Adam Posted January 5, 2019 Share Posted January 5, 2019 (edited) Another year, another Sentinel. You may recall my - rather involved - conversion of a pre-war 200HP loco built for the S&DJR into a post-war machine (here's the finished result if your memory need jogging: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/67087-the-200hp-steam-sentinel-and-a-distant-cousin/?hl=sentinel. This one is the smaller brother, a post-war 100HP loco from RT Models (with drive unit from High Level) and has, so far, been a complete delight to build with every part fitting exactly as it should and, because it's etched in Nickel Silver, nice to solder, too. Arthur built a coule of them and recorded his findings in this thread: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/81445-100-hp-sentinel-from-rt-models-kit/?hl=sentinel I'll be basing it on one of the Roads Reconstruction (1934) fleet used in the precursor to the massive Whatley Quarry. There are plenty of pictures of these about so here's my personal favourite collection, from 1967: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boxbrownie3/sets/72157626030789364. The chassis unit is mostly invisible and folded up without fuss. The gearbox and swinging gear train was a mite fiddly, but results in a smooth and very slow-running loco (but the real thing is only capable of 13 mph). Despite this, the flywheel does have some effect and once fully weighted, I'm hopeful that the thing will be relatively powerful - unweighted trials had it pushing 8 wagons perfectly happily. Thus far the only alteration I've made has been a cosmetic one. Sentinel made their loco steps from Durbar plating so I've added an overlay to represent this (the etch came from Intercity Models, I think Shawplan may do something similar). These Mendip locos only had steps at the rear... So here's the body assembly thus far: And finally, for now, body popped on chassis to check clearances. What this demonstrates is that there's plenty of room for adhesive weight when the time comes. The coupling hooks are from AMBIS - I think they are slightly overscale for usability, but the tininess of the loco accentuates this a bit (nothing wrong with the hooks supplied on the etch, by the way, it's just that I had these made up and ready to go!). Adam Edited January 6, 2019 by Adam 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Down_Under Posted January 6, 2019 Share Posted January 6, 2019 That looks good Adam! I have a Thomas Hill rebuild in the stash. J Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest teacupteacup Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 Another year, another Sentinel. You may recall my - rather involved - conversion of a pre-war 200HP loco built for the S&DJR into a post-war machine (here's the finished result if your memory need jogging: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/67087-the-200hp-steam-sentinel-and-a-distant-cousin/?hl=sentinel. This one is the smaller brother, a post-war 100HP loco from RT Models (with drive unit from High Level) and has, so far, been a complete delight to build with every part fitting exactly as it should and, because it's etched in Nickel Silver, nice to solder, too. Arthur built a coule of them and recorded his findings in this thread: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/81445-100-hp-sentinel-from-rt-models-kit/?hl=sentinel I'll be basing it on one of the Roads Reconstruction (1934) fleet used in the precursor to the massive Whatley Quarry. There are plenty of pictures of these about so here's my personal favourite collection, from 1967: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boxbrownie3/sets/72157626030789364. The chassis unit is mostly invisible and folded up without fuss. The gearbox and swinging gear train was a mite fiddly, but results in a smooth and very slow-running loco (but the real thing is only capable of 13 mph). Despite this, the flywheel does have some effect and once fully weighted, I'm hopeful that the thing will be relatively powerful - unweighted trials had it pushing 8 wagons perfectly happily. Sentinel_033.jpg Thus far the only alteration I've made has been a cosmetic one. Sentinel made their loco steps from Durbar plating so I've added an overlay to represent this (the etch came from Intercity Models, I think Shawplan may do something similar). These Mendip locos only had steps at the rear... Sentinel_032.jpg So here's the body assembly thus far: Sentinel_035.jpg And finally, for now, body popped on chassis to check clearances. What this demonstrates is that there's plenty of room for adhesive weight when the time comes. The coupling hooks are from AMBIS - I think they are slightly overscale for usability, but the tininess of the loco accentuates this a bit (nothing wrong with the hooks supplied on the etch, by the way, it's just that I had these made up and ready to go!). Sentinel_034.jpg Adam I have a kit for one of these too, I was doing some research into the RB Tennants Foundry in Whifflet, who had a fleet of these Sentinels The site now lies under Coatbridge B&Q, I live very close to it Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
5050 Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 Do you know if the chassis would fit into the South East Finecast (ex NuCast) Sentinel? Might save me a bit of effort scratchbuilding one! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted January 13, 2019 Author Share Posted January 13, 2019 Do you know if the chassis would fit into the South East Finecast (ex NuCast) Sentinel? Might save me a bit of effort scratchbuilding one! I haven't the fainest idea! It should as that's a bigger (taller) loco'. Chris Gibbon at High Level presumably has an outline drawing of the motor gearbox unit for comparison (it's his Quaddriver mech'): http://173.254.28.51/~highlev3/chris/Pages/quaddriverpage.html Obviously, it goes in a 48DS so... Adam 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
5050 Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 I haven't the fainest idea! It should as that's a bigger (taller) loco'. Chris Gibbon at High Level presumably has an outline drawing of the motor gearbox unit for comparison (it's his Quaddriver mech'): http://173.254.28.51/~highlev3/chris/Pages/quaddriverpage.html Obviously, it goes in a 48DS so... Adam Thanks Adam, I'll check the wheelbase of the SEF one to see if there's a compatible one in Chris's range. With the whitemetal body there shouldn't be any shortage of hauling power! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted January 17, 2019 Author Share Posted January 17, 2019 Because it's the end of the leave year, I've enjoyed a day at home so the Sentinel has gained some handrails (0.3mm wire, N gauge handrail knobs - it's a small loco so use smaller components to suit) and had a hole cut in the floor - the boiler unit will be attached to a sub floor and bolted directly to the chassis. Why? Because with this type of roof, I think it's more important that it fits properly and stays in one piece. This idea is pinched from Mike Edge's designs for industrials - the only downside is that painting the inside of the cab will be a bit harder. I only hope I've got enough to finish putting the handrails on the bonnet... Adam 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted January 19, 2019 Author Share Posted January 19, 2019 I have a kit for one of these too, I was doing some research into the RB Tennants Foundry in Whifflet, who had a fleet of these Sentinels The site now lies under Coatbridge B&Q, I live very close to it I've been trying to relocate my favourite gallery showing these and I've finally succeeded (in good time for sorting out the sandbox linkages, happily). These are excellent: https://www.flickr.com/photos/65480188@N07/albums/72157690496924111/with/38930158554/ Adam 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold RThompson Posted January 21, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 21, 2019 I've been trying to relocate my favourite gallery showing these and I've finally succeeded (in good time for sorting out the sandbox linkages, happily). These are excellent: https://www.flickr.com/photos/65480188@N07/albums/72157690496924111/with/38930158554/ Adam I've been trying to relocate my favourite gallery showing these and I've finally succeeded (in good time for sorting out the sandbox linkages, happily). These are excellent: https://www.flickr.com/photos/65480188@N07/albums/72157690496924111/with/38930158554/ Adam Note the orientation of the spring hangers are the only (last 4 built) that have these different to the rest of the locos built, why I don't know. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted January 21, 2019 Author Share Posted January 21, 2019 (edited) Note the orientation of the spring hangers are the only (last 4 built) that have these different to the rest of the locos built, why I don't know. Sentinel were the devil for this - the 200HP types display no pattern whatsoever and could be all manner of ways about. I sometimes wonder whether they ever built two alike... Adam Edited January 22, 2019 by Adam Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
5050 Posted January 22, 2019 Share Posted January 22, 2019 I've been trying to relocate my favourite gallery showing these and I've finally succeeded (in good time for sorting out the sandbox linkages, happily). These are excellent: https://www.flickr.com/photos/65480188@N07/albums/72157690496924111/with/38930158554/ Adam Thanks for these links on Tennants guys. This is a site I find quite inspirational for small layout. Do you know of any more photos available on the web or elsewhere? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted January 22, 2019 Author Share Posted January 22, 2019 Thanks for these links on Tennants guys. This is a site I find quite inspirational for small layout. Do you know of any more photos available on the web or elsewhere? Lots - it seems they were quite accommodating of enthusiasts. http://www.geoffspages.co.uk/raildiary/scot75.htm https://andrewstransport.smugmug.com/LesTindalls1970sBritishtrains/Scottish-industrials-1973/i-WBjDjFs If you run a search for "tennent whifflet" you'll uncover plenty more. Adam Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
5050 Posted January 23, 2019 Share Posted January 23, 2019 (edited) Lots - it seems they were quite accommodating of enthusiasts. http://www.geoffspages.co.uk/raildiary/scot75.htm https://andrewstransport.smugmug.com/LesTindalls1970sBritishtrains/Scottish-industrials-1973/i-WBjDjFs If you run a search for "tennent whifflet" you'll uncover plenty more. Adam Getting way OT now but I've been looking and found this on the National Library of Scotland map site - https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=17&lat=55.8549&lon=-4.0199&layers=168&b=1 It's worth scrolling around to see the vast array of industrial lines in the area, some of which have really complicated track plans. Edited January 23, 2019 by 5050 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted January 27, 2019 Author Share Posted January 27, 2019 Back to the Sentinel, and above the footplate, it's more or less complete, I've even added the first casting! Where the kit is lacking, slightly, is in the treatment of the sandboxes (though both types are supplied) and their operating linkages which are a bit more complicated than a length of 0.45mm wire could legitimately be said to represent: I made up a bit like the real thing, from multiple parts, in this case, individual lengths of wire flattened at the ends, though I used pliers rather than forging for the flattening, and soldered to spigots, also in 0.45 mm brass wire. At the back end, the pipework behind the cab step is concocted from more soft brass wire and a casting left over from the CSP Models-based 200HP machine which must be intended to represent the same thing (a valve of some sort) since it looks spot on. Lamp irons, next and the brake standard before I can think about lining the inside with lead and fitting the remaining castings. Adam 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Adam Posted February 9, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 9, 2019 All primed and ready to paint! The pointwork it's sat on will form part of its eventual home but don't hold your breath on that score... Adam 15 2 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest teacupteacup Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 On 23/01/2019 at 16:37, 5050 said: Getting way OT now but I've been looking and found this on the National Library of Scotland map site - https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=17&lat=55.8549&lon=-4.0199&layers=168&b=1 It's worth scrolling around to see the vast array of industrial lines in the area, some of which have really complicated track plans. The amount of earthworks and man made relics of former railway formations is fascinating around here, I live on an estate built on the site of the Calder Fireclay Brick Works/Briton Pit shown in the map linked Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted February 21, 2019 Author Share Posted February 21, 2019 Well. It was progressing nicely; I'd made a start on the livery colours and then compared my work with pictures of the real thing and... someone had added far too many handrails - the Hapsford/Vallis Vale locos had very few, either side of the cab door and one on top of the bonnet. I didn't notice when looking at all the prototype shots I'd assembled and, small comfort, neither did any of you it seems! So what to do? A bit more prototype research showed that the early post war locos (which is what we're talking about here) didn't have the extra handrails. Any of 'em, so far as I can tell. Oh bother. So what to do? Leave well alone? Nope. This evening it's been popped in some cellulose thinners and stripped back to bare metal, the offending handrails removed and the holes filled. Assuming it's still dry and warmish in the morning, I'll prime it again and have another go. Frustrating, but the model will now be what I actually wanted all along and not a compromise that didn't quite resemble anything Sentinel actually built. It'll just take a bit longer... Adam 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted February 22, 2019 Author Share Posted February 22, 2019 Right. That's better (and in a couple of coats of green time, it'll be better still). Adam 5 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Down_Under Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 Nice Adam, Going to to be a faded kind green? i Got the 1 step forward two back feeing too! J Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted February 24, 2019 Author Share Posted February 24, 2019 15 minutes ago, Down_Under said: Nice Adam, Going to to be a faded kind green? i Got the 1 step forward two back feeing too! J Er no. It's going to be (and is, now) a fairly bold grass green which seems a decent match for the Roads Reconstruction locos by the '60s. Like this, in fact: https://mickpope.zenfolio.com/p506284746/h21f7997b#h2261ab58 I don't have an airbrush, so for small things - wagons, small locos - I brush paint most things with several well-thinned coats of Humbrol so it started out looking quite anaemic. It'll be lined, too. Adam Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted March 4, 2019 Author Share Posted March 4, 2019 Bearing in mind even this small picture is twice life size on my monitor, I'm reasonably pleased with the hand-painted (inside a red Gill Sans 'O' transfer) Roads Reconstruction roundel and the lining (transfers - 1" black lining from Railtec). Glazing next... Adam 10 1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Adam Posted March 31, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted March 31, 2019 Since I've finished it, some time back now, it's time for an ex-works shot. Ready for service: Adam 18 1 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barclay Posted March 31, 2019 Share Posted March 31, 2019 A lovely job - painting and weathering first class as always. 1 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted April 4, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted April 4, 2019 Lovely job, Adam. Where did you get the 2mm scale handrail knobs, please? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted April 4, 2019 Author Share Posted April 4, 2019 1 hour ago, Captain Kernow said: Lovely job, Adam. Where did you get the 2mm scale handrail knobs, please? Thanks Tim - BH enterprises; http://www.bhenterprises.co.uk/ Other suppliers will be available, I'm sure. Adam 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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