Fringian Early Steam Locomotive
| Early Steam Locomotive | |
|---|---|
| Tech Level | TL–3 |
| Mass | 3 Tons + 2 Tons |
| Cost | {{{cost}}} |
| Mode | Wheels / Rails |
| Type | |
| Speed | 45 kph |
| Cargo | 2m³ |
| Crew | 2 |
| Passengers | - |
| Armament | none |
The Early Steam Locomotive is a Railroad Vehicle. It requires a railroad network of the correct gauge to operate.
Description / Specifications
A very basic steam-powered locomotive – it operates as a locomotive-tender combination. The vehicle is very much a novelty.
Locomotive
A very early locomotive built as a unique device.
Hull / Suspension
A generally cylindrical hull mounted on a rigid chassis, made of iron, steel, brass, wood and leather. Length: 4.7m (control platform length 1.5m), Width: 2.3m, Height: 3.8m. Unloaded Weight: 6700 kg.
- External Volume: approximately 42m³ (3 dTons).
- Note that the external 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 an axle 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 (though some worlds use their own system) and most examples of the locomotive are built to match that standard.
Power / Transmission
A high pressure boiler, generating steam by burning combustible fuel to heat stored water. The steam powers pistons connected to the drive wheels. The vehicle carries a supply of water in an onboard tank. Hand-made boilers are known for their propensity to catastrophically explode.
- Many of the mechanical components, belts, rods and connectors are externally mounted and their action may present a physical danger.
- The locomotive constantly vents large quantities of smoke and steam. It is noisy.
Performance
- Cruise Speed 25 kph, Top Speed 45 kph.
- Range 120 km at cruise, 70 km at top speed.
The Early Steam Locomotive is a novelty. It tows a train of open wagons or other similar loads. Locomotives and wagons have a manually operated coupling system consisting of hooks and chains.
- Maximum towing weight is approximately 10,000 kg (2x its own weight, less the weight of the tender). Greater loads may be moved but this places stresses on the locomotive that may cause a catastrophic loss of control.
Passengers / Cargo
A control platform towards the rear of the hull contains two crew positions. The driver's position is equipped with rudimentary 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. Locomotives may be fitted with animal fenders and spark arresters
Tender
A wagon that is permanently hitched to the locomotive and carries its solid fuel and a reserve of water.
Hull / Suspension
A box-shaped hull mounted on a chassis and made of iron, brass and wood. Length: 3.9m, Width: 2.2m, Height: 3.2m. Unloaded Weight: 1300 kg.
- External Volume: approximately 27.4m³ (2 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 tender is fitted with wheels set onto axles.
- The vehicle is designed to operate on rail networks.
Power / Transmission
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 an additional reserve of water for the boiler.
- Tenders and locomotives have a manually operated coupling system consisting of hooks and chains. The tender has friction brakes.
Cargo
An open-fronted open-topped box with a volume of 21.m³ (1.5 dTons) stores solid fuel. A large barrel stores water. Maximum load: 2200 kg.
Equipment
Running lights.
History / Background
A very basic surface transport vehicle designed for very small-scale logistical operations. It is designed to tow small cargo wagons over limited distances.
Although the vehicle is manufactured at very low tech levels and uses the most basic of materials the design has been perfected over millennia and all of the engineering aspects are well-known and thoroughly understood. The locomotive, though lovingly hand-built, is horribly inefficient and unreliable, if not outright dangerous. 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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- 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