Product Details

Some details about the LFX Express Lavatory Carriage Kits with post 1920’s full 2 in. T&G sheathing

The main components are the sides, ends and roof. These and the compartment partitions, seats, underframe and some detail parts are cast in brown urethane. After casting, components are machined where necessary to ensure a matching set of parts.

Urethane masking blocks (included in each kit) are temporarily fitted into the window apertures so that the inner two thirds of these and the coach interior are protected from overspray while the primer and final exterior colours are applied.

The droplight frames are etched in 0.005 in. brass sheet. These are placed into rebates behind each window aperture and are fixed in place by applying Shelley’s Kwik Grip around the edges of the “glass panes” that the modeler cuts to correct width from a strip of 0.4mm clear plastic. While a little time consuming, this method gives a correctly scaled appearance with sloped droplights and windows that can be modeled in open or closed position. The droplight frames are painted before separating from the fret and after they have been fixed in position, there will be a clean, sharp definition between the Venetian/Tuscan Red frames and the Russet window band. To achieve this effect by hand-painting frames that have been cast or moulded as part of the body is difficult to do neatly.

Bogies are a combination of etched brass with details such as the various springs, axleboxes and headstocks cast in either urethane (which gives very sharp definition but very slow to produce), or possibly still as brass castings. The design allows for the two basic styles of screw coupling to be used as per the prototype or with clearance for the recommended "scale" Kadee #156 autocouplers. To view some drawings and photo's of the assembled 2SB bogie, click on Gallery

SEM 10 spoke wheels to RP25/88 standard with special shortened axles 22.7mm will be supplied. SEM 8 spoke wheels can be supplied but their concentricity cannot be guaranteed and they will not be replace if found unsatisfactory. Please Note: that RP25/110 wheels can NOT be used.

The characteristic “S” commode and “T” door handles, stepboard brackets, queen posts and screw couplings (if required) are brass castings. Guillotine-cut sheet brass stepboards are to be soldered to cast brass stepboard brackets that provides both strength and correct appearance.

A transfer sheet with codes and a selection of individual car numbers is included. From the early 1920's the cars had their original panels & mouldings replaced with full tongue & groove sheathing, although the condition of the ends of quite a few of the cars did not warrant the expense of replacement. Many cars retained these original ends albiet with modifed square-cornered mouldings throughout their service life. Unfortunately there seems to be no records indicating how individual cars were treated in this regard. There seems to be virtually no photographic evidence around to determine whether a particular car carried panelled or plain ends, therefore as far as I am concerned, individual car numbering can only be guesswork.

To process your order I will need to know the style of end you require for each kit; either ends with panels and square-cornered mouldings or the more common plain ends with full 2 in. T&G sheathing.

For various ordering options and prices please refer to the Order Form.

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Couplings and air hoses are not included. Provision is made for fitting Kadee couplers and Kadee plastic air hoses.

Screw couplings in investment cast brass to suit either 2SB or 2AD fitted underframes plus buffer springing components will be available at extra cost TBA.

*Optional interior compartment side paneling will be available as brass etchings at extra cost. Details and prices TBA.

Please note that some of the components may be either brass or urethane castings, depending on production costs.