One of the best buys of the year surely has to be this plucky little J36 0-6-0 from Hornby for just £97.50! A reminder that this isn't a Railroad model, but a limited edition series from its main range tooling, with all the finer detail to suit.

 

The Class J36 originated as the North British Railway (NBR) C Class goods engine, conceived by designer Matthew Holmes and introduced in 1888. Built primarily for heavy freight work in Scotland, these 0-6-0 steam engines featured inside cylinders and Stephenson valve gear.

A total of 168 locomotives were constructed between 1888 and 1901, mostly at the NBR’s Cowlairs Works, with smaller batches by Neilson & Co. and Sharp, Stewart & Co.

Originally operated by the North British Railway, the class passed to the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER) in 1923 and later to British Railways (BR) after nationalisation in 1948. Under BR, they were classified as power class 2F, indicating moderate freight capability.

These locomotives were highly adaptable. Over decades in service they were fitted with various chimneys, cab designs, larger boilers and some, with snowploughs. Twenty-five J36s even served overseas with the Railway Operating Division during the First World War.

Top tip: Benefit from this bargain price and treat yourself and your model to one of our customisation upgrades. Get an incredible weathered finish to your liking, with real coal, a cab crew, fire irons and locomotive lamps and make this little beauty a stand-out addition in your collection.

Final years

The J36s were among the last steam locomotives to operate in Scotland under British Railways. The final examples were withdrawn as late as June 1967, cementing a service life that spanned nearly 80 years.

The prototype for Hornby’s limited edition model, 65330, began life as NBR No. 7778, built in 1900. After transfers and renumbering under NBR and LNER systems — becoming 9778 and then 5330 — it entered British Railways service as 65330.

In an unusual twist, 65330 retained LNER Apple Green livery for a short period even after BR renumbering and the application of British Railways lettering. This combination of older paint with BR identity was rare and makes this particular locomotive's appearance distinctive in the early BR era.

 

Grab your model of 65330 for just £97.50, here.