Sonic Models are excited to announce an all-new range of LBSCR K Class 2-6-0 steam locomotives in OO Gauge, available exclusively here at Rails of Sheffield!
This comprehensive new project will cover the full lifespan of the mighty K Class 'Mogul', with 10 different guises available for pre-order including usage with the LBSCR, Southern Railway and British Railways. The tooling will cater for various prototypical detail differences and the model will include all of the latest features you've come to expect!
Engineering samples have been made available to us - with these two variations showcasing the original and later bodystyles. Please note that these are early samples with many changes yet to be made. We will keep you notified with any new developments as they occur!
All variations are available to pre-order now, with release expected during September 2025.
Preorder Now
Product Features
Highly detailed model with many separate parts including handrails, lamp irons, pipework, whistle, dome, coal load, pumps and much more
Accurate tooling variations including different body and tender styles, chimneys, domes, cabs, safety valves, Westinghouse pumps, water heaters, AWS equipment and lamp/disc detail bracket variations
Heavy diecast firebox, boiler and smokebox to aid traction - overall assembled weight 330g
Smooth 12V powerful motor with flywheel
Digital & Sound capability - 21-pin decoder socket with factory fitted sugarcube speaker - both located via easy access space in tender
Loco/ tender linkage is fully adjustable to suit user's track radii
Electrical pickup via all six driving wheels and the tender wheels
Fully detailed cab
Illuminated firebox glow effect
Detailed inner linkage under boiler and frames
NEM tension lock couplings
Hand assembled optional detailing parts including 3-link couplings, fireman's shovel and firebox tools
Packed in a strong outer box and mounted on a secure moulded transit plate to minimise damage in transit
Prototype Information
The LBSCR Engineer, Robert Billinton, in 1912 designed a new powerful goods locomotive that coped with heavy loads at speed. No 337 appeared the following year (1913) and by 1921 a total of 17 had been constructed at Brighton works.
They proved to be very successful providing invaluable support during WW1 when very large freight movements were required. The locomotives also coped well with passenger services providing a good all-round service to the railway.
Billinton was not afraid to improve the steaming characteristics to help reduce coal running costs and the design innovations included an additional dome and top feed. This feature was improved and the last seven locomotives left Brighton works including this feature which lasted through to the end of the 1920’s before all were modified back to one dome.
More would have been built but for the fact that the LBSCR was merged into the larger SR in 1923 and the new company appointed a new Engineer Richard. E. L. Maunsell. He favoured his own N and U class designs so no more K Class locomotives were built.
In the 1930’s, Maunsell improved the cab design and lowered the height as well as the dome and chimney to operate to the composite loading gauge.
Under BR ownership only minor changes were made.
Removal of the LHS Weir Water Heaters in the early 1950’s and later modifications to the tender to include water treatment.
Interestingly at the end of all their working lives the N and U designs cost far more to maintain with serious design faults in the frames and cylinders. The K Class design proved reliable right to the end.
One locomotive No 32353 was offered to the Bluebell Railway for preservation but unfortunately the society was struggling in 1962/3 to raise money to buy the track and infrastructure and could not afford the extra expense. (It is surprising the locomotive was not offered to the National Collection)