The complete listing of Chinese prototype models is below. For model reviews, please scroll below the table or click here
The complete listing of Chinese prototype models is below. For model reviews, please scroll below the table or click here
The complete listing of Chinese prototype models is below. For model reviews, please scroll below the table or click here
The complete listing of Chinese prototype models is below. For model reviews, please scroll below the table or click here
LSD-1/NX70
1:87 Scale
Rating
9/10
LSD-1 / NX70 Class Flat Car
N27
Prototype Information
The NX70 flat cars are a multi-purpose flat car type, gradually replacing the older N17 flatcar and its variants with loading capacity increased to 70 tons. The 'X' denotes that they are fitted with for container securing equipment.
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A number of NX70's have been modified to have permanent cranes installed for construction trains. The subject N27 have modeled is a variant used to lift sections of rail and positioned in a convenient position for workers to install. These particular cars are known as LSD-1 class cars and they can be found all over the country.
General Information
The LSD-1's were a bit of a surprise from N27. They are mostly made of plastic, but some features such as the crew shelters are metal. They are sold in sets of two and a total of eight versions were made including six bureaus and two colors. Prices are fairly high for freight wagons (around 600rmb direct from China) however I was happy to get a set for my maintenance rail cars and to add some visual interest to my layout. Overall they are very well built and very impressively detailed.
Packaging
The models are supported in a two piece plastic clam shell with each portion wrapped in a soft plastic sheet to protect paint rubbing. This sits inside a thin two piece cardboard cradle which slides into a contemporary hinged outer cardboard box. Instruction sheet is included, in Chinese language of course, but the pictures are self explanatory and easy to follow along for installing the crane jibs and air hose.
Details
This is N27's third NX70 flat car, but is completely retooled from the first and partially for the second version. The detail level is very impressive and possibly one of the neatest freight cars currently available. These NX70's have their decks raised to meet the height of the folding car ends. They feature a beautiful checker plate panel with lots of cross member details. I love how N27 have made the effort to fit large bolts securing this deck to the wagon body for extra realism (see next to CNR logo in photo below). Side guards and load guides are fitted down the length of the wagon are installed. Certain features such as horn cleats (used for securing loads via rope/chains) are part of the main mold rather than separate parts. Some of the separately applied parts include handbrake wheels, uncoupling rods, ladders, footsteps and full undercarriage detail.
The crane is incredibly well detailed and functional to a degree (via manual positioning). The main crane arms are fixed in place, however the bridge can be pushed out either side a couple of centimeters. The crane jib is included in the box (not installed in my examples yet) and is easy to fit with a pair of needle nose tweezers by inserting in the top of the bridge. The cable details are superb as are the grab irons and cable guides.
Paint work is excellent and is very evenly applied. The flat car has a semi-gloss sheen and the crane/shelter have a nice matte finish. Lettering is very clear & sharp and these things are covered in warning and information labels. The control stand is brilliant with not only colored buttons, but even chrome button surrounds! Electrical motors and equipment boxes have individual colors.
The canopy and side walls are made from thin sheet metal and mostly used to be able to recreate the fine construction method as used on the real wagons. Unfortunately one of my examples arrived slightly out of shape but I was able to get coax it back without causing further damage. The canopy has little lugs which press into tiny groves in the deck.
Performance
The cars free roll very well with very little resistance from the axle boxes. Wheels are metal and chemically darkened.
Couplers
The model is equipped with plastic knuckle couplers. When I took the photos for the review, I hadn't yet changed over my couplers to my preferred Kadee types, but they will accept #58/158's or #156's if you prefer/require longer shanks. The couplers are easy to swap out, but due to the general shape and high amount of fine details, handling these while changing the couplers out can be challenging! The couplers are accessed by a single Phillips head screw on the underside of the coupler boxes.
