Difference between revisions of "Fringian Mainline Locomotive"

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=== Cargo ===
 
=== Cargo ===
 
The cargo area of the tender is an open-fronted open-topped box with total volume of 51m³ (3.6 dTons). A hopper of 36m³ (2.5 dTons) is used to store solid fuel. A large tank with a volume of 15m³ (1.5 dTons) stores a reserve of water which can be transferred to the locomotive's tanks via internal pipework.
 
The cargo area of the tender is an open-fronted open-topped box with total volume of 51m³ (3.6 dTons). A hopper of 36m³ (2.5 dTons) is used to store solid fuel. A large tank with a volume of 15m³ (1.5 dTons) stores a reserve of water which can be transferred to the locomotive's tanks via internal pipework.
* A narrow internal walkway runs the length of the tender and gives the crew access to the towed wagons. Maximum load: 74,000 kg.
 
 
* ''Cargo Storage'': 36m³ (solid fuel), 15m³ (water)
 
* ''Cargo Storage'': 36m³ (solid fuel), 15m³ (water)
* ''Maximum Load'': restricted by available internal volume only.
+
* ''Maximum Load'': 64,000 kg.
  
 
=== Equipment ===
 
=== Equipment ===

Revision as of 09:35, 25 February 2018

Mainline Locomotive
Tech Level TL–4
Mass 11 Tons + 6 Tons
Cost {{{cost}}}
Mode Wheels / Rails
Type
Speed 50 kph
Cargo 2m³
Crew 2
Passengers (+1)
Armament none

The Mainline Locomotive is a Railroad Vehicle. It requires a railroad network of the correct gauge to operate.

Description / Specifications

A typical steam-powered locomotive – it operates as a locomotive-tender combination. It is a good all-round locomotive and can tow a variety of loads.

Hull / Suspension

A generally cylindrical hull mounted on a chassis and primarily constructed from steel.

  • Length: 13.2m (cabin length 2.9m), Width: 2.9m, Height: 4.0m (including smokestack).
  • Overall Volume: approximately 154m³ (11 dTons).
  • Unloaded Weight: 97,300 kg.

The overall volume measures the vehicles maximum dimensions and includes track clearance and the width of the transmission system (side-mounted external cylinders). The enclosed volume of the contoured hull is substantially lower.

The vehicle is fitted with multiple large driving wheels mounted on a series of axles and connected to the boiler by rods and pistons. An unpowered wheeled truck helps support the weight of the hull and machinery.

  • The vehicle is designed to operate on rail networks. The gauge (the distance between the inner faces of the two rails) for railroad networks within the Distant Fringe is generally 1.5m and most examples of the locomotive are built to match that standard.

Power / Transmission

A large high pressure boiler, generating steam by burning combustible fuel to heat stored water. The steam powers pistons connected to the drive wheels. The locomotive carries a supply of water in an internal tank. Cold-starting the locomotive can take many hours and requires hundreds of liters of water to be boiled until operating pressure is reached.

  • The locomotive vents smoke, soot and steam. It is noisy and spits grease and hot water.

Performance

  • Cruise Speed: 75 kph, Top Speed: 95 kph. Performance is similar in both forward and reverse.
  • Range: 600 km at Cruise Speed, 450 km at Top Speed.

The Mainline Locomotive typically tows a train of passenger carriages or freight wagons loads over medium distances. Locomotives and wagons have an automatic coupling system. At TL 5 the linkage also includes pressure hoses that are connected to the towed wagons and operate their brakes.

  • Maximum Gross Towing Weight: approximately 778,000 kg (equivalent to sixteen fully loaded passenger carriages). Greater loads may be moved but this places stresses on the locomotive that may cause a catastrophic loss of control.
    • Two or more locomotives may work together in order to move larger trains of wagons.

Crew / Cargo

The body of the locomotive consists of an enclosed machinery section and a partially enclosed cabin towards the rear of the hull containing two crew positions, though there is adequate room for an additional assistant or passenger. The vehicle has basic environmental protection (the hull is weatherproof but is not sealed: the cabin rear is open). The driver's position is equipped with basic mechanical controls and gauges that provide information such as internal pressure and forward velocity. The second crewmember ensures that a steady supply of fuel is provided to the boiler.

The interior of the cab has many areas where small items may be stored.

  • Cargo Storage: 2m³ (largely given over to tools and maintenance equipment).
  • Maximum Load: restricted by available internal volume only.

Equipment

Headlights and running lights, and a steam whistle. Locomotives may be fitted with animal fenders and spark arresters

Tender

A wagon that is permanently hitched to the locomotive as part of a locomotive-tender combination and carries its solid fuel and a reserve of water. Floor plates bridge the gap between the locomotive and the tender.

Hull / Suspension

An open topped box-shaped hull primarily constructed from steel.

  • Length: 8.2m, Width: 2.9m, Height: 3.5m.
  • Overall Volume: approximately 83.3m³ (6 dTons).
  • Unloaded Weight: 32,500 kg.

The overall volume measures the vehicles maximum dimensions and includes track clearance. The enclosed volume of the hull is lower.

The tender is fitted with wheels set onto axles.

  • The vehicle is designed to operate on rail networks.

Power

The tender has no internal power source.

Performance

Tenders are unpowered. They are moved by being attached to a railroad locomotive. They carry a supply of solid fuel and a large reserve of water for the locomotive's boiler.

  • The Tender has an automatic coupling system. At TL 5 the linkage also includes pressure hoses that connect the locomotive to the towed wagons and operate their brakes.

Cargo

The cargo area of the tender is an open-fronted open-topped box with total volume of 51m³ (3.6 dTons). A hopper of 36m³ (2.5 dTons) is used to store solid fuel. A large tank with a volume of 15m³ (1.5 dTons) stores a reserve of water which can be transferred to the locomotive's tanks via internal pipework.

  • Cargo Storage: 36m³ (solid fuel), 15m³ (water)
  • Maximum Load: 64,000 kg.

Equipment

Running lights.

History / Background

A large surface transport vehicle designed for large scale logistical operations. It is designed to tow passenger carriages or cargo wagons. Locomotives of this type often bear a distinctive livery.

Although the vehicle is manufactured at relatively low tech levels and uses basic materials the design has been perfected over millennia and all of the engineering aspects are well-known and thoroughly understood. The locomotive is relatively efficient and reliable for its era. If a breakdown does occur it can generally be repaired with simple tools and brute force.

See also: Vehicles of the Distant Fringe

References & Contributors / Sources

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This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.