RAPIDO TRAINS is planning its first ‘O’ gauge 7mm:1ft scale ready-to-run model of the LNER ‘J70’ 0-6-0 tram engine, with announcement of the locomotive on August 26.
The model will represent the 1903-introduced fleet of 12 locomotives which were built to a Holden design at Stratford Works for the Great Eastern Railway (GER). They were originally classified ‘C53’ by the GER and used on the Wisbech & Upwell Tramway as well as at Great Yarmouth and Ipswich Docks. At the 1923 grouping they passed into LNER ownership and were reclassified as ‘J70’. The last was withdrawn in 1955 with the majority passing into BR ownership.
Rapido’s new ‘O’ gauge model is a development of its previously commissioned model of the ‘J70’ for ‘OO’ gauge. Features will include opening end doors and sliding windows, a detailed interior, 21-pin decoder socket and a factory fitted speaker with sound exiting through the chimney.
Sales & Marketing Manager Richard Foster said: “We know there are more and more ready-to-run ‘O’ gauge locomotives on the market, but entering a new market is always a risk for any manufacturer. Therefore, we are now able to take ‘expressions of interest’ for this proposed model.”
Richard added, “Design work on the ‘J70’ is finished and we’re really pleased with what we’ve been able to achieve in the ‘senior scale’. We have plenty of ideas for future ‘O’ gauge products but we need customers to tell us that there is a place in the market for ‘O’ gauge products from Rapido UK.”
Expressions of interest are now open through Rapido Trains website, which the manufacturer has said is not a commitment to buy, but the project will only go ahead if enough interest is received through its website.
Proposed models cover 68222 with BR early crests, side skirts and cowcatchers (Cat No. 916001), 68217 with British Railways lettering, side skirts and cowcatchers (916002), 7137 in LNER unlined black with side skirts and cowcatchers (916003), 138 in GER brown and blue with side skirts and cowcatchers (916004), 68219 with BR early crests and without skirts and cowcatchers (916005), 68226 with British Railways lettering, but no skirts or cowcatchers (916006), 7126 in LNER lined black without skirts and cowcatchers (916007) and 136 in GER brown and blue without skirts and cowcatchers (916008).
Prices are expected to start from £375.95 for DCC ready models and rise to £475.95 for DCC sound-fitted examples while a release date in 2023/2024 is currently anticipated.
• Visit Rapido Trains UK for more information.
