Light at the end of the tunnel

[LA_RR_Architect]

About every two years I get the irrational urge to model another steam locomotive... I've now started my third.

Each time the models (and locomotives) get a bit bigger and more complex. This is always a fairly long process resulting in a pretty huge model. The last one (a 2-10-0) was 200,000 faces and 250 components in a 23 meg file. The new project will be bigger in all respects.

This one will be a Boston and Maine "Mountain" or for locomotive buffs a "4-8-2". Adding to the complexity of the project is a 14 wheel "centipede" style tender.

The process in now pretty well underway but still miles to go. The following images indicate my process and the current state of the model.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks for looking,

Jim

[Mike Amos]

Brilliant, nice to see another of these fantastic eulogies to steam.

[LA_RR_Architect]

Thanks Mike...

This one really was something of a eulogy. These late model "mountains" were very late in the steam era and didn't live out their useful life, being chased off the rails by the cheaper diesels.

I love the challenge of modeling them because so much of the workings are hanging right out front and as a Sketchup skills challenge there's a lot (for me) of figuring out how to build the model.

Regards

Jim

[tuna1957]

impressive start ! curious how many schematics, drawings and images do you need for reference to model one of these engines ? they are seriously complex.

[LA_RR_Architect]

Last couple days I've started to block out the boiler and several of the more curious lumps on top (from front to back they are: the feed water heater, the funnel, the sand dome and the steam dome). Lots more to come.

Tuna, I'm working primarily from a set of quite detailed drawings summarizing the locomotive for model builders... about a dozen drawings, as well as many photographs and internet research on specific systems, e.g. the feed water heater.

So without further ado progress...

...and on we go...

I'll post more as it develops.

Thanks for looking

Jim

[LA_RR_Architect]

Gradually working, largely from front to back adding various operational bits and a lot of plumbing...

It's actually a bit addictive... but I need to take a break now.

Jim

[Mike Amos]

A work of art, perhaps you could get this displayed at the museum of steam in York, Yorkshire. Or any other museum to steam. Definitely up there with anything pro or not.

[tuna1957]

just keeps getting better

[Bryan K]

Absolutely amazing, stunning detail.

How many hours have put into this already?

[LA_RR_Architect]

Hello,

Thanks one and all for looking and for your comments.

These things have become something of a hobby for me. Originally intended as simple entourage or background for models of historic railway buildings, these railroad pieces have grown into a project on their own.

I certainly put a fair amount of research into them but don't think they quite rise to the level of museum pieces yet.

This is definitely my most complicated locomotive to date. I suspect the project will take a couple weeks of on and off effort.

...but thanks for looking and for the encouragement.

Jim

[LA_RR_Architect]

I've made a bit more progress at the front and around the cab where the gap between cab and tender is gradually being filled. At the front we now have a bell and headlight to complement the whistle. Added a good sprinkling of bolts and rivets as well.

Hope you enjoy... the process is fun but I'm afraid a bit slow.

Jim

[ely862me]

Gotta' love it !

[Bryan K]

Weeks? This would take me months! My most complicated projects take me an average of 180+ hours.

It's why I don't post a lot.

[LA_RR_Architect]

Hello Guys, thanks for the encouragement.

Last couple days I've started adding the final few systems... I'm down to brakes and the power reverse gear, then it's piping, handrails and finishing up. With luck another week has the modeling phase done then I can look at a bit of rendering. I'll post more in a day or so when the progress is enough to see the difference.

Jim

[LA_RR_Architect]

Hi,

With luck, the final update before completion. I'm still missing the brake system and a fair amount of plumbing but otherwise, all major systems (external only) are represented.

I've added a fair amount of detail, but as the grain gets smaller, it is a bit hard to see.

With luck the modeling portion of the effort will be done this week.

So again, without further ado, the pictures...

Enjoy, and as usual comments and suggestions are appreciated.

Jim

[Bryan K]

I'm going to have to take your word that brakes and some piping are missing, because I would never notice in a million years.

Excellent model. Astonishing detail. Are you going to render it?

[LA_RR_Architect]

That's the thing about these machines... a huge part of the detail is hanging on the outside. The challenge is figuring out how to represent the important bits and what can be left out (there is a lot that's been simplified or omitted) and to still get a realistic model in the end.

Yes, I'll render it in a bit. I have a couple location models where it will fit nicely.

Thanks for the encouragement.

Jim

[LA_RR_Architect]

Fellow SU fans.

It's my pleasure (or relief) to announce that the white phase of my locomotive is done.

Perhaps more accurately, I've decided to stop embellishing the model as I can certainly find many additional features to add or refine.

The craziness needs to end somewhere.

Next will be a thin veneer of color and texture. Afterall, in the end, it's mostly black.

Here's how she looks now...

Hope you all enjoy...

Jim

[tuna1957]

Simply amazing work !

[LA_RR_Architect]

Hello Tuna... thanks for the comment. Been staring at the screen long enough... maybe I'll head to the beach.

Here she is in color.

These are generally the correct colors but not exactly what I want. The colors and textures assigned here will be used to set up renderings in a bit.

...still, looks pretty much like a locomotive...

More once the renders begin to come in.

Jim