How to make an 'n' gauge LOWMAC - Part 3

The design file for the components required to make the lowmac can be obtained free of charge to those who sign up as Followers to this Blog.

What you get is a .pdf file that you print from your computer onto normal copier paper or, a sticky label sheet. There are components included for two Lowmacs.

To request the file - first ensure you sign up as a Follower to this Blog and check that your icon appears in our follower list on the left. Do not sign as 'Anonymous' as you will not appear in our list. Sign in to your control panel then click my own follower icon on the left (labelled david smith) and select 'send message' to request the design file. I'll then email you the file.

This photo is the finished assembly for this part of the build. It shows dimensions for the metal weight. Make the weight first and set aside.



Armed with the printed component sheet cut out the side frames, stick to postcard (no more than 0.5mm thick) and cut out. Take one of the coupling/axlebox assemblies and slide the frame behind the axle box to test the fit and then remove it.

Apply Superglue lightly to the rear of the axle box avoiding the axle pin point hole and fit the frame in place checking the top of the leaf spring is level with the top of the frame.

Fit the second frame to the other side and then the second coupling/axlebox assembly to the other ends of the frames checking all is square. Finally Superglue the metal weight in place from the underside of the Lowmac, shown in first photo above.

Now replace the wheel sets checking for free movement. If they do not turn freely then you may not have located the axles in the pin point holes correctly or, you used too thick a postcard.

Note the rectangular gap towards the ends of each frame. These could be covered if you wish by glueing to the rear blanks made from postcard.

To Part 4.

To Part 1.

David