Henry Dreyfuss inspired Hudson (Work In Progress)

[SavaTheAggie]

I have no idea when I'll be able to buy the necessary parts to finish my latest steam engine, but feel free to view what I've done so far.

Henry Drefuss designed a very striking and iconic cowling for New York Central's Empire State Express and 20th Century Limited trains back in the late 30's, and I've always wanted to build one. Click HERE for some pics of the real things (scroll down).

This is my MOC of a Henry Dreyfuss inspired streamlined Hudson (4-6-4) steam engine. I say inspired because this locomotive was never seen in the color scheme I built it in, but LEGO doesn't make all the right parts in light grey, plus I think it looks cool the way I've done it.

Please refer to the Flickr notes in the pictures to see what I have left to do.

Comments and criticism welcome.

--Tony

[MatthewUSA]

I would like to say you have done a wonderful job at capturing the streamlined features of the Hudson. Your model is very awesome. I give your model a definite *y* up. I think your color scheme is *sweet* too. Almost similar to the Union Pacific colors. The Santa Fe railroad had Hudson locomotives too. I am not sure if you have seen those. The colors were light blue, silver and dark blue. Santa Fe called it the Blue Goose. If you are able, check this one out. I know TLC has not made much of these colors yet, but it is a beautiful loco to look at. This is another model that I think would look really *sweet* as a set. Good job and model on.

[Asuka]

What a cool and marvelous MOC. It

[zeki]

Nice train. Doesn't look like it runs on steam (looks kinda modern) but still having that great old look. Nice job

[SavaTheAggie]

Thank you for your replies. I've hit a financial snag as of late, but at least I know about how much money it'll take to finish this sucker. I had been asked in another forum if I was going to make matching passenger cars for my loco - no, I will not. Along with the extra cost.. how gawdy would mostly yellow cars look? However, I have thought that the Santa Fe cars would look very slick being pulled behind my loco, so I'll have to do some test shots. Of course if I go that route, I'll most certainly have to put a second motor on my locomotive, given the weight of the Santa Fes.

--Tony

[simonwillems]

Great smooth looking design, that one headlight on the yellow piece on the boiler looks simply fantastic.

It's a good idea anyway to use those round pieces (from set 6339 space launching platform, I believe) to construct a boiler, very inventive.

Keep up the good work! *y*

[SavaTheAggie]

I decided to see just how my new loco might look pulling some Super Chief cars, so I set up a little photoshoot tonight. The cars lack a little something, some yellow trim perhaps, but otherwise I think they're a good compliment.

Maybe someday, a long time from now, I'll be able to afford to build a few passenger wagons for this loco. Right after I build the passenger wagons I'd like to build for a few of my other locos.

--Tony

[UniqueBuilder]

I like the way you've done this train. Nice and innovative work. :-)

The Santa Fe cars looks really nice together with it, but as you said, they would have been better with a yellow trim.

Tequila Sunrise on!! X-D

[SavaTheAggie]

Well the train is nearly finished. All that's left is to wait for my BBB wheels to arrive (it's taking a long time, I pray nothing has happened to them).

In the mean time I've done a lot of work, finishing the tender, adding some details here and there. One of the biggest additions is a handrail/pipe down the side of the boiler. I'm not entirely sold on it yet, though, but I don't like the boiler without it either, it looks like its missing something.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/savatheaggie/498955458/

Feel free to reply and tell me what you think.

--Tony

[Asuka]

I like that handrail. It adds to the structure, making the overall smoothness

of this engine even more impressive. *y*

[Lasse D]

I really like the smooth design of the engine. The way you have used the holes in the gray bricks to make rails is a great idea, just like the way you have made the front smooth with the light on the tip of the nose.

If I should come with an idea for improvement, it should be with the front "shovel" (don't know what the correct term is). The step-pattern seems to be in a different style than the rest.

[MatthewUSA]

I definitly like the railing *y* . I thought it finished the side of the boiler. Your MOC looks just like a steam loco with it. *sweet*

[SavaTheAggie]

It's amazing how much the wheels make the train.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/savatheaggie/500202583/

--Tony

[Asuka]

Very impressive! Steamstreamliner on! *y*