Prepared by Tommy Day

Originator Sandy Harper

Thread and Forum Title Walsworth Models Sentinel Y3/1 8400

Thread start date Nov 9, 2017

For full Forum thread click here : - https://www.gaugeoguild.com/xenforo/index.php?threads/walsworth-models-sentinel-y3-1-8400.945/

After the trials and tribulations of the A3, and awaiting a period of dry weather to continue with the painting, I thought I would build this. This is what comes in the box. Everything you need except solder, flux and paint.

After two hours work the chassis was erected. No special jigs required, it all went together perfectly.

Another two hours saw the brake gear attached, guard irons and the one piece fold up footplate!

Regards Sandy

John Kneeshaw - Nov 9, 2017 at 11:58 AM No split axles? No compensation or suspension? John

John Kneeshaw - Nov 9, 2017 at 1:34 PM IMHO it’s because it only has 4 wheels that it really needs something to keep them all on the track at the same time. Four wheel pick-up is notorious for cocking one leg on any track irregularities and then stalling. John

Jim Snowdon - Nov 9, 2017 at 2:17 PM I'd agree with John. You wouldn't build a loco with pickups on only one axle, which is effectively what a rigid four-wheel chassis becomes. Unless your track and the chassis are both perfectly flat and square, which is highly unlikely in practice, any rigid four wheel chassis will only ever sit with three wheels in contact with the rail, which means that on one or other side, there is only one wheel in contact. Great if everything is clean, but it takes very little dirt to insulate one wheel from the rail, especially as our locomotives spend more of their time running at below 6 volts (if that much). Jim

Rae17432 - Nov 9, 2017 at 10:11 PM This was the first 7mm kit I built and found it very tolerant and good value, the N/S being much better than brass. Roxey Sentinel wheels are probably better than those Slaters lowmac wheels supplied. I managed to bend an axle of mine. I'd agree that simple rocking compensation on the chain-driven axle is worth doing but requires a bit of advance engineering to achieve.

John Percival [Walsworth] has recently done the prototype LNER Y1, 8400, a slightly different curvy cab outline type which was the earlier'CE' Sentinel design. I scratchbuilt one which featured in the Gazette in 2015 I recall and he used the drawings I supplied. Again it's very nicely etched, but for some reason the chassis supplied is different and is not a fold-up design but separate frame plates requiring more work to set up. I don't know why as the chassis from the original kit works fine. Dava

Graham H - Nov 10, 2017 at 6:22 PM Hi Sandy This kit was my first foray into O Gauge and metal soldering. The Model has enough weight due to the cast white metal boiler and it run very smoothly. The only little problem I found was that the chain was extremely tight so I had to add a link or two but that lead to me having to add a chain tensioner. Graham.

Sandy Harper - Nov 10, 2017 at 7:03 PM I didn't describe the kit correctly . This is the original Y3/1 4800, as designated by the LNER, which is different in a number of ways to the Y3/3's. I am also building it after it went to work on the docks and had the cab door handrails lengthened and the corners of the buffer beams 'clipped' Sandy

Sandy Harper - Nov 10, 2017 at 9:21 PM Basic upper works added today, extended cab handrails and clipped buffer beam corners, as 8400 appeared in later life.

Regards Sandy

Sandy Harper - Nov 12, 2017 at 4:34 PM

Building complete. Now the engineering bits underneath to get it running.

Regards Sandy

Sandy Harper - Nov 20, 2017 at 11:41 AM Regards Sandy

Bob Alderman - Nov 20, 2017 at 12:12 PM You certainly flew the construction of the Sentinel! Sometimes these little jobs are more rewarding that the larger loco. I like it. Bob

Sandy Harper - Nov 20, 2017 at 2:28 PM Indeed Bob, I estimated about 12 hours of actual construction, and a bit more for drying time! I also built it as a slightly later version with the clipped buffer beam, extended hand rails and I also deepened the valance with some scrap etch. Regards Sandy

End of tread