'Potvis' was one of the nicknames given to NS 3800-3805 of the NS 3700 series during the period where they fitted with streamlining plates. They were the only Dutch attempt at streamlining steam locomotives.
 | |
| Potvis | |
|---|---|
| by Supersnel11 & Jiskpirate | |
| Price | 50 Robux |
| Gamepass | Potvis |
| Statistics | |
| Type | Passenger |
| Top Speed | 105 km/h |
| Weight | 122 tons |
| Capacity | 420 tons |
| Passenger Capacity | 3 first class 3 second class |
| Length | 18,7 meters |
Liveries
Currently, the only livery available is Nederlandsche Spoorwegen green. However, during the 2021 April Fools update it received an LNER Garter Blue livery, with "Mallard" written on both sides of the cab, and the 2022 April Fools update, in which it was made to resemble an NS VIRM in Flow livery.
Historical details
After the introduction of the streamlined DMU mat' 34/DE-3, NS decided to trial streamlining steam locomotives. The goal was not to increase speed, but to reduce fuel consumption. The choice fell onto the NS 3700 series so that, if the trials were success, many locomotives could be fitted with a standardised design of sheeting.
Before the design was realised, wind tunnel trials were done with a 1:20 scale model. These were a success. NS 3804 was the first to receive the streamlining in January of 1936 at the Tilburg workshop. The other five were streamlined at the workshop Zwolle, but went to Tilburg first to receive a major overhaul and some technical changes. Zwolle fitted the streamlining on the NS 3800-3803 in 1947, the 3805 followed in April, 1938. They were mainly stationed at the depots Utrecht and Zwolle.
Not everyone was happy with the shape of the streamlining. The nicknames 'Potvis', 'Strijkbout' and 'Badkuip' (Sperm whale, Clothes iron & bathtub) were among the less insulting. Some called them 'Lelijke pantserwagens' (Ugly armoured wagons).
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Despite the negative nicknames, the coal consumption was 10 to 15% lower than on the regular 3700s. However, in 1942, the maximum allowed speed on the entire railway network was lowered from 100 km/h to 80 km/h, making the streamlining obsolete. The 3800-3805 were relieved of their plating, but in such a manner that it was possible to re-apply it later. This never happened. Shortly before the railway strike of 1944, the plates were stored at the workshop Tilburg but what happened to them after that is unknown.
Technical details
The streamlined 3700s were equipped with: Westinghouse-brakes (automatic and independent); connections for steam heating at the back; a Davies & Metcalfe exhaust-injector and a Hasler-speedometer.
The locomotives that were streamlined after 1936 had their Knorr pre-heaters replaced with the exhaust-injectors because the pre-heaters were placed on locations that were less than optimal for the streamlining plates. Additionally, the smokestack was shortened to fit inside the casing and the walls of the coal bunker of the tenders were raised. All streamlined locomotives were fitted with a new type of cylinders, though, strangely, none were fitted with a braked bogie. On the right side, where the driver stood, the locomotives received wipers. They were the only Dutch locomotives to receive this luxurious addition.
NS 3804, which was the first to be streamlined, received a riveted construction. The locomotive's weight increased by 2 tonnes; the tender's weight by 1,2 tonnes. The others received a welded construction that increased the locomotive's weight by 'just' 1,5 tonnes.
NS 3800-3802 were not fitted with the plates that cover the rear driven axle.
Trivia
- Underneath the streamlined casing, the Potvis is a normal NS 3700, a high level passenger locomotive, with minor tweaks due to extra weight.
- The top speed is reduced by 5 km/h and weight is increased by 10 tonnes, due to the weight of the streamlined plating.
- The Potvis is a gamepass because it does not fit Streamlined's time period.
- It was added anyway due to its unique appearance and the fact that it is the only streamlined Dutch steam locomotive.
- The Potvis has been available since launch, version 0.1.
Gallery
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Potvis in disguise as Mallard during the april fools update.
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The April Fools 2022 Flowvis livery
