A true workhorse of the North Eastern Railway is finally arriving in ready-to-run form for OO gauge modellers! Bachmann Branchline has announced an all-new tooling of the NER Class E, later reclassified by the LNER as the J71.

Originally designed by T.W. Worsdell and introduced in 1886, the J71 was created to meet the growing demand for powerful yet compact shunting locomotives. Its 0-6-0T wheel arrangement, short wheelbase, and strong tractive effort made it ideal for dockside work, yard shunting, and pilot duties.

A total of 120 locomotives were produced, with 81 surviving into British Railways ownership. Though overshadowed by its famous successor, the J72, the J71 was a pioneering and widely-used engine across the NER network.

Model Highlights:

  • Brand-new OO gauge tooling from Bachmann Branchline
  • Prototypical detailing based on extensive research and archive drawings
  • Multiple liveries: NER, LNER, BR early/late crest
  • DCC Ready and DCC Sound options

The reveal coincides with The Greatest Gathering in Derby, marking the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, which brought railway innovation to the world. The J71 is a proud part of that North Eastern engineering lineage.

Explore the range here to place your pre-order