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Hornby R30499

GNR - J13 - 1252

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

Prototype Era
Era 2 (1875 to 1923) Pre-grouping

Manufacturer description

The Hornby GNR J13/J52 returns for 2026 in the standout GNR grey livery of the early 1900s, numbered 1252.

Model Specification:

• Highly detailed OO gauge model based on extensive research and original works drawings
• Die-cast boiler, chassis and running plate. Model weight is 235 grams
• Highly detailed cab and fully decorated backhead with decorated instrument dials
• Pogo pin wheel pick-up arrangement for easy pick-up servicing
• Die-cast 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 has a close coupling mechanism
• Wheel pick-ups on all wheels
• Accessory bag contains vacuum pipes, lamps and couplings
• Separately fitted lamps (lamp code can be changed)
• Separately fitted simulated coal load.

Electronics:

• Decoder-controlled firebox flicker (decoder sold separately)
• HM7000 21-pin sound decoder compatible
• HM7000 Power Bank compatible
• Powerful 5-pole skew-wound motor

Tooling:

• Raised Safari cab roof ventilator
• Double footstep arrangement
• Coal bunker with coal rails
• Flush-faced connecting rods
• Brass Ramsbottom safety valves
• 3’ 3” built-up chimney
• GNR tapered buffer stocks

Livery:

• GNR Plain Grey
• Semi-gloss with matt smokebox
• Accurate colours and typefaces
• Era 2

Hornby Recommends:

• Planked open wagons
• Van wagons

History

The Great Northern Railway introduced its ‘J13’ Class in 1897 as a development of the ‘J14’ 0-6-0ST designed by Patrick Stirling, dating from 1892. The new locomotives were overseen by Stirling’s successor, Henry Ivatt and differed in having a domed boiler of greater diameter. A total of 85 were built between 1897 and 1909 at the GNR’s Doncaster Works and by private contractors. 

These would become the ‘J52’ Class under the LNER at the Grouping in 1923. No. 1252 was completed in December 1901 and became No. 4252/8851 under the LNER. It was withdrawn as BR No. 68851 from Colwick shed in May 1957 after 55yrs and 5 months’ service.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Hornby GNR J13 number 1252 is an OO‑scale model locomotive presented in the early‑1900s Great Northern Railway plain grey livery. It is DCC ready with a 21‑pin socket and carries a NEM coupling on both ends. The model measures 125 mm in length, runs on a minimum radius of 371 mm, and features metal sprung buffers.

The locomotive is constructed with a die‑cast boiler, chassis and running plate and weighs 235 g. Details include a highly finished cab, a fully decorated backhead with instrument dials, die‑cast connecting rods, prototypical metal handrails with brass stanchions, oilite main‑drive bearings and an opening cab‑roof ventilator. Wheel pick‑ups are fitted to all wheels and the motor is a powerful five‑pole skew‑wound unit. It is compatible with the HM7000 21‑pin sound decoder and HM7000 Power Bank, while firebox flicker is provided by a separate decoder. An accessory bag supplies vacuum pipes, lamps and couplings, and the model includes separately fitted lamps and a simulated coal load.

The original GNR J13 class was introduced in 1897 as a development of the J14 0‑6‑0ST, with 85 examples built between 1897 and 1909. No. 1252 was completed in December 1901, later becoming LNER numbers 4252 and 8851 after the 1923 Grouping, and was withdrawn by British Railways as No. 68851 in May 1957 after 55 years and 5 months of service.