GNR J13 Class 1252 Steam Locomotive

GNR J13 Class 1252 Steam Locomotive

1:76 scale model produced by Hornby. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection.

Details

Step back to the early years of the twentieth century with the Hornby GNR J13/J52 No. 1252, beautifully finished in the distinctive Great Northern Railway plain grey livery. Representing one of the GNR's hardworking shunting and goods locomotives, this highly detailed OO gauge steam locomotive captures the character of the original design with exceptional accuracy and craftsmanship.

Based on extensive research and original works drawings, this latest Hornby release features a wealth of fine detail, including a die-cast boiler, chassis and running plate, prototypically sized metal handrails, a fully decorated cab interior, and separately fitted detail parts throughout. Finished in authentic GNR grey with period-correct lettering and detailing, No. 1252 is an ideal addition to pre-Grouping and early railway-era layouts.

Designed for reliable operation as well as display, the model is DCC-ready with compatibility for the Hornby HM7000 sound system, allowing modellers to upgrade their locomotive with advanced digital control and sound functions.

This highly detailed locomotive features die-cast connecting rods, prototypically sized metal handrails with brass stanchions, Oilite main drive bearings, sprung metal buffers, and front and rear NEM coupling pockets, with the rear pocket incorporating a close-coupling mechanism. The model also benefits from a powerful 5-pole skew-wound motor and a pogo-pin wheel pick-up arrangement for simplified servicing and maintenance.

Additional detailing includes separately fitted lamps with changeable lamp codes, a realistic coal load, vacuum pipes and accessory couplings. The model features decoder-controlled firebox flicker functionality when fitted with a compatible decoder and is equipped with tooling details specific to the period, including a raised safari-style cab roof ventilator, double footsteps, coal bunker rails, flush-faced connecting rods, brass Ramsbottom safety valves, a 3ft 3in built-up chimney, and GNR tapered buffer stocks.

Features:

• 1:76 Scale Model
• Analogue DC Model
• This model mainly operates in Britain
• Decorated in GNR company markings
• Best suited to 438mm radius curves
• Authentic Great Northern Railway plain grey livery
• Die-cast boiler, chassis and running plate weighing 235 grams
• HM7000 21-pin sound decoder compatible and Power Bank ready
• Fully detailed cab interior with opening roof ventilator
• Wheel pick-ups on all wheels for dependable running performance

Historical Background

The Great Northern Railway J13 Class was introduced in 1897 as an improved development of Patrick Stirling's successful J14 0-6-0 saddle tank locomotives. Overseen by Stirling's successor, Henry Ivatt, the new design featured a larger domed boiler and was intended for freight, yard and shunting duties across the Great Northern Railway network.

A total of 85 locomotives were constructed between 1897 and 1909 at Doncaster Works and by several private contractors. Following the railway grouping of 1923, the class became known as the LNER J52 and continued to perform a wide range of duties throughout the eastern counties and industrial regions served by the company.

No. 1252 was completed in December 1901 and enjoyed a long and productive career spanning more than five decades. Renumbered 4252 and later 8851 under the LNER, the locomotive eventually passed into British Railways ownership as No. 68851. After more than 55 years of service, it was withdrawn from Colwick depot in May 1957, marking the end of an era for one of the Great Northern Railway's dependable workhorses.