Jump For Joy As First J67/8/9 Samples Arrive!

Warbonnet · August 30, 2023

We're jumping for joy as the first samples of our hotly anticipated J67/68/69 ‘Buckjumper’ locomotives in 00/4mm scale have arrived for assessment.

Initially announced ahead of the Alexandra Palace show back in March of this year, we outlined an ambitious plan to create an extensive tooling suite to cover all the major design variables of these cute and iconic tank engines in ready-to-run format.

The first tooling samples have now arrived, showing the variants possible with the tooling suite and demonstrating the finesse and materials on offer in this high quality model.

As ever, these first prototype samples are hastily assembled and will receive further refinement through the production process before the finished models arrive. This includes fit and finish, such as the cab beading area, the fit of the cab sheets and indeed the removable magnetic roof. Fit of the chimney will also require further fettling, as does the fit of the brake rigging.

The G75 has some errant additions that need removing, as well as fitting the tool box to the LHS tank top. Also, the fine tuning of the bunker coal load is required. However, these are normal challenges at this stage of the development process, and especially so with steam locomotives which feature multiple versions of cab, bunker and tank combinations.

Of course, there is much to celebrate, such as the overall look and feel of the locomotives. These really capture the distinctive nature of these characterful tank engines. Performance is excellent too, with superb pulling power for a locomotive of this size thanks to diecast materials used in construction and smooth power delivery also evident.

The delivery date of Q2 2O24 for the finished models is still on course, with decorated samples due in the winter. Price for the models is £139.99 DC/DCC ready and £239.99 DCC sound fitted with our powerbank set of stay alive capacitors.

Check out our Buckjumper web page here for more information and pre-order via Accurascale direct for all the range including the Accurascale Exclusives model of Liverpool St. Pet 68619, available only direct via Accurascale, or via your local Accurascale stockist.