The LNER Encyclopedia

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 It seems to be very outdated.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)?

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

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!

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

Miles better!

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

Thanks
Simon

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