Fringian Heavy Goods Locomotive
| Heavy Goods Locomotive | |
|---|---|
| Tech Level | TL–4 |
| Mass | 23 Tons |
| Cost | {{{cost}}} |
| Mode | Wheels / Rails |
| Type | |
| Speed | 130 kph |
| Cargo | 8m³ |
| Crew | 2 |
| Passengers | (+1) |
| Armament | none |
The Heavy Goods Locomotive is a Railroad Vehicle. It requires a railroad network of the correct gauge to operate.
Description / Specifications
A sophisticated steam-powered locomotive – it operates as a locomotive-tender combination. It can tow a variety of loads.
Hull / Suspension
A generally cylindrical hull mounted on a chassis and primarily made from steel. Length: 18.7m (cabin length 2.7m), Width: 3.1m, Height (including smokestack): 4.1m. Unloaded Weight: 315,000 kg.
- Overall volume: approximately 237.7m³ (17 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 enclosed volume of the contoured hull is substantially lower.
The vehicle is fitted with multiple large driving wheels set onto a series of axles and connected to the boiler by rods and pistons. Unpowered wheeled trucks help support the weight of the hull and the 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 very large high pressure boiler, generating steam by burning combustible fuel to heat stored water. The steam powers cylinders connected to the drive wheels. 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 85 kph, Top Speed 130 kph.
- Range 1200 km at cruise, 1000 km at top speed.
The Heavy Goods Locomotive typically tows a large train of freight wagons or other similar loads over long 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 2.8 million kg, excluding the loaded weight of the tender. Greater loads may be moved but this places stresses on the locomotive that may cause a catastrophic loss of control.
Crew / Passengers
A partially 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. Basic environment (the hull is weatherproof but is not sealed: the cabin rear is open).
Internal cargo storage: 8m³ (largely given over to tools and maintenance equipment). 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
Tender
A wagon that is permanently hitched to the locomotive 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 made of steel. Length: 12.1m, Width: 3.1m, Height: 3.7m. Unloaded Weight: 47,500 kg.
- Overall volume: approximately 140m³ (10 dTons).
- Note that the overall volume measures the vehicles maximum dimensions and includes track clearance. The enclosed volume of the hull is rather 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. The linkage also includes pressure hoses that connect to the locomotive and operate its brakes.
Cargo
The cargo area of the tender is an open-fronted open-topped box with a volume of 50m³ (3.5 dTons) used to store solid fuel. A large tank with a volume of 35m³ (2.5 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: 110,000 kg.
Equipment
Running lights.
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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- 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