HORNBY SENTINEL 0-4-0 DIESEL SHUNTER REVISITED
When it was first released, Hornby’s four-wheel Sentinel industrial proved to be a very popular model, making the latest issue of the ‘London Carriers International’ blue version (R30009) with original solid side rails and a modern version with open side-rails as Hitachi Chiaki Ueda (R30010) welcome additions to the Hornby catalogue. The latter model is technically new because the side-rail version has new tooling to allow the Hitachi locomotive to be modelled. It also incorporates cosmetic Dellner coupling details which may be plugged into the NEM coupling pockets instead of the tension lock couplings.
Chassis
Weight has been cunningly concealed within the chassis, bringing its weight up to 110g which is pretty good for a model which is a touch less than 100mm in length over the buffers. The mechanism itself consists of a smooth motor which drives both axles through axle-mounted gears. The coupling rods are not relied upon to deliver power to one of the axles as seen in other four-coupled locomotive models. The resulting drive is smooth and, with its good level of weight, it is a surprisingly capable model for its size.
The wheel base is short at 24mm which permits the model, in the same manner as the full size locomotives, to negotiate the sharp curves typical of industrial sites. The model will not find sharp layout curves challenging, but this may be a different story for current collection where the closely spaced wheels may become gapped on insulated turnouts, so the choice of track will be important for reliable running. While the model does not feature working lights, the circuit board is fitted with a six-pin interface socket and there is room for a stay-alive device to assist the model over dirty spots in the track.
Operation of both models was smooth, with no binding apparent in the action of the outside frame coupling rods and cranks, which are commendably fine in appearance. There was no discernible waddle or roll to the model’s action when operated at a higher than shunting speed, which was low and controllable.
Body and detailing
Several sections, including a nicely shaped cab, makes up the superstructure of the model. They are neatly assembled to the underframe and clipped together with the joins being barely visible. The low slung mechanism has allowed the cab to be partially detailed, with a driving desk and controls which are visible through the flush glazing.
Detailing includes neat but unsprung buffers, lifting brackets, an exhaust stack and wire hand rails applied fore and aft adjacent to the corner foot steps. The new side-rails are not metal, but composed of plastic and prone to distortion should the model be handled with less than the usual care. The use of plastic means that they are finer than might have been achieved with etched metal and of the correct round cross-section, too.
Overall, both of the models are very neatly finished, with sharp livery printing and a good use of colour for the cosmetic running lights. Stripes and lines are sharp on the skirt of the Hitachi version and the bufferbeams of both the reviewed versions. The printed detail on the blanking plates and Dellner detailing pieces intended to plug into the NEM coupling pockets match that applied to the bufferbeams well. An overall light matt finish will take weathering without difficulty, and the simple assembly of the models makes them ideal for reworking, if desired. Priced at £108.99, they are not toy locomotives for train set use, but wellperforming scale models for serious modellers.