LNER workhorse is next locomotive in N from Sonic.

Version: 68961 in BR unlined black and late crest.  With GNR buffers, plated coal rail, raised Ross pop valves and plain coupling rods.

Sonic Models are offering the distinctive LNER/BR(E) J50 0-6-0 tank locomotive, as their next N gauge powered model.

The model is being developed by Sonic Models in conjunction with Revolution Trains.

The Sonic Models J50 is based on the Group Standard design known as J50/3 (with steam brakes) and J50/4 (with vacuum brakes) and features a host of detail variations including GNR or LNER buffers, open or plated coal rails, plain or fluted coupling rods and raised or flush Ross pop valves.

The models all feature a similar drive to Sonic’s popular GWR 56xx as well as a detailed backhead in the cab and 6-pin DCC socket arranged such that a 90° decoder will ensure that the chip is largely hidden in normal use. (recommended decoder 36-556RA)

The announcement follows the recent delivery of Sonic’s first powered model, the GWR 56xx 0-6-0 tank in a variety of liveries.

52 J50s were built between 1926 and 1939 for the London and North Eastern Railway.  They were nicknamed ‘submarines’ due to their distinctive long tanks with the front slope to improve visibility. They were almost identical to Gresley’s earlier Great Northern J23 (later J51) which had a narrower boiler; though by 1935 the older J51s had all been rebuilt as J50s with larger boilers.

The locomotives were initially associated with shunting and light goods work in Yorkshire but spread rapidly into the north-east and Scotland and into Lincolnshire and east Anglia.  In BR service they were also used for trip freights from north London to the southern region.

The Sonic Models J50 is based on the Group Standard design known as J50/3 (with steam brakes) and J50/4 (with vacuum brakes) and features a host of detail variations including GNR or LNER buffers, open or plated coal rails, plain or fluted coupling rods and raised or flush Ross pop valves.

Some locos featured an additional shunter’s footstep and this option has been catered for too.