3MM Society LNER 22Ton Lowmac NV.

The sprues with bearings fitted

 I think this is the fastest I have ever built a newly released wagon. Purchased lat weekend at the AGM, I thought I would try to build it at our May Group meeting.
With excellent historical and build notes from Paul Furner, the kit is well thought out and straightforward to build.
Observing the suggestions before commencing, such as removing obvious production necessities and opening out the axleboxes to fit pinpoint bearings proved to be good suggestions. Marking centrelines on the frames and underside proved to be invaluable also.Following the instructions was simplicity itself.

The underside after side frames and main floor assembled.

The sub chassis fitted to the mainframe.

 With the side frames fitted with the sub-chassis and wheels fitted,patience is needed to allow the solvent to cure.
If I have one criticism, it would be the brake blocks- they are ,to me, very fiddly to attach. I am still not sure that they are right, but they are fixed !

                                                                                  Getting out of sync!  

Detail of brake blocks.

 The headstocks almost fall into place, the axleboxes are fitted and then the sloping deck is attached. This is an extremely good fit being flush with the sides and headstock.
The buffers need thinning and the faces need a bit of filler, also the holes need opening out slightly and a snug fit can be achieved.
The final thing is to fit the finely moulded brake levers- the vacuum cylinders, it is acknowledged, may foul couplings so will be fitted later.
This was assembled in a coach at a closed railway station in under four hours- usual chat and banter included.
A recommended afternoons entertainment!

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