During the 2024 International N Gauge Show, Dapol announced they are to produce the NER E1/LNER J72 0-6-0 tank locomotive in N Gauge. The J72 had previously been planned a number of years ago but was cancelled when also announced by another manufacturer. That model was also subsequently cancelled, and Dapol have now made the decision to re-start their own project.
The Dapol model has been developed using many original GA drawings to ensure a high level of accuracy of these models. Due to the small size of the locomotive, many of the larger components will be diecast to ensure maximum weight and haulage capability. In addition, the centre driving wheels will be sprung and the coreless motor will be flywheel equipped to assist shunting over dead frog pointwork.
Original Build CAD
As Preserved CAD
Model Specifications
General
Diecast footplate
Diecast tanks· NER tapered buffers
LNER “Group Standard” buffers
NER wheel and handle smokebox door locking
Later, LNER two handle style smokebox door locking
Vacuum brake equipment for locomotives so fitted
Smokebox numberplate for B.R. period
Ross Pop safety valves
NER style “trumpet” safety valve cover
Chassis
Diecast chassis – split frames for live bearing pickup
Blackened nickel plated driving wheels
Brass bearings
Plastic keeper plate with brake shoe/linkage details
Sprung centre driving wheels
Wheels to NMRA standards
Electrical
Pickup from all six driving wheels
Coreless motor
Flywheel
Provision for Next-18 Decoder in cab
Access for decoder fitting via four screws
Direct springing to centre driving wheel bearings to ensure electrical contact
Proposed Liveries
2S-072-001J72 0-6-0 2173 NER Lined Green
2S-072-002J72 0-6-0 2183 LNER Pre War Unlined Black
2S-072-003J72 0-6-0 8680 LNER Post War Lined Green
2S-072-004J72 0-6-0 68723 BR Black Early Crest
2S-072-005J72 0-6-0 68745 BR Black Early Crest
2S-072-006J72 0-6-0 69007 BR Black Late Crest
2S-072-007J72 0-6-0 68736 BR Lined Apple Green (Station Pilot) Late Crest
2S-072-008J72 0-6-0 69023 BR Lined Apple Green (Preserved) NER & Late Crest
Pricing
£140 RRP DCC ready
£175 RRP DCC fitted
Project Update
The CADs are complete and the Dapol design team are making their final deliberations before committing to tooling. Dapol expect to see the release of these models some time in Q4 2025.