February 1878 Lyrics

Lyric discussion by yagtd 

Cover art for February 1878 lyrics by mewithoutYou

English's not my native language. Please, can some one explain to me this line:

Rip spot’s past and all the knuckles worn

what is Rip spot?

A RIP spot is an area on a rail line where a train can stop for minor repairs before continuing on.

The point here being that the train is moving very quickly trying to make it on time, and the train is struggling because it didn't receive the repairs at the RIP spot.

Well versed in English; not so much with trains. I had no idea what a RIP Spot was, so thank you for the information.