[MOC] [STUD.IO] Type-442 'Cobalt'

[Darkkostas25]

Trying to make a steam train with a train motor as a base of motion. With mostly common and cheap parts (I hope)








Type-442 'Cobalt' from BrickLink Studio [BrickLink]

[sebulba56]

Nice locomotive ! Quite a while ago I did some test with the same configuration as you have here : large wheels on a train motor. My conclusion was that it runs way too fast and it does not have a lot of torque. Did you make some running test ? Did you got the same issues ? I think that you have way enough space available in the boiler if you wanted to fit a large motor. 

[Feuer Zug]

Nice 4-4-2 Atlantic locomotive. The blue color gives it a French feel.

[Darkkostas25]

1 hour ago, sebulba56 said:

Nice locomotive ! Quite a while ago I did some test with the same configuration as you have here : large wheels on a train motor. My conclusion was that it runs way too fast and it does not have a lot of torque. Did you make some running test ? Did you got the same issues ? I think that you have way enough space available in the boiler if you wanted to fit a large motor. 

I have only put in the Orient Express, but I have no space to test it properly(except that it runs). And yeah, may try to make an alternative motorisation for one L motor and maybe a battery box in it

[L-Gauger]

I can confirm @sebulba56's note - using a train motor, Lego steam driver wheels don't get a lot of torque. I made the mistake of initially equipping the 2-6-0 locomotive in my profile picture with a train motor powering the drivers - it worked, but barely. It now has a PF L motor that's proved much more satisfactory. 

That said, your locomotive is a small Atlantic type - who knows, maybe the train motor will work in your case. My 2-6-0 is 10-wide so I'm sure the locomotive's self weight was a contributing factor to its lackluster performance with the train motor. 

That said, I really like the looks of your model! It reminds me of the LNER 4-4-2 Henry Oakley a little bit, especially with the shape of the firebox. 

[zephyr1934]

Looking good! And extra kudos to anyone who can make a good looking steamer out of inexpensive parts

[Darkkostas25]

18 hours ago, zephyr1934 said:

Looking good! And extra kudos to anyone who can make a good looking steamer out of inexpensive parts

Thanks, now I'm in the phase of putting(some of) my virtual models into real bricks, thanks to brickOwl, which works unlike Bricklink in my region... 

On 5/13/2026 at 12:54 AM, L-Gauger said:

I can confirm @sebulba56's note - using a train motor, Lego steam driver wheels don't get a lot of torque. I made the mistake of initially equipping the 2-6-0 locomotive in my profile picture with a train motor powering the drivers - it worked, but barely. It now has a PF L motor that's proved much more satisfactory. 

That said, your locomotive is a small Atlantic type - who knows, maybe the train motor will work in your case. My 2-6-0 is 10-wide so I'm sure the locomotive's self weight was a contributing factor to its lackluster performance with the train motor. 

That said, I really like the looks of your model! It reminds me of the LNER 4-4-2 Henry Oakley a little bit, especially with the shape of the firebox. 

So the alternative version is a must for Cobalt, and I`ll remake my OE gladly, I have 2 L-motors ( it could be 4-6-2)
THANKS!

[LL1982]

Me being clueless on steam train builds, definitely loves this. I think I would also start like this. 👍 

If it works, it works. I also considered using old 12v design locs and powering them by making a tender with train motor and hub on it. But I've read that the power is better located in the locomotive and pulling. Not pushing. Your idea is doing that. 

[L-Gauger]

11 hours ago, Darkkostas25 said:

So the alternative version is a must for Cobalt, and I`ll remake my OE gladly, I have 2 L-motors ( it could be 4-6-2)
THANKS!

No trouble, glad I could share what happened to me! I outfitted my OE with a PF L motor in the boiler, a PF IR receiver in the firebox, and a PF battery box in the tender. Here's my EB thread showing the conversion: 

 

Feel free to borrow ideas from my design when you MOD your OE if you like!