R3859 Hornby BR, Class J36, 0-6-0, 65330

New release - pre-orders invited - expected during winter 2024/2025. preauthkernow

The J36 Class, as it was christened by the LNER started out life as the Matthew Holmes designed C Class built for the North British Railway, North British in this case being a euphemism for Scotland. The locomotives were introduced in 1888 and would number 168 at their most populous, with 123 of them lasting into BR service. 

Much of this BR service would be in their designed stomping ground of Scotland, where they would be the last steam locomotives in operation with the last two being withdrawn on the 5th June 1967 serving after even BR standard designs were withdrawn. Under BR the locomotives would receive the 2F power classification.

The locomotives would see many modifications fitted over their life time as you may expect for a locomotive that is effectively owned by three different companies. At various points in service these locomotives could be seen with different chimneys, cab windows, larger boilers, snowploughs and cab rears as well as a litany of liveries and names. 25 examples of the class were sent to France during the First World War and served with the Railway Operating Division.

A unique livery for the J36 was worn for a short while by 65330. This locomotive started life as 7778 built in 1900 by the NBR before being renumbered 9778, and 5330 by the LNER under their two numbering schemes. On entry to BR service it received the number 65330 and had its tender lettering removed and replaced with that of British Railways. Despite this, the locomotive retained its LNER Apple Green livery. This combination of LNER green and yellow BR lettering is a unique one that the locomotive would only wear for a short time.

This locomotive features a diecast boiler, strong 5 pole motor and NEM couplings front and rear. The locomotive also includes a large detail pack including a snowplough to accurately model how the locomotive may appear during the harshest of Scottish winters.