Judy Mayberry,Sounds like your pit temp was too high. Fatties like dome temps of 200° to 250° and will get done in around 3 hours. Those low temps render a lot of the fat out. You didn't mention a plate setter, only a drip pan, which will work.....But I like a plate setter and a drip pan combo.This picture shows some fatty cooks and a few set-up options. Try some more, they are cheap and good. Here is a link to my fatty page too.~thirdeye~