[Steam Electric] Class M1A1 Locomotive - WIP
[Steam Electric] Class M1A1 - WIP
Based on the M1 vanity shell, this project is a heavy overhaul of the classic steam turbine profile, modified into a modern Steam-Electric hybrid.
While the original M1 was a coal-burner, this version, designated M1A1, reimagines the platform with a versatile power plant. The current build features a Diesel-fired boiler managed by the HEATS (Holistic Engine Automation & Thermal Standard) framework.
Technical Layout and Drive
The locomotive uses an experimental 8x8 + Sub-tank + 8x8 configuration. The bogies take design inspiration from the workshop's most popular Big Boy, though they are not offset; instead, the design uses a centered pivot between the two 8-wheel sets. The front wheel set features an M1-style cow plow, modified to house a static coupler arrangement mounted directly to the plow rather than the main body.
Power System and Storage
Unlike the original layout where the coal bunker was up front, the boiler and furnace now occupy that position. This includes a diesel furnace with an electric pre-heater furnace mounted directly above it. The chassis features an onboard sub-tank with a capacity of 5,000L of Water and 5,000L of Diesel.
For exhaust, the top features a stack positioned like a traditional locomotive but styled to match the M1. Down low, two air rams (one per side) are installed. While currently disconnected, the plan is to have them force air into the furnace at speed, acting like a turbocharger.
Engineering and Performance
The original plan involved a massive 8+8 steam piston generator capable of 14k output, which was then halved into a single bank (7k). However, current development is leaning toward ditching the pistons entirely in favor of a full steam turbine setup for the main power generation.
During recent trials to test the rebuilt wheel arrangement, the chassis was fitted with a single large electric motor geared at 2:1. It hit a top speed of 142 before derailing on a curve, proving the 16-wheel drive base is viable for high-speed transit.
Current State (WIP)
The exterior retains the 13w x 17h SRC-standard profile of the M1 shell but has been heavily modified for diesel-steam hybrid internals. The tender is currently a major focus of the rebuild. In its present state, it lacks a passthrough and has no fuel or water storage. During high-speed trials, the tender becomes physically unstable and is simply dragged along. Its coupler is currently attached to the body but essentially floats in mid-air, acting as a placeholder while the unit is redesigned into a functional, stabilized part of the consist.
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Utilizes
Holistic Engine Automation & Thermal Standard / Diesel
[url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3647681074]https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3647681074[/url]
Chesapeake and Ohio class M1 Vanity
[url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3645726245]https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3645726245[/url]
