Union Pacific FEF-3 4-8-4 Northern type steam locomotive, by Smokebox

[FourEightFour]

WHOA!

WOW! Those cylinders are nice Mrennie! I see that this is going as planned.

Well, I have to raise the bar somehow

Any more realistic and I might have the urge to whack my screen with a monkey wrench every now and then to keep it together....

Edit: Looking dern good btw.

[mrennie]

Any more realistic and I might have the urge to whack my screen with a monkey wrench every now and then to keep it together....

Edit: Looking dern good btw.

Thanks Justin

I'll continue with the crossheads and the rest of the valve gear, then the pilot truck, and when that's done and animated, I'll put up another video.

[hertsbob]

Well, I have to raise the bar somehow

Nutter!

Amazing work. And fascinating to see the loco being built up in this way.

[mrennie]

Well, I have to raise the bar somehow

Nutter!

Amazing work. And fascinating to see the loco being built up in this way.

Thanks Bob

I hoped it would be interesting for people to see how it develops from the ground up (starting with the wheels). Perhaps I should post some shots of what it looks like in 3DC too.

EDIT: like this one:

ScreenShot001.jpg

[ozinoz]

This just raises the awe factor - it is amazing to see the behind the scenes work that the builders put in to make it happen for us. Will need to find a taller pedestal for you to stand upon.

[CSX2057]

I never thought putting piece by piece together would take alot of time. Make sure the bolts and Nuts are tight enough. Don't wanna drive a steam that can fall apart.

[mrennie]

!*drool*!

This just raises the awe factor - it is amazing to see the behind the scenes work that the builders put in to make it happen for us. Will need to find a taller pedestal for you to stand upon.

Thank you Grant

I really do appreciate the support I get from everyone here. It's very hard work making these locos and the boost I get from seeing that people like what I do really does help to keep me going.

(with a glass of Glen Grant in my hand)

Mike

[FourEightFour]

Don't wanna drive a steam that can fall apart.

But that's all they do, much to my displeasure

That and wallow in their own s... filth.

[mrennie]

I never thought putting piece by piece together would take alot of time. Make sure the bolts and Nuts are tight enough. Don't wanna drive a steam that can fall apart.

I have to laugh when I read about "rivet counters" because I do actually count rivets, and nuts, bolts, pins, washers .... I believe I accounted for nearly all of them in the Connie, although there are some I missed (on the front of the cab and on the roof). The "problem" with the FEF-3 is that it's still alive and well (unlike the Connie that exists only in a very few black and white photos, the drawings, and now in TS2013), which will give the other rivet counters a field day if I miss any

[mrennie]

That and wallow in their own s... filth.

I was in fact pondering whether to build in some "maintenance issues" whereby the loco would begin to misbehave if you treat her badly.

EDIT: I don't know if you're familiar with the A2A Simulations work on models like their B-17 and P-51, where the sim would "remember" each flight and simulate wear and tear.

[FourEightFour]

EDIT: I don't know if you're familiar with the A2A Simulations work on models like their B-17 and P-51, where the sim would "remember" each flight and simulate wear and tear.

I just watched a 30 minute video on the P-51. With my jaw on the floor. Especially concerning maintenance.



I can hear the screams from the now if you did the same thing with the FEF.

"Why are my heads cracked?!?! Why are my cross compounds not pumping?!?! What is a cross compound?!?!?! AHHHHHHHHH"

[bpetit]

xD too funny. I don't think he should go that far. Maybe the lubricator could trigger something if not turned on.

[FourEightFour]

xD too funny. I don't think he should go that far. Maybe the lubricator could trigger something if not turned on.

Since the FEF does not have a hydrostatic lubricator, you never have to worry about turning the lubrication on owing to the fact all lubrication is provided via two Nathan DV-7 36 pint mechanical lubricators. You would need to fill these every 100 or so miles to keep them full(*I think, never messed with the big'ns*). These lubricate the pumps, the valves/main piston, and a few other areas not worth mentioning.

[bpetit]

100 miles is about right for greasing and lubricating. I really want to open her up on the NEC. She was good for 110 mph.

[slick204]

Man, this looks great so far. It's fun to watch the progress. It's going to be hard to wait for but I'm keeping myself busy with the Connie. I dug up some old scenarios for the MCSA and swapped in the Connie. Good stuff!