Daiman Posted February 26 Posted February 26 So I was researching something entirely different and came across this little beauty which led to an attempt at capturing its form in lego. The Panama Canal 'Mule' engines are used to guide the ships through the lanes safely as well as up and down the locks that raise and lower the water levels.. From my research two each on both sides of the front and two each both sides of the rear. The shape of the Mules feature a large beveled front and rear frame due to the steep inclines climbing the locks as well as a central Rack rail to assist in climbing up and down these angles. On the active side there are two pulley systems to run the cables that attach to the ships, at the moment i have used the minifigure pulley as they look the part in terms of function however I'm still searching for an alternative that looks like the actual ones. The little seats on the platforms are to transport people along the length of the canal as they run along it due to the cabin being operator only. A wonderful looking little utility in my opinion. The design wont incorporate a power function as I don't see the need given any diorama use would need to be pretty large to feature it, so its a push along from here... Quote
Daiman Posted February 26 Author Posted February 26 27 minutes ago, XG BC said: nice,certainly something you dont see every day! Certainly not indeed. Thanks for dropping by, loving your excellent rail based builds on the flick... Quote
Toastie Posted February 26 Posted February 26 This is really nice - and very well done! It looks so authentic, although I have never seen anything like this. All the best, Thorsten Quote
Daiman Posted February 27 Author Posted February 27 2 hours ago, Toastie said: This is really nice - and very well done! It looks so authentic, although I have never seen anything like this. All the best, Thorsten It really has been a fun excersise, I hadn't seen them either https://dewi.ca/trains/2009/panama/mule0.htm Quote
XG BC Posted February 27 Posted February 27 18 hours ago, Daiman said: Certainly not indeed. Thanks for dropping by, loving your excellent rail based builds on the flick... oh thanks! always looking for new ideas... Quote
zephyr1934 Posted February 28 Posted February 28 That's a crazy prototype and a good rendition in bricks. Only one suggestion, the photo on your link https://dewi.ca/trains/2009/panama/mule0.htm shows the underframe is dark gray. Quote
Daiman Posted February 28 Author Posted February 28 3 hours ago, zephyr1934 said: That's a crazy prototype and a good rendition in bricks. Only one suggestion, the photo on your link https://dewi.ca/trains/2009/panama/mule0.htm shows the underframe is dark gray. Thanks zep, in other clearer references I have, the underside is more like sand blue which is lacking parts to play with but given what you have said I never thought to use dark grey which should have the parts I'm using. Ill give it a look in the morning... Just did a quick swipe, marked improvement Thank you... Quote
LEGO Train 12 Volts Posted February 28 Posted February 28 I had seen this rack locomotive in a documentary a few years ago and your model is perfectly recognizable ...as well as being absolutely unique and original! Quote
Daiman Posted February 28 Author Posted February 28 2 hours ago, LEGO Train 12 Volts said: I had seen this rack locomotive in a documentary a few years ago and your model is perfectly recognizable ...as well as being absolutely unique and original! Cheers 12V I'm really into things of a utility nature in general and not so much passenger trains and such even though they are really the same thing (do love a good steam engine though). Regarding unique well that's a hard basket these days with everything so saturated with content so I am pleased you feel that way about this. Can't wait to put it into bricks... Quote
XG BC Posted March 1 Posted March 1 you have managed to make it look even better, i like this Version more, the different color scheme looks more realistic, ! Quote
zephyr1934 Posted March 1 Posted March 1 It simultaneously looks very accurate to the prototype and also like something out of a strange scifi movie Quote
Daiman Posted March 1 Author Posted March 1 50 minutes ago, zephyr1934 said: It simultaneously looks very accurate to the prototype and also like something out of a strange scifi movie I love that it's only functional with nothing in terms of decoration or embellished elements. Every part of it is a simple module of singular purpose and that it looks this way as a result of that. Quote
Man with a hat Posted March 3 Posted March 3 That's an interesting one. Nice to see something "exotic". And really well done too. Quote
Daiman Posted March 4 Author Posted March 4 17 hours ago, Man with a hat said: That's an interesting one. Nice to see something "exotic". And really well done too. Cheers Mwah! heres a cutaway shot of the twin Mitsubishi 250hp Electric motors Quote
Daiman Posted March 11 Author Posted March 11 19 hours ago, Asper said: Very realistic, great MOC! Thanks Asper, love your train mocs especially the park railway concept. Great idea. Quote
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