First Accurascale Buckjumper J67 / J68 / J69 Samples
Accurascale today announces that the first samples of their hotly anticipated J67/68/69 ‘Buckjumper’ locomotives in OO Gauge have arrived for assessment.
Initially announced ahead of the Alexandra Palace show back in March of this year, Accurascale 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.
Models expected to be released Q2 2024, with decorated samples due later this year. Pre order DCC Ready models for £139.99 and DCC Sound for £239.99. All can be pre ordered with FREE UK POSTAGE.
