Sentinel saviour…

It feels good, to be sat looking at this model. Creating and delivering a ready to run model and the associated company and promotion was exhausting and is the reason you’ve not seen much industrial modelling here, at least of my own, for some time. However, time heals as memories fade and I’m back, designing things I’d like to own rather than worrying about the details of something being made in China… 

Whilst you might not call the prototype attractive, perhaps at best ungainly, I think the boxy purposeful looks are pleasing. There is no doubt this machine intends to do some work, but what is it?

The steam shunters developed by the Sentinel waggon works offering up to 200hp had been very successful but after the war, a heavier model with greater tractive effort was developed. This 0-6-0 retained the same 200hp ‘motor’ but now drove the centre axle via a cardan shaft. The boiler was located in the cab, water in front and fuel (both light oil to aid lighting up, and heavier (cheaper) oil for running behind. A prototype was built in 1954 and trialled by the War Department which featured a much taller cab. A production order of 8 from Dorman Long for their steel works saw a slightly modified design with the cut down cab I’ve included. Whilst the fuel choice anticipating the clean air act proved workable, their lack of success was more likely out of their hands; the diesel already proving its worth - interestingly three were subsequently rebuilt from the frame up as diesel locomotives.

This kit uses the Hornby 0-6-0 Sentinel chassis and provides etched metal frame, 3D printed chassis details, a 3D printed core and etched overlays for the bodywork. This is the sort of kit for those who shy away from soldering but like making things. The materials are allowed to work to their strengths; the print is easily cleaned and prepped and is a material that readily accepts superglue. The etched material allows relief and smooth flat surfaces - plus is thin, perfect for those cab sides and doors. 

There are things to change and adjust, and a few parts to draw up - I’d like to add the brake rodding prominent on the prototype and now I’ve assembled one and know positions more accurately I also need to draw up the cab steps. There will some other adjustments to make, which I’ll do to the prototype before painting. I’ve enjoyed actually designing and prototyping this model and want to make sure it all works rather than rush it out, but if you’re interested it might be worth securing a cheap Horny 0-6-0 Sentinel… we’re talking months not years.

There is plenty of space inside the shell for DCC sound or lots of weight. The cab is open too, for a crew. Rudimentary controls are shown, this is another thing I’d like to adjust and add a few more parts for before release.

However, it’s exciting, to look at these parts, married together and realise that I made this…

The mix of slightly frosted tan plastic and warm etched brass, it has real heart, real feeling. Making things isn’t just about the result, it’s the craft and the opportunity to enjoy, unwind, relax through cutting and sticking small bits of a kit together.

So this Sentinel is a saviour, fanning the flame of my long held passion for industrial railway modelling. Through test running of her I’ve also had Victory out, and boy am I proud of what we achieved there too - perhaps that realisation wouldn’t have happened without this collection of parts I’ve thrown together to create this ungainly workhorse. Until next time, more soon… 

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