Rose Candle

This design was inspired by steam trains rather than tractors, blending the power and charm of a locomotive with a steampunk look. The enclosed cabin, large roof, and bronze details reflect that influence, along with nods to the magical trains of The Polar Express. The result is a machine that feels built for both function and fantasy. 

My Thinking

Rose Candle had a lot of thought behind it. I was inspired by the idea of mixing steampunk with the look of old steam engines, so I wanted it to feel a little industrial but still artistic. I experimented with textures and shapes that looked functional, almost mechanical, but I also wanted it to have a creative edge. A big focus was figuring out how to merge those two ideas so it didn’t lean too far one way or the other. 

EXTERIOR FEATURES

Overall Design: Fully enclosed steam-powered tractor inspired by steam trains. The body is black metal with bronze accents, giving it a steampunk look.

Lighting: Four forward headlights for visibility. Several exterior lamps help light the area at night.

Front Features: A push bar is mounted at the front to clear obstacles. The large front boiler door opens for easy maintenance. A small rose emblem sits on top of the boiler as a symbol of the (fictional) steam company.

Mechanical Details: Visible centrifugal governor, boiler temperature indicator, and steam whistle. The single-cylinder engine uses valve gear to control steam flow. The boiler has several gauges and valves for pressure control and venting.

Steering & Controls: The steering column connects by chains to the front wheels. Cables and rods lead from the exterior into the cabin to operate gauges and controls.

Rear & Roof: A ladder on the back gives access to the roof. A winch, powered by the wheel’s gears, is attached at the rear. There are rear lights, along with a mounted shovel and axe.

Other Features: Wooden platforms provide safe standing space for maintenance. An ash bin opening allows for ash disposal.

INTERIOR FEATURES

Overall Design:  Dark wood boards and metal instrumentation make you feel as if you're in an old log cabin, especially with the open fire and rear patio.

Lighting: There are several mounted points for lamps to use at night, and the light from the firebox and open windows surrounding the cabin will provide light during the day.

Instrumentation: There are dials and levers to control the many features of the tractor. This includes the steam pressure, redundant water level, two transmission levers, and throttle.

Mechanical Details: A custom clock adorns the center of the driving position, which matches the theme of all of the dials, the levers are topped with wood and have visible connections to their respective controls.

Seating & Visibility: The driver is given a terrific driving position very high above the ground. He can see the dials mounted on the boiler and around the steam train, and can also see far in front of him. There is a foldable drivers seat depending on if the driver wants to stand, and a seat on the far right for interior passengers.

Rear & Roof: The patio is large and open, and contains essential storage for wood and water. The patio is covered for use in sun and rain, and can also be used for passangers to stay. The roof has storage inside of it for any other needed objects such as road tires.

Other Features: The door is sliding so it doesn't interfere with the patio space, where the main hitch is mounted.