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.
DCC Sound:
- HM7000 21-pin sound decoder fitted
- High fidelity sound profile of J13/J52
Electronics:
- Decoder-controlled firebox flicker
- 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
- 3â 3â 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 âJ13â Class in 1897 as a development of the âJ14â 0-6-0ST designed by Patrick Stirling, dating from 1892. The new locomotives were overseen by Stirlingâs 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 GNRâs Doncaster Works and by private contractors.Â
These would become the âJ52â 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 It was withdrawn as BR No. 68851 from Colwick shed in May 1957 after 55yrs and 5 monthsâ service.
Catalogue listing
Model details
Prototype information
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Hornby GNR J13 (1252) is a 0âŻscale OO gauge locomotive fitted with DCC sound and a HM7000 21âpin decoder. The model measures 125âŻmm in length, weighs 235âŻg and features dieâcast boiler, chassis, running plate and connecting rods, metal sprung buffers, NEM coupling pockets and a brassâstudded handrail. It includes an opening cab roof vent, oilite main drive bearings, a 5âpole skewâwound motor, decoderâcontrolled firebox flicker and separate lamps and simulated coal load.
The locomotive is presented in the earlyâ1900s Great Northern Railway plainâgrey livery, with a semiâgloss smokebox, accurate colours and period typefaces. It represents the preâgrouping GNR J13/J52 class, originally introduced in 1897, and is based on the historical No.âŻ1252, built in December 1901 and withdrawn in May 1957 after more than 55âŻyears of service.
Hornby recommends pairing the model with planked open wagons or van wagons. The accessory bag supplies vacuum pipes, lamps and couplings for detailed layout use.



