Intercity125

Hello Paul,

 

You could upgrade the whole chassis with the newer Railroad version as it's available as spares. Just a mater of swapping the body over - no noise, no poor running, no more Lima pancake. The wheels are much better on the newer unit than the older Lima version as I think you are aware. The newer version also has pick ups on all wheels rather than the Lima version which has pick ups on one side of each bogie.

 

I was just expressing my thought because it might be easier and viable just to swap the entire chassis unit.

 

To answer the question Hornby wheels will not fit directly into the older Lima bogies (and work) without modification.

 

Cheers, Reece

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

Hi Julian,

 

This is a fantastic piece of work especially when you realise how small a space it has been done in.  I am now at the stage of designing a new layout and 'Portwey' has certainly given me  a few ideas.  I am looking forward to what you do next.

 

Regards,

 

Alex.

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

I found an old Hornby R8073 setrack point not sure how old it is or if the newer Hornby track is any different and how much it differs from the older R612/3 points . The Sentinel will traverse over it but not at dead slow speed and the heavy motor end drops into the frog. If you need a points that radius then I think the Peco equivalent might be better but couldn't find one of those.

I compressed the video to MP4 makes it a bit jerky, It's not the model which runs very smoothly.

 

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.

One question before I take the plunge...

 

I've been knocking a track plan together and it involved Hornby R612 & R613 points (the tightest radius, I think). I presume these are insulfrog? How well does this model handle such points with such a short wheelbase and only 4 wheels?

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

Hi 

Little update about my NCB one, Phoned Hornby  and asked if they had a could send me the missing parts and i would fix it myself, No sorry we do not have any extra bits to send you!, He told me that i should take it back to the shop and get it replaced, Sorry but the shop do's not have anymore in, Ok if you wait until the end of Feb that when well will have more coming in and we maybe able to give you the missing parts then.

So what do i do now, take it back or wait and hope for a spare parts are available in Feb.

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

Regards,

Paul

Hi 

Just got home to find that my Sentinel had arrived in the post, as soon as i got it out of the box and found this!

As you can see there is a part missing on the loco, the part was not even in the box!, to say i am disappoint would be an understatement ,As this was the last one the shop had. 

Also the the windscreen wiper on the right window is missing as well and if you look just above the cab window there is a glue mark finger print!!. 

Hornbys QC has gone out of the window, waited this long for one only to end up with this   

Darren

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

Just picked up my NCB blue one and I'm very impressed. The window frames are much less obtrusive than I expected from the photos of the Esso version posted earlier in this thread. I don't think they'll need all that much toning down.

 

The shop also had a red one and I was very struck by how much better (less glossy) it looks in the flesh compared to the close-up photos.  

 

Incidentally, has anyone else looked at the instructions? Fig.1 (lubrication) clearly shows a rod-coupled version of the loco. 

 

Might there be further delights yet to come?...........

 

John

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 thought it was an oil drum as it wasn't unusual for industrials to carry extra fuel or even lubricating oil if the motor was a heavy drinker

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.

It would be interesting to reproduce Denise as shown above with her graffiti and the little paw prints on the buffers!

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.............. 

Quite correct, although Maud was a rod-drive example, ousted from the Oxfordshire Ironstone Company at Wroxton. Her sister (and brother) locomotives BETTY, JEAN, BARABEL and GRAHAM  are preserved. Their names came from the steam locomotives they replaced, MAUD having Peckett-style plates. 

 

Paul A. 

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

Evening Paul,

 

Like Dirk and 80104 have said I can't recommend NP more than enough.  

 

Used them many times and always an excellent service from Steve who is on here with the user name Cornelius.

 

If you look on the link below to my layout Juniper Hill you'll see his handy work (with familiar place names!) 

 

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/70516-juniper-hill/page-11

 

Irchester Quarry had one of these Sentinels in its last years of operation called 'Maud' which I think if memory serves me correctly came from the Banbury area quarries.

 

Cheers,

 

Mark

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)

Hello there !

 

Concerning nameplates made to order I can recommend: http://narrowplanet.co.uk/products

 

Best wishes

Dirk

Thanks Dirk and 80104.

Paul

I know there is, I just can't remember the name! Ask SDJR7F88, as he's getting some for 'Chew Valley'

Thanks 80104.  I'll drop SDJR7F88 a mail.

Paul

Hi Intercity,

 

Accepting how skewed most male colour perception is...

 

Have a look here:-

 

http://www.w3.org/TR/css3-color/#svg-color

 

Should be about Forest/Fern green going by my eyes

 

Thanks

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)

Hi 88,

 

This had a thin coat of red oxide primer, followed by a single coat of Matt green. Both aerosol applied. I had finely sanded back the printed lettering and plates beforehand to ensure that these would not show through.

 

The green was a Flair paint (enamel dark green) which - having used it for decks on rc model ships - I know to be durable and gives a consistent finish.

 

A little sprayed in the cap allowed for brush application to the edge of the cast metal chassis (shown bright in previous images). Some discrete aluminium dry-brushing, and warhammer black wash pulls out some of the detail. Three links, air reservoir (?) and brake hoses added, with a step to the front of one buffer beam.

 

Had to add a number so I can remember the decoder ID!

 

Some shunters paraphernalia added curtesy of the Bachmann match truck, and voila.

 

Chassis grime, and hints of rust to follow. I have seen a number of images of locos without handrails to the side of the long bonnet. I think I'll leave this model without - 'elf and safety be damned!

 

 

N

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

Glad you enjoyed my review and glad it was of help too!

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.

I don't believe it carried the name in it's working days, although I could be wrong- so it probably is technically "as preserved".

 

The thread on here discussing the Cattewater branch & bitumen terminal can be found here.

 

As for the windows, they aren't exactly great & hopefully someone will come up with a better alternative but on a loco selling around the £50 mark I can live with that. Just because something is small, it doesn't make it cheaper to make, and at today's prices this is well into "budget" territory.

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 

What is the slow running like?

Darren

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

Had an email from Liverpool. Any day now.

That's good news Bilbo. 

Just spoken to Will at Osbornes in Rushden (01933 312415) and he hasn't had the green Tarmac ones delivered today.

 

He has a blue 'NCB' one left in stock if anyone is interested.  Usual disclaimers-just a regular customer.

 

Cheers,

 

Mark

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

I enquired with a stall holder (and high street retailer) at today's Huntingdon Toy Fair if they knew when this model is due to be released and was told that they could be despatched Dec 23rd/24th to retailers (though this seems a bit too close to Christmas to be credible).

 

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

I enquired with a stall holder (and high street retailer) at today's Huntingdon Toy Fair if they knew when this model is due to be released and was told that they could be despatched Dec 23rd/24th to retailers (though this seems a bit too close to Christmas to be credible).

Paul