Locomotion Models exclusive Rapido Trains UK 00 Gauge GNR J52 No.1247 in GNR Green.

[AY Mod]

Locomotion Models announce exclusive Rapido Trains UK 00 Gauge GNR J52 No.1247 in GNR Green.

 

 

The Great Northern Railway J52 Class was designed by Henry A. lvatt and built by Sharp Stewart & Co in 1899. No.1247 is part of the National Collection and is currently housed at the National Railway Museum in York, it is the only preserved example of the class. 

 

This exclusive model from Locomotion Models is available in standard DCC Ready and DCC Sound Fitted at £164.95 and £279.95 respectively and can be reserved with a deposit on our website today. The model will accurately portray the physical and cosmetic condition of the locomotive as seen in the National Collection today. This has subtle changes to the 1960's version offered in the main Rapido range.

 

The historic J52 Class, initially known as the J13 Class, left a lasting impact on railway history. Built at Atlas Works in Glasgow between 1897 and 1909, a total of eighty-five engines emerged during this transformative era.

 

Designed by Patrick Stirling's successor, Henry A. lvatt, the J52 Class drew inspiration from Stirling's J14 Class. lvatt's ingenuity came to the forefront as he introduced a more efficient domed boiler variant, departing from Stirling's domeless boiler design.

 

Primarily engineered for shunting duties, No.1247 spent most of its operational life in Doncaster before venturing into service in New England, Hornsby, and the marshalling yard at Kings Cross Top Shed. Post the 1923 Grouping, the J13 Class underwent reclassification as the J52/2.

 

The mid-1930s witnessed a motion to remove the J52s, initiating the gradual withdrawal of these iconic engines. Plans for scrapping were momentarily halted during the Second World War, leveraging the need for operational locomotives. However, with the arrival of diesel shunters under the Modernisation Plan, the J52 class faced systematic withdrawal from 1950, culminating in their complete removal from service by 1961.

 

A silver lining emerged for No.1247, rescued from the brink of withdrawal by Captain W. G. Smith, making him the first private owner of a BR steam locomotive. Between 1959 and 1980, No.1247 traversed various railways across the UK, eventually finding a home in the National Collection, thanks to Captain Smith's donation of the engine in 1980.

 

 

Following its donation, No.1247 appeared at several heritage railways and museums, including a notable stint at the East Somerset Railway from 1995 to 1998 where it was painted in BR lined black, and renumbered No.4247. In 2009, the locomotive was repainted into GNR Green and restored to its original identity, No.1247, at Shildon. The unveiling ceremony, graced by the late Captain Smith's widow, marked a tribute to both preservation and the surviving legacy of the J52 Class.

 

This exclusive model has been designed by Rapido using works drawings to ensure accuracy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ribird]

Is there anywhere that is noted what the differences are between this version and 958012 (the 60’s railtour version)? 
 

Locomotion’s site does not say anything about this specific model. 

[Butler Henderson]

6 hours ago, AY Mod said:

Following its donation, No.1247 appeared at several heritage railways and museums, including a notable stint at the East Somerset Railway from 1995 to 1998 where it was painted in BR lined black, and renumbered No.4247.

Surely 68846.

[Tiny151]

7 hours ago, Ribird said:

Is there anywhere that is noted what the differences are between this version and 958012 (the 60’s railtour version)? 
 

Locomotion’s site does not say anything about this specific model.

Comparing the two 1247s, on the Locomotion edition I've spotted the brass plate on the front splasher, a black base to the buffer shanks and a slightly different white lining on the lighter green top of the tanks.

 

The period 1210 looks to have the same lining as the Locomotion 1247, though interestingly yet another variation on the buffer painting. Clearly a lot of attention has been paid to these subtle differences!

 

Would be interested to know if there's anything else!

[Butler Henderson]

And are either of the 1247s accurate for its use on perserved lines post its 1960s railtour use and before its current static display mode?

Edited November 11, 2023 by Butler Henderson

[MikeParkin65]

On 11/11/2023 at 12:37, Butler Henderson said:

And are either of the 1247s accurate for its use on perserved lines post its 1960s railtour use and before its current static display mode?

I think the 1960's version should be good for 1247's tenure both at the KWVR and NYMR  - dont recall reading that it had a full repaint until the donation to the NRM although clearly it will have had significant mechanical work over the 20+ years between BR withdrawal and donation to the National Collection.

[Locomotion No. 3]

Our version of this model will accurately portray the physical and cosmetic condition of the locomotive as seen in the National Collection today, which features subtle changes from the 1960’s version offered in the main Rapido range including:

- The addition of an extra brass plate on front splasher

- Lining positions on the side of the tank differ

- Buffer bases in a different colour

- Different wheel lining

- Dark green panel edging on top of the tank

- Different bunker rear lining

- Numbers on the cab side in a different style

- A different style and position for the numbers on the front buffer beam

[G-BOAF]

Do FNRM members qualify for a discount in purchases at Locomotion in the same way as at York? I've never had a proper answer to this (and if no, why not!?)

[adb968008]

Dont forget 1247 spent a period running in Sacramento, California for the Golden Gate railfair in 1991.

 

Flickr url 
 

 

[Tom Mackie SMG]

On 17/11/2023 at 09:55, G-BOAF said:

Do FNRM members qualify for a discount in purchases at Locomotion in the same way as at York? I've never had a proper answer to this (and if no, why not!?)

Hello, we offer FNRM discount on purchases in the locomotion shop with exclusions applying for which we don’t offer discount on models. 
 

Thanks 

 

Tom