It’s an Austerity, not a J94…

These two terms frustrate me as they're used interchangeably - yes they refer to the same basic locomotive, but no they're not the same...

For those aware of North American prototypes it would be like calling an MLW RS18 and RS11! This photo shows two DJM models, on the left a pure Austerity, on the right a J94. To those in the know there are several spotting differences... but you'd be right to ask, why are there two names for the ‘same’ locomotive?

The 'Austerity' tank locomotive, a product of planning for success in the Second World War, it was envisaged in 1942 that a large quantity of shunting locomotives might be required. The task for design and specification falling to the locomotive engineer 'Riddles' (www.lner.info, n.d.), who based the design on the existing Hunslet 16" industrial 0-6-0st. The first steamed in January 1943 and 377 of this chunky prototype were built by Hunslet, RSH, Andrew Barclay, Bagnall, Hudswell Clarke and Vulcan. With their short wheelbase, inside cylinders and high footplates they were well suited to dockside or industrial work, meaning that despite heavy use during the way many found lives in industry following the end of hostilities.

After the war the LNER purchased 75 classifying them J94. They modified cab seats, side doors and added LNER lamp irons. In 1947 quite a number of these had extended coal bunkers fitted which required the rear windows to be modified, and additional ladders and foot steps. BR continued this work in the early years of nationalisation.

The NCB ordered a further 77 'new' locomotives to this design, and the army built a further 14. Their's is a complex history and well worth further reading for both the historical significance and the huge breadth of interest that their lives covers in time and geography. From light railways in Northern France to coal mines in South Wales and almost everything in between! This means that if you don't have one, you probably should, and if you do have one, you probably need another! In many ways its a shame that DJM produced this model in such vast quantities, and Kernow continue it's life under the EFE range. This is a lovely proportioned model with particularly fine wheels, but it's drive system and feather weight leave something to be desired. Many still talk about the qualities of the original Dapol model, and for those that enjoy modifying ready to run models this is a great starting point - but again it's chassis is the weakness with large flanges and wheels that don't visually match the prototype. Perhaps in time we'll see another manufacturer try their hand at the 'ultimate' Austerity? Until next time, more soon...

REFERENCES:

Wikipedia. (2021). Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunslet_Austerity_0-6-0ST.

www.lner.info. (n.d.). LNER Encyclopedia: The Riddles J94 (WD Austerity) 0-6-0ST Locomotives. [online] Available at: https://www.lner.info/locos/J/j94.php [Accessed 4 Feb. 2022].

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