Custom Lego Bipolar Locomotive

This custom Bipolar Locomotive model train features outstanding detail, impressive size, and realistic operation. Based on the General Electric EP-2 Bipolar Locomotive, it contains approximately 940 Lego elements. Despite being much larger than most Lego locomotives, the articulated design allows it to operate on any Lego track layout.

Model Features

Large size - 54 studs long, 7 studs wide, 13 bricks tall (pantographs down); that's over 17 inches/43 cm. long
7 stud wide construction gives it a "massive" look and feel while still fitting in well with typical 6 wide Lego trains
Approximately 940 pieces - larger than most official Lego train sets (which contain an engine, multiple cars, and support vehicles/etc.), and more than three times the size of the largest official locomotive set (the 4551 Crocodile with 304 pieces)
Elevating pantographs just like the real thing
Fully operational despite the large size: the three articulated sections swivel to allow smooth movement through curves and switches/points, so it will run on any Lego train layout. A prototype was run extensively on the GMLTC train layout at the Legoland California Kidvention last summer.
Spring-loaded articulation holds the three sections together on straight track but allows them to separate to go around curves
Removable center roof allows access to detailed interior including crew seats, controls, and tools

The Real Bipolars

Five Bipolars were built in the late 1910s by General Electric for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road). The Bipolars were massive electric locomotives that pulled freight trains through the Rocky Mountains on the only long-haul electrified line of their day. They were retired in the mid 1960s. More detailed information can be found at Chris Ashmore's Prototype Electric Locomotives Page entry.

An interesting publicity stunt was arranged that featured a Bipolar playing tug-of-war with two steam locos (2-6-6-2 and 2-8-0) on a bridge. The Bipolar was able to pull the two competing locos, belching black smoke, backwards off the bridge with no problem. (Image courtesy of Chris Ashmore's site, above.)

Some representive images of real Bipolars include the original configuration and the retrofit configuration (both courtesy of Dave's Electric Railroads). This Lego rendition incorporates elements of both configurations but looks more like the latter (with more rounded ends), which was the result of a 1953 retrofit.

Bipolar Top View (LDraw)

The Lego Version

This model contains a number of elements that are rare, out of production, or hard to amass in quantity. These include 2x6 black train roof slopes, 2x2 black train gauge printed slopes, 1x2x2 black plane/train windows, 2x6x2 weight bricks, over 85 tiles, and others. It uses over 100 1x2 tiles with center stud ("jumpers") to achieve the transitions between the even/odd widths. Of the approximately 940 elements less than 70 are basic bricks.

MLCad/LDraw instructions have also been created for this model. The instruction layout includes sub-assemblies, insets, and other features found in real Lego instructions (see example page; the black bricks show up much better in the real thing). The instructions were field-tested on my wife who was able to successfully assemble this rather large and complex model, so I am confident that they are usable. (And before you ask, since I am selling copies of this model kit, the instructions are not available for other uses.)

Additional Images

This is a fan created unofficial model. The LEGO Group of companies does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this model or site.

Thank you for your interest! It has been fun assembling this model for your perusal. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me at demlow@visi.com.

Background bricks image courtesy of Fibblesnork Backgrounds - thanks, Todd!
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