This model locomotive was constructed of a body, a frame and wheels. The body was diecast in the white metal alloy zamak. The frame was diecast in a steel alloy. The frame was supported by the wheel sets, which in this instance was an 2-6-2 wheel arrangement. The driving wheels were held in place by crimped lugs. The driving wheels were also diecast in a steel alloy. In later production, the wheels were given a varnish like finish. Final production, the wheels were molded in plastic. The middle pair of driving wheels did not have flanges. The non-driving wheels at front and back were not true wheels but part of the diecast frame and did not have flanges.
Apart from the obvious chimney, dome, side tanks, cab and bunker with coal, there was additional detail. This included steam pipe, pistons and valve gear, firebox with safety valve and whistle, the running plate and buffer beams. At the front were brackets and hinges on the smokebox door. Along the sides of the boiler were hand grab rails. There were steps leading up to the cab. There were handrails on the cab door. The door and windows were filled in, either smooth or grilled.
There was only one coupling for these locomotives, at the bunker end of the frame. Either a riveted tin plate swivel eye or a down pin. In later production, the swivel eye was succeeded by a more robust cast ring loop.
There were several liveries including gloss black with red lining, maroon, green, green and with a black smokebox and a metallic blue all used. The most common livery was black. Initial production had a locomotive with high relief for the lining and British Railways motif, picked out in red. Later, this high relief lining gave way to stencilled lining, with lining and British Railways motif in yellow on a matte black livery. The front and rear buffer beams were picked out in red. Coals in the bunker were usually picked out in black.
All painting was done prior to assembly. Assembly required fixing the frame to the body. This was achieved a post inside each end of the body passing through the frame. The post ends were then peened, to hold the two parts together.
The frame had ‘LONE STAR LOCOS’ and ‘MADE IN ENGLAND’ cast in high relief on underside.
