Fringian Switcher Locomotive

General Purpose Locomotive
Tech Level	TL–5
Mass	6 Tons
Cost	{{{cost}}}
Mode	Wheels / Rails
Type
Speed	50 kph
Cargo	2m³
Crew	1
Passengers	1
Armament	none

Description / Specifications

A basic but powerful locomotive. It can tow a variety of loads, typically within open wagons.

Hull / Suspension

A box-shaped hull mounted on a chassis and constructed from steel. Length: 8.9m (cabin length 2.7m), Width: 2.4m, Height: 3.9m. Unloaded Weight: 49,800 kg.

• External Volume: approximately 83.3m³ (6 dTons).

Note that the external volume measures the vehicles maximum dimensions and includes track clearance. The contained volume of the hull is slightly lower.

The vehicle is fitted with wheels set onto a series of axles and connected by rods.

• 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 (though some worlds use their own system) and most examples of the locomotive are built to match that standard.

Power / Transmission

A medium power plant using hydrocarbon fuel to power an electric motor. The motor produces a large amount of torque but yields a relatively low top speed. The fuel is contained within a protected internal tank.

Performance

• Cruise Speed 55 kph, Top Speed 80 kph. Performance is identical in forward and reverse.
• Range 500 km at cruise, 440 km at top speed.

The General Purpose Locomotive tows a train of open wagons or other similar loads. Locomotives and wagons have an automatic coupling system. The linkage also includes pressure hoses that are connected to the towed wagons and operate their brakes.

• Maximum towing weight is approximately 190,000 kg (4x its own weight). Greater loads may be moved but this places stresses on the locomotive that may cause a catastrophic loss of control.

Passengers / Cargo

An enclosed cabin towards the front of the hull contains two crew positions. The driver's position is equipped with basic mechanical controls and a console that provides information such as forward velocity.

Internal cargo storage: 2m³ (largely given over to tools and maintenance equipment – the tool boxes also double as crew seats). Maximum load: restricted by volume only.

Equipment

Headlights and running lights. Basic environment (the hull is weatherproof but is not sealed). Locomotives may be fitted with animal fenders.

History / Background

A railroad locomotive designed for small scale logistical operations. It is designed to tow and shunt cargo wagons and passenger carriages, and is typically used in switching yards.

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 Mongoose Publishing or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.

• Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master Scout Emeritus Adie Alegoric Stewart of the IISS
• Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science