Sentinel Steam Shunter 0-4-0 loco - pre-WW2 'BE' version

Unlike most industrial steam locomotives, the Sentinel shunter evolved from road vehicle technology. Developed from the vertical-boiler steam waggons built by Sentinel Waggon Works, the concept was adapted into a compact 0-4-0 railway locomotive during the 1920s. Its short wheelbase, rapid steam-raising time, fuel economy and simple operation made it particularly well suited to the tight curves and demanding conditions of industrial railways.

The most common pre-war version was the two-cylinder vertical-engine BE. At first glance, its unusual appearance could be mistaken for that of a conventional domeless locomotive, but the vertical cylinders were housed beneath a distinctive round cover at the front. Behind them sat a substantial water tank, which provided a generous range between fills while also adding weight to improve adhesion. The BE became one of the most recognisable forms of the Sentinel steam shunter, with examples supplied to industrial operators and even the LMS.

Today, the Sentinel steam shunter is well represented in preservation, with surviving examples found at heritage railways across Britain, including several still in working order.

The Rapido Trains UK highly detailed OO Gauge Sentinel Steam Shunter 0-4-0 is available in both Pre-War and Post-War body types, and in a variety of colourful liveries. You can look forward to a smooth-running mechanism, NEM 362 coupler pockets, and an E24 decoder socket. This is in addition to a selection of optional details for you to personalise the model.

Due to the limited amount of space that the model's chassis offers, we have prioritised smooth running and have fitted a MoPower stay-alive capacitor to all versions. This has meant that a fitted speaker wasn’t viable on the smaller Pre-War variants. As such, these versions will be available in DCC-Ready and DCC-Fitted (non-sound).

This ready-to-run model in 00 gauge is produced by Rapido Trains UK.

Specification

• Liveries and body variants covering pre and post WW2 history.
• Highly detailed diecast metal and injection-moulded construction.
• Lots of separately fitted era-specific details.
• Smooth-running mechanism.
• Fitted with MoPower stay-alive and an E24 decoder socket.
• NEM 362 coupler pockets.
• 1:76 scale, 16.5mm (00) gauge.

Personalisation and Weathering

We can offer a weathering service on any pre-ordered models. Personalisation options are carried out in a batch process once the models are in stock, and will take around two weeks to process before dispatch. For more details of this service see our Personalisation and Weathering page.