Lovatts Monster Colossus 124

[Ripper]

144 across: In excess (of) (7) ?P? A or E ? N or T ?
246 down: Assembles (7) MAS??RS
268 across: Functional R?A?L?
with the last two the third from last letter of 246 down & the last letter of 268 across are the same.
Thanks in advance

[Mamyalynne]

//My letters for 144 across are: ?P? then A or E ? then D or N//

?P?{A?E)?{D?N}?

[Ripper]

Thank you everyone especially Captain2 for having the patience of a saint (I much prefer cryptic crosswords even though I struggle with them!)

[Captain2]

You're right elliemay; think I'll retire.

[elliemay1]

BA for Captain!

[Captain2]

O Blimey, don't tell me we've got there - good collective effort if so.

[Mamyalynne]

Saint Cap'n it is.

[dannyk13]

Ripper's giving thanks, but doesn't say whether he has completed the puzzle.( fingers crossed)

[Mamyalynne]

Sounds like my kind of positive guy.