, according to a prepared statement.

To install the system, an applicator is bolted onto a truck assembly's existing brackets, then a polymer stick is properly aligned. As a train moves, a spring applies pressure to release lubricant to a wheel flange's throat.

An ore-hauling short line that recently tested the system cut fuel usage an average of 12 percent, said MPL President Michael Mitrovich, adding that the system can reduce flange wear and wheel truing requirements, extend rail life and reduce reliance on trackside lubricators.