Sentinel in later life...

This week I've finished the prototype of the next Planet Industrials 'kit' release to modify the Hornby Sentinel to represent a unit later in it's life...

The prototypes were exceptionally long lived, well built machines and examples exist today (notably Preston) still doing the jobs they were designed and bought for, shifting heavy trains in industrial settings. During that long life units were modified by their owners to specific needs and requirements, as well as replacing parts that had worn out or been damaged.

The kit uses a set of 3D printed details and an etch of nickel silver parts to allow the modeller to represent a number of these changes. Time and effort were spent getting the dimensions of the parts spot on, to allow fitment to an existing model without extensive cutting, filling and filing. 

At the back of the cab, the sliding cab doors often jammed up through use, either through age or an accumulation of grime in the floor runners. The kit includes a pair of extended door frames and etched metal doors to represent a set of modified doors. There is also a small fillet of metal than can be used to bridge the gap between them on the model, but I chose not to fit that.

The units often saw their lovely panels damaged or rotten, and so simpler handrails were often the replacement part. The etch includes two versions, a simple one piece fold up part that is strong and robust, and a finer etching for the posts, that can have 0.45mm brass wire folded up and soldered in to (seen here on the finished model), obviously a harder job.

The kit also includes two compressor cabinet options, one that replaces the side panel (the ECC style) and one that fits behind the panel (Preston docks style). I have fitted the ECC example and some air hoses to my model. 

On the model shown here I have also fitted RT Models side skirts and Brian Hanson's Shawplan laser-glaze. I have fitted the small Hornby buffer beam blanking plates with superglue and filled and smoothed the gap. 3 link couplings have been added to the Hornby coupling hooks. A simple austere green with wasp marked buffer beam and a letter rather than number, along with a subtle weathering complete the model (for now) although it could do with a pair of Modelu jewel lens adding to each end.

The kit has been designed with all-comers in mind, and should be priced for most pockets - however, if you feel the work is something you'd like me to undertake, I can provide a quote for producing a model either based upon a specific prototype, or just a generic look, as with my own model here. Get in touch for a personal proposal using the contact form, Facebook or the forums. In the meantime, more soon...