Built initially for the Great Eastern Railway (GER), 140 ‘J67s’ – their London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) designation - entered traffic, designed by James Holden. They were developed into the ‘J68’ and 'J69’ classes, with ‘J69’ 87 surviving as part of the National Collection.
The manufacturer has identified minor areas for improvement: the drawbar hook is to be changed to allow for easy fitting and removal of three-link and screw-link couplings. Destination boards will be tweaked to make swapping easier – each model will come with a full suite of boards. Other changes include the chemical blackening of the buffers and wheels which will now be painted with a matte finish. Paint application will also be finessed, in addition to mould separation lines.
The ‘OO’ gauge models’ complex lining has been approved by Accurascale ahead of production. Models are set to feature a die-cast chassis, separately fitted detailing items, turned brass whistles and valves, pre-fitted etched numberplates pre-fitted where appropriate, magnetically removable smokebox door to provide access to the Next18 Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder socket, coreless motor, firebox glow, helical gearbox and more.
All three variations are set to be produced, with ‘J67s’ set to appear as 84 in GER ultramarine (Cat No: ACC2426) and 68535 in BR black with early crests (ACC2434). ‘J68s’ are 7027 in LNER black as an Accurascale Website Exclusive (ACC2431) and 68646 in BR black with late crests (ACC2441). Finally, ‘J69s’ 359 in LNER black (ACC2440) and 68619 in GER-inspired lined dark blue with late crests (ACC2442) are planned, the latter as an Accurascale Website Exclusive.
The models have been approved for full production to start, with delivery expected during the final quarter of 2024.
Prices are set at £139.99 DCC Ready and £239.99 DCC sound fitted.
◘ Visit www.accurascale.com for more information.
