Yes I've just had a rethink.
I believe that the big yellow snow plough is a clue. Do you usually get much snow in Framingham?
I now reckon pic 1 is a Snow Blower / melter. John's mention of the Kerosene kinda points to that and makes me think it's a giant blow torch/fan. There is an end cap nearest the camera. Possibly to keep the crap out when it's stabled, and prevent birds nesting in the mechanism.
And maybe 4 & 5 applies de-icing fluid to the track, but I'm still fascinated why its wheels are so puny. Doesn't look like it goes very far.
Rick it looks like you're just gonna have to go back and ask the nice man to explain.
BW