Hornby J83

[60800]

I have recently noticed that Hornby has at some point re-released it's J83. It seems to be very outdated. Has anyone tried to fix one up to a modern standard (i.e metal handrails insead of moulded plastic handrails)?

[mossie]

Hi blackout60800

I did one of these a couple of years ago, my first attempt at detailing. Mine was based on the old Hornby LNER green version, added a more up to date chassis, repainted it black and gave it the BR no. 68468 as I had pictures of this loco.

Don't have a picture of this, but if anyone wants to see it I can easily take one.

Regards

Richard

[Atlantic 3279]

Did you do anything to the windows Richard? A picture of the outcome would be of some interest.

I hope this remark doesn't start a marathon of digression, but the one thing about that body moulding that really always did / does annoy me was the "arched window" spectacle shapes - a consequence of the one-piece body moulding method I know, and just as they always had been on Polly / Nellie too, but the J83 was supposed to represent an actual type of loco!

[mossie]

Hi Atlantic 3279

Yes the windows were annoying. I infilled the holes with some plastic card, cut to the rough shape and filler and then reworked them with a half round and round file, the outcome was not to bad, see attached pictures.

The only other things I changed were the hand rails, pipe work and smokebox handles, also added 3 link couplings, grills on rear windows and number plate on smokebox door. Then painted black and added decals.

Regards

Richard

[Atlantic 3279]

Miles better!

[CVR1865]

Yes that really is improved, what chassis did you use?

Thanks
Simon

[mossie]

Hi Simon

Thanks for the kind words.

I used a more upto date version of the Hornby J83 chassis. My old one had, I think, the X04 motor the protruded into the cab. The later version does not.

Regards

Richard