Lowmac EK buffers

[SM42]

Hopefully this is the right forum  area as it sort of falls between two stools as it were

 

I am in the process of knocking together the Dapol Lowmac EK kit and I am not happy with the moulded buffers and wish to replace them with something a little better

 

The question is, what buffers were fitted to these wagons ?

 

I am leaning towards a Dowty hydraulic of some description judging by photos on line , but the various Dowty buffers  I have in stock don't seem to match photos. The buffer head shank appears to be of larger diameter than those on any I have (MJT and LMS versions) .

 

It could just be my eyes playing tricks on me of course and I doubt anyone else would notice, but I would like to get it right if only for my own satisfaction.

 

Era is 70s / 80s in departmental service.

I would also be interested if anyone knows if the buffers were the same or similar throughout the lifetime of these wagons

 

Many thanks in advance

 

Andy

 

 

[Wickham Green too]

As an L.N.E.R. design they'd have had heavy duty spring buffers rather than hydraulics - originally, at least.

[hmrspaul]

https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/brlowmacek

 

What is so wrong is the axleboxes, unlike anything I've ever seen. Unaltered since making the kit in c1963. 

 

Paul

Edited January 29, 2022 by hmrspaul

[Steamport Southport]

From a previous thread these are apparently the correct type or very close to them.

 

http://www.lanarkshiremodels.com/lanarkshiremodelsandsupplieswebsite_083.htm

 

Also a bit of info on the axleboxes.

 

 

 

 

Jason

[hmrspaul]

10 hours ago, Steamport Southport said:

From a previous thread these are apparently the correct type or very close to them.

 

http://www.lanarkshiremodels.com/lanarkshiremodelsandsupplieswebsite_083.htm

 

Also a bit of info on the axleboxes.

 

 

 

 

Jason

 

 

Yes, I was going to suggest GW self-contained but I don't model 4mm so don't know sources. 

 

This was a far from basic kit when introduced by Airfix and the JCB load was a wonderful addition. 3 shillings and worth every penny even if the wheels were dire - and I suspect we would have struggled to find any source of the small diameter wheels needed. 

 

Paul

[SM42]

21 hours ago, Steamport Southport said:

From a previous thread these are apparently the correct type or very close to them.

 

http://www.lanarkshiremodels.com/lanarkshiremodelsandsupplieswebsite_083.htm

 

Also a bit of info on the axleboxes.

 

 

 

 

Jason

 

If only that had come up when I had used the search function. Perhaps I didn't use it to its best. 

 

Thanks for all the help. 

 

I've noted some odd missing details that I'm adding as I go. 

 

It does seem a bit odd that you get painting instruction for the JCB and not the wagon. 

 

Unfitted grey it will be. 

 

One more question.

 

Can I assume the brakes are of the 4 shoe variety acting on the inboard side of the wheels?

 

Thanks again

 

Andy