Sentinel Works No.9629 'Frank Galbraith' - DCC Sound Deposit

A brand new tooling from our friends at Rapido Trains UK, this model is Exclusive to us here at Locomotion Models and features several tooling variations which are unique within the range. With very limited availability, grab your model while stocks last!

Model Features:
- Fine lined green livery application.
- Closed cab back sheet with bunker.
- Wide chimney and low-mounted sandboxes.
- Rear-mounted radius rods.
- Square 'Dumb' buffers unique to this model.
- E24 DCC decoder.
- MoPower stay-alive.
- Diecast metal and plastic construction.
- Smooth & powerful mechanism/motor.
- NEM 362 coupler pockets front and rear.

The Sentinel steam shunter concept evolved from road vehicle technology rather than other railway loco designs. Founded in 1875, Alley & MacLellan Ltd of Polmadie was the original trading name of what would become the Sentinel Waggon Works Ltd. This is where the roots of the Sentinel steam shunter prototype would come from.

In 1906, the company introduced its first vertical-boiler steam road waggon. This powered the wheels via a two-cylinder undertype engine and chain drive. Very reminiscent of the internal combustion engine designs that would follow, only powered by steam instead. They proved incredibly efficient and incredibly straightforward to fire and drive. Around twenty years later, the Sentinel Waggon Works applied the same idea to its first 0-4-0 railway locomotive prototype. Even in their earliest guises, they were well regarded by crews and businesses. Thanks to their short wheelbase, they were capable of negotiating the tighter radius of many industrial networks. When combined with their fast steam raising ability (under an hour), fantastic fuel economy and operational simplicity, they were a hit with crews and business owners alike.

Following World War Two, an improved design was produced. The tank and cylinders were also clad in a metal casing. These included access hatches so that repairs and servicing could be carried out. Production of the Sentinel steam shunter continued right through until 1958. Though the end of an era for industrial railways, this was only part of the Steam shunter's story. The Sentinel would go on to adopt the internal combustion engine as its motive power, and its legacy would be continued by Rolls-Royce through the production of various Sentinel diesel locomotives. Whilst production may have finished in 1958 – many locomotives continued in industry for several decades.

Unlike most industrial prototypes, the preservation movement was very kind to the Sentinel steam shunter. Surviving examples can be found the length and breadth of the country at many preserved railways – with several in working order. No.9629 is now part of the National Collection, currently on loan to the Museum of Transport in Hull.