Intercity125

Thanks Reece for taking the time and trouble to upload a sketch. I'm quite happy with the Lima motor because it runs smoothly and slowly as long as the trailing bogie wheels are clean. Unfortunately the dirt build up happens within 15 minutes of running. I'm intending to retain the Lima chassis, but wanted to replace either the wheels or the complete bogie. Will the Hornby trailing bogie fit the hole that exists on the Lima chassis?

Hi Reece, Thanks for your reply and clarification re: Hornby wheels not being suitable for the Lima trailing bogie. It's a shame as I was hoping to replace them. To purchase a Hornby Railroad Class 31 costs around £50 to £55 from discount retailers and it makes it an expensive way to cure the problem with the wheels. I've priced up the spares from East Kent Models and they come to over £40 and then I'm not sure I've captured all the spares I need from the listing. Regards, Paul

Hi there, Please can anyone on here tell me if the Hornby Railroad Class 31 wheels from the trailing bogie will fit a Lima powered chassis? My model runs well for around 10 minutes but it starts to stutter slightly on live frog points. I then have to clean the wheels with a cotton bud and IPA (Isopropol Alcohol - not the Greene King stuff LOL)and remove the dirt build up. Any advice? Thanks, Paul aka Intercity125

I have to echo the comments made by Alex and others on here. I've seen a 6 foot 6" flush door in a junk shop for a £5 and a slightly longer scenic area could allow for a short run round loop on the inside platform. Your layout is simple, yet full of atmosphere in such a small space. I shall follow the updates with interest. Regards, Paul

Thanks bigherb for posting the video showing the use of insulfrog type pointwork. I'm not a fan of insulfrog (as per my previous posting) and strongly recommend live frog pointwork for smooth electrical continuity and even running over the frog.

Hi Ruston, Speaking from experience I would avoid using insulfrog points at all costs. Firstly, they won't suit short wheelbase locos like the Sentinel, and secondly there is a slight dip where the insulfrog plastic is making the loco and wagons jump slightly as they go over it. With live frog pointwork you get smoother running and there is no dip in the pointwork meaning loco and stock run smoothly over it. My test track is second radius with live frog pointwork and the Sentinel runs beautifully despite the baseboard being slightly uneven (warped MDF surface even with softwood timber framing). Regards, Paul

You're model of Denise looks fantastic Richard. Hope you're not planning to add the graffiti as per the recent prototype photos posted on here. Regards, Paul

Best option is to take it back to the shop and obtain a refund. Regards, Paul

Hi Darren, Sorry to hear that your model is missing its exhaust and a wiper. The fact that neither component is in the box suggests to me that it could be a shop returned model rather than a quality control issue, otherwise the parts would be in the box and there wouldn't be a glue mark on the outside. I know it's a bit of a b*lls ache, but I think you should return it and ask for a replacement or refund ASAP. I know of one local model shop (local to me that is) that had one NCB model left if you have trouble finding another one. Let me know and I can send you their details. Regards, Paul

Hi John, Hornby's Operating and Maintenance Instruction sheet is accompanied by an additional slip of paper entitled "Sentinel Class" with a sub-title of "4wDM/0-4-0 Diesel Electric Locomotives" and provides detail of the class history. The final paragraph says: "The Hornby model included in this pack will be based either on the original 4 wheel chain drive Sentinel with a designated wheel arrangement of 4wDM or the crank drive version incorporating an 0-4-0 wheel formation" This strongly suggests that a rod driven version is in the pipeline which will add further variety and provide me with an excuse to go and buy another Sentinel, though I fear I might succumb to buying another one well before then..................

I've heard of the need for top up oils, but a 45 gallon drum? This is a Sentinel for God's sake, a quality product powered by Rolls Royce, not an Austin Montego.........

Thanks pauliebanger for uploading the sound clip. It really brings the model to life. Looking forward to your next clip with the buffering up and wipers sound.

I was thinking the same. There's a member on here (richard37670) who purchased an NCB version (see earlier posting a couple of pages back) who plans to respray her into the orange livery and make her into Denise. I'm not sure if he is intending to add the graffiti, but what a challenge that would be..............

Sentinels must be useful/versatile machines if so many of them have been preserved. It would appear that I have developed a greater interest in small shunting locomotives thanks to some of the postings on here. Now to find some suitable publications................. Regards, Paul

Thanks Mark. I'd like to purchase a second Sentinel and model it as "Les Forster" for two reasons. Firstly it is preserved at Rushden and is an extremely useful loco in 12 inch to the foot scale. Secondly, because I met Les at the station's bar and he proposed me for membership. At the time I didn't realise he was the Chairman of the Society. He was so down to earth, friendly and I loved his dry sense of humour which I think developed as a result of being a prison officer at HMP Wellingborough. It came as a shock when he died from a short illness a few years ago. Apologies for going slightly off topic here. It's good to know that Narrow Planet and others out there can help me with acquiring some bespoke nameplates so I can attempt some kind of tribute. I've taken a quick look at the link you sent me and I'm absolutely in awe of your models. I love small industrial tanks/diesel shunters and your models look amazing. Looks like we share one common interest at least LOL. You should join RHTS cos they have quite a few locos that might interest you (sorry, couldn't help get a pug plug in for the Society). Regards, Paul (aka Intercity125 - the need for speed low shunting speed)

Thanks Dirk and 80104. Paul

Thanks 80104. I'll drop SDJR7F88 a mail. Paul

Thanks Scottish Modeller. I've taken a look at the colour chart link you posted and would agree that Forest Green seems to be a good match. I will see if I can find it in a Halfords or Humbrol spray can. I will keep my Esso model in its original condition, but will see if I can buy a second one. I'll do some research and see if someone makes etched name plates to order. I'm pretty sure there must be a firm out there. Regards, Paul (aka Intercity125 - the need for speed low shunting speed)

Thanks for sharing your techniques for preparing, painting and detailing this lovely little model. I hope it encourages others to follow suit. I have the Esso model which I will keep in its original condition, but I'm very tempted to purchase a second one and paint it. The Sentinel based at Rushden Historical Transport Society ("Les Forster") is my inspiration. Does anybody know what the nearest spray paint shade to use. http://www.rhts.co.uk/railstockpages/Stock_List_2011_007.htm

Your review was excellent and comprehensive covering everything from opening the box, to traversing your test track. Look forward to viewing your other clips when I get a chance next week. Keep 'em coming.

Brianthesnail is bang on the money with his comments. As Brian rightly points out, the model isn't perfect, but for around the £50 mark, what do people expect? I've pointed out in my earlier postings that it runs beautifully, even at low speed. SDJR7F88 has kindly taken the trouble to video and post a 15 minute review on youtube with a link (see earlier) which is comprehensive and very informative. Based on all the information in the postings on here, either modellers want to buy it or they don't. Some people need a reality check - £50 or less for a brand new RTR model is cheap these days and this one is worth the money in my opinion. Paul

Hi Darren, I can confirm that the slow running is good for such a short wheelbase locomotive (PECO code 100 live frog points). I'm pretty sure that someone will post a review on youtube shortly. Paul

That's good news Bilbo.

Hi Mark, I just happened to drop in to Osbornes in Rushden this morning on the off-chance that they might have received a delivery, and I was in luck. I had a choice between the NCB blue or the Esso red livery. The Esso model is based on a preserved example, so I chose that one. I suspect that the Tarmac model will be following shortly. What I can tell you is that the Esso model is well decorated, reasonably weighted, and runs extremely well at low speed (my track is code 100 with live frog point work). Unfortunately I can't comment on how it will fare on insulfrog points with its short wheelbase. This is a much better performer than the L & Y pug (which has a similar wheelbase). Regards, Paul

Well to answer my own post LOL, the Sentinel has landed!!! I went to my local model shop (Osbornes, Rushden) this morning (Monday 23rd) and they had just received a delivery from Hornby which included a small number of Sentinels. I am now the proud owner of "Cattewater" in Esso livery. Can't wait to test it out on my layout (live frog points). Merry Christmas, Paul