2-foot Heisler geared locomotive

[ShrikeArghast]

The Heisler is the less well-known (and, arguably, less well-beloved, because of it) younger brother to the Shay and the Climax. The renown of this particular breed of engines is also likely decreased due to the fact that most of the "action" - which is the hallmark of the other two versions of geared locomotives - is fairly well hidden on the Heisler, occurring inside a pair of opposed pistons sealed inside a casing, with the power transfer all going on beneath the frame, rather than on the side (as with the Shay).

Still, I stumbled across this picture of a model of a rather beefy version of the type a few hours ago and knew I had to construct my own. I was only partly successful - aesthetically, the locomotive is largely complete (it should have piping, but I am God-awful at getting the bend tool to behave), but owing to the fact that I am clumsy as heck with technic in LDD, my feeble efforts to drive the pistons by linking them to the rear-most truck failed. Still, it looks good, even if you wouldn't be able to see the little piston heads pop up and down inside the barrels (which isn't even prototypical, but I wanted action).

*Edit* Also, yes, I know the Heisler's wheels are coupled with rods. However, it's impossible to represent custom wheels in LDD that would allow for this, so I elected to simply link them together.

Prototype:

Mine:

Edited May 10, 2016 by ShrikeArghast

[ALCO]

I really like how you did the mount for the head-light. That looks really good and is quite clever!

[zephyr1934]

Good job capturing the essence of a logging locomotive, of course now you need some poorly laid panel track and a bunch of stumps for it to navigate over/through.

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Very nice ...the side 45° pistons are impressive!

Epic work!