Check Out This Steam Powered Jeep

A lot of people are excited about the possibility of getting a diesel-powered Jeep Wrangler JL, but Hauk Designs has done one better. The Pennsylvania-based off-roader fabricator recently unveiled the Loco Hulk. Basically, it’s a Wrangler Unlimited JK that uses a steam engine.

Not only does this JKU run on steam power, it also has six wheels, making it look that much more like a locomotive. At the heart of this machine is a 100ci V-4 single-acting, trunk-piston, poppet-valve uniflow steam engine. Hooked up to that is a NSG370 6-speed manual transmission.

The broiler gets water from three pumps, which sounds like a lot, but I’m not a steam engine expert. It takes six batteries and six constant duty solenoids to run all that. If you fill the 55-gallon tank all the way, this thing has an amazing range of 1 to 1.5 miles, at 30 to 35 mph. Yeah, it’s not very practical.

Really, this is just a fun vehicle for shows. Enjoy it for what Loco Hulk is, and nothing more. Besides, it even has a steam whistle, and who doesn’t love that?