Hmm...for my money, I would say that grease would definitely have an effect on braking distance. Why wouldn't it ? The very action of braking is caused by friction as a force. You remove some of the friction, you change the quotient for the braking equation. If anything, perhaps go to what was used at North Station on the Main Line El - water sprinklers. Water will also lengthen braking distance, but unlike grease it quickly dissipates by evaporation and absorbtion. Better yet, leave it the hell alone. It probably doesn't bother anyone and it sounds cool.
~Paul Joyce~
Moderator: Toy Trains, Model Railroading, Outdoor and Live Steam
Paul Joyce passed away in August, 2013. We honor his memory and his devotion at railroad.net.