Sonic Models Announce N Gauge LNER J50

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

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.

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.

Eight different versions are being offered in the first run.  They are:

610 in LNER black with red lining.  This model features GNR buffers, open coal rail, flush Ross pop valves and fluted coupling rods.

621 in LNER unlined black.  With GNR buffers, open coal rail, flush Ross pop valves and plain coupling rods. Also featuring NBR shunter’s step.

1045 in LNER unlined black.  With GNR buffers, open coal rail, flush Ross pop valves and plain coupling rods.

8962 in LNER unlined black.  With LNER buffers, plated coal rail, raised Ross pop valves and plain coupling rods.

68958 in BR unlined black and BRITISH RAILWAYS lettering.  With GNR buffers, plated coal rail, raised Ross pop valves and plain coupling rods.  Also featuring NBR shunter’s step.

68973 in BR unlined black and early emblem.  With LNER buffers, plated coal rail, raised Ross pop valves and fluted coupling rods.

68965 in BR unlined black and late crest.  With GNR buffers, plated coal rail, raised Ross pop valves and plain coupling rods.

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

First samples are already being tested and it is anticipated that the models will be ready to ship by Q2/3 2022.

The models will be available to pre-order from Rails of Sheffield, which has been appointed exclusive retailer.

Oliver Davies of Rails of Sheffield said: “We are delighted to be doing the distribution and fulfilment, of these model, and we are confident that the J50 will be popular with our N gauge customers.”

The model RRP is expected to be £109.95, subject to any changes in currency and conditions between now and production.