First built in 1898 as a smaller wheel shunting variant of the successful J71 class, the J72 continued to be built, with minor changes, over the next 53 years. In 1937 two of the class were fitted with vacuum braking to work as carriage shunters and more followed from 1947 onwards, eventually leading to 41 members of the class being so fitted. Several of the vacuum brake fitted locomotives were repainted in lined passenger liveries by both the LNER and British Railways for use as station pilots. Locomotives so painted were generally keep very clean by shed staff and crews. The 113 members of the class all continued their sterling work until the first locomotive was withdrawn in 1958. The final locomotive was withdrawn out of normal service in 1964 but two were transferred to Departmental Stock, one of these locomotives lasted in this roll until 1967. One member of the class, number 69023 is preserved.
- 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
- 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
- Pickup from all six driving wheels
- Coreless motor
- Flywheel
- Provision for Next18 Decoder in cab
- Access for decoder fitting via four screws
Direct springing to centre driving wheel bearings to ensure electrical contact