I always wanted a Lowmac-type wagon to form part of my pre-grouping southern goods train. I began by flicking through my three "Illustrated History of Southern Wagons" books until I found two prototypes that closely resembled the Dapol kit; the SECR 15 Ton Implement Truck (SR "Well C" Diagram 1679) and the LSWR 12 Ton Low Machine Truck (SR "Well A" Diagram 1673).

Having checked the components with the drawings of both wagons, I decided to base my model on the 1903-built SECR vehicle.

Before assembly, I reprofiled the main frames to a rounded shape by clamping them back-to-back in a vice and filing by hand. I knew this profile would be too large, but good enough to satisfy me.

Straight out of the packaging, the major components were relatively straight; only one frame was slightly bowed by easily fixed with warm water/weight on flat surface treatment. I use either a large pane of glass or a granite chopping board for ensuring flatness.

As usual, the sprues on top of the frames had to be filed flat before they could be married to the bed. 

Using a miniature square and the human eye, I made sure that the frames were perpendicular to the underside of the bed and correctly spaced for the wheels to turn freely (apologies for not photographing this). I used Gibson 10.5mm 10 spoke Lowmac wheels with Markits top hat bearings.

Next, I decided to focus on detailing the underframe. Firstly, I applied rivet strips from Mainly Trains and (later) smaller fittings from Gibson.

I decided to go to the next level and add separate shackles. These will have fine chain attached to them when the vehicle is complete and ready for the load to be added.

The next challenge: The buffer beams.