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Hornby R30397

BR (Late) - Class J52 - '68846'

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Eras
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest
Era 5 (1956 to 1966) British Railways Late Crest

Manufacturer description

Common J13/J52 Features

• New Tooling - High detail OO Gauge model based on extensive research and original works drawings.
• Diecast Boiler, Chassis and Running Plate. Model Weight is 235 grams.
• High detail cab and fully decorated backhead with decorated instrument dials.
• Decoder controlled firebox flicker. (decoder sold separately).
• HM7000 21-Pin sound decoder compatible.
• HM7000 Power Bank compatible.
• Powerful 5 Pole Skew wound motor.
• Pogo pin wheel pickup arrangement for easy pickup servicing.
• Diecast connecting rods.
• Prototypical size metal handrails with brass stanchions.
• Oilite main drive bearings.
• Opening cab roof vent.
• Sprung metal buffers.
• Front and Rear NEM coupling pocket. Rear coupling pocket had a close coupling mechanism.
• Wheel pickups on all wheels.
• Accessory bag contains vacuum pipes, lamps and couplings.
• Separately fitted lamps. Lamp code can be changed.
• Separately fitted simulated coal load.

History 

This locomotive entered service as one of Henry Ivatt’s ‘J13’ Class as No. 1247, having been built under contract by Sharp, Stewart in 1899. It became LNER ‘J52’ 4247 at the Grouping in 1923, and later 8846 under the LNER’s 1946 renumbering scheme. 

It entered BR service as 68846 and was withdrawn from King’s Cross ‘Top Shed’ in May 1959, at which point it became the first preserved locomotive to be bought directly from BR when it was acquired by Captain W.G. Smith. It is now part of the National Collection and restored as GNR 1247.

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Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

^* Class names often change over the lifespan of a locomotive, so this is not necessarily the class name used by the operator in the period modelled.

Hornby BR (Late) Class J52 ‘68846’ is an OO gauge model of a British Railways 0‑6‑0 steam locomotive. It is DCC ready with a 21‑pin socket, carries a BR livery and has a minimum curve of 438 mm (2nd radius). The model measures 125 mm in length, features sprung metal buffers, a NEM/tension‑lock coupling and a die‑cast boiler, chassis and running plate. The manufacturer part number is R30397.

The model incorporates high‑detail components derived from original works drawings, including a fully decorated cab, backhead with instrument dials and brass‑studded handrails. It is fitted with a powerful five‑pole skew‑wound motor and a pogo‑pin wheel pickup system for easy servicing. The locomotive is compatible with HM7000 21‑pin sound decoders and HM7000 power banks, and includes oilite main‑drive bearings, die‑cast connecting rods and wheel pickups on all wheels. An accessory bag supplies vacuum pipes, lamps and couplings; lamps and a simulated coal load are fitted separately and can be changed.

The prototype entered service in 1899 as GNR No 1247, built by Sharp, Stewart to Henry Ivatt’s J13 design. It became LNER J52 No 4247 after the 1923 Grouping and was renumbered 8846 in 1946. Under British Railways it carried the number 68846 until its withdrawal from King’s Cross Top Shed in May 1959. It was the first locomotive purchased directly from BR for preservation, later joining the National Collection and being restored to its original GNR identity, No 1247.