Fringian General Purpose Locomotive

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

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

Description / Specifications

A basic steam-powered locomotive. It can tow a variety of loads, typically within open wagons.

Hull / Suspension

A generally cylindrical hull mounted on a chassis and primarily made from steel. Length: 11.3m (cabin length 2.8m), Width: 2.4m, Height: 4.1m. Unloaded Weight: 11300 kg.

• Overall Volume: approximately 84m³ (8 dTons).

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

The vehicle is fitted with large driving wheels set onto a series of axles and connected to the boiler by rods and pistons.

• 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 cylinders connected to the drive wheels. The locomotive carries supplies of water in side tanks and has a hopper at the rear containing solid fuel. Cold-starting the locomotive can take many hours and requires hundreds of liters of water to be boiled.

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

Performance

• Cruise Speed 35 kph, Top Speed 50 kph.
• Range 300 km at cruise, 180 km at top speed.

The General Purpose Locomotive typically tows a train of freight wagons or other similar loads over relatively short distances. 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 34,000 kg (3x its own weight). Greater loads may be moved but this places stresses on the locomotive that may cause a catastrophic loss of control.

Crew / Cargo

An enclosed cabin towards the rear of the hull contains two crew positions, though there is adequate room for an additional assistant or passenger. 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.

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

History / Background

A large surface transport vehicle designed for large scale logistical operations. It is designed to tow cargo wagons or passenger carriages. The lack of a tender restricts the amount of fuel and water that the vehicle may carry, severely limiting its range.

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 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