A North British Railway tradition was to use old tender locomotives for short distance goods and shunting duties. In the 1890s, traffic levels increased at a much higher rate, so Matthew Holmes had to design a new side tank locomotive. Forty NBR Class D locomotives (LNER J83) entered service in 1901 with twenty from Neilson, Reid & Co and Sharp, Stewart & Co. Each member of the class was fitted with steam brakes. However, ten were converted to the Westinghouse brake system with vacuum ejectors fitted in 1916. After Grouping in 1923, LNER rebuilt the Class D locomotives into the LNER J83’s. During 1924 and 1925, entirely new boilers were fitted. Each dome was reduced in height by 9in. The J83's main duties included the transfer of goods, heavy yard shunting, transporting minerals and banking. After Grouping, most of the J83’s main duties changed to shunting. Discover Hornby steam locomotives for model railways. There are many to choose from, as well as DCC-fitted, DCC-ready, and analogue models. Hornby's finely detailed OO gauge model trains and rolling stock are designed for robust and smooth operation, ensuring compatibility with standard Hornby tracks. Era 3 - Grouping: Following a period of government control of the railways during the First World War and in its aftermath, the myriad of operating companies were amalgamated into the ‘Big Four’ of the GWR, LMS, LNER and SR, plus a number of ‘joint railways’. About Hornby: Since 1920 Hornby have been the brand leader in 00 Gauge model railway design. Whether you're a seasoned model maker or just beginning, with its range of unique trains, track accessories and more, there's always something for you at Hornby.