dr_spock Posted July 5, 2016 Posted July 5, 2016 In 1917 Pennsylvania Railroad created the FF1 experimental electric locomotive. It was nicknamed Big Liz. PRR planned to electrify the Allegheny Mountains and have the FF1 haul freight through it. Big Liz was so strong that she would regularly ripped the couplers off the rolling stock of that era. Electrification didn't happen and Big Liz was scrapped in 1940. There was only one made and she was one of a kind. I followed LEGO 6 wide toy train designs and used Power Functions for motive power. The boxy boxcab design and 48 studs length provided ample room for AAA battery box, IR receiver, PF LED and M-motor. The prototype didn't go faster than 20.6 mph so I further geared down the M-motor output. PRR FF1 Big Liz by dr_spock_888, on Flickr The unique features of this locomotive are the jackshafts and side rods. I wanted to use 13L thin Technic liftarms for side rods. Since LEGO doesn't produce them in that size, I opted to make them with 123D Designer and Meshmixer. I sent the export file to my local public library for 3D printing. They came out to about 50 cents CAD each. The 3D printed pieces are useable but not LEGO plastic injection mold quality. It was challenging learning to use the software and DIY. I didn't yank out too much hair. Video of FF1 in action: Couple more pics on Brickshelf. Quote
LEGO Train 12 Volts Posted July 5, 2016 Posted July 5, 2016 Beautiful locomotive and amazing 3D printed piston rods! Fantastic video! :thumbup: Quote
Nemo57 Posted July 5, 2016 Posted July 5, 2016 You've done a wonderful history and is also one of a kind locomotive. Quote
zephyr1934 Posted July 6, 2016 Posted July 6, 2016 Looking good, and at this rate you'll soon have the entire Altoona shops. Quote
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