S&DJR Sentinels
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The Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway (S&DJR) Sentinel locomotives were two small vertical-boilered, chain-driven steam locomotives for shunting. They were built by Sentinel Waggon Works, who also produced similar designs for industrial customers.
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[edit] Service
The two locomotives were both built in 1929 and given the S&DJR numbers 101 and 102. The locomotives replaced three older Highbridge-built saddle tanks, 24A, 25A and 45A. They were both used for shunting coal wagons on the colliery branchlines around Radstock. They were built to a reduced loading gauge as they had to pass under the Tyning Arch which had only 10'10" clearance.
They were taken into London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) stock in 1930 and renumbered 7190/1. After nationalisation in 1948, they became 47190/1 under British Railways. 47191 was withdrawn in 1959 from Bath Green Park and 47190 in 1961 from Bristol Barrow Road. Both were scrapped.
[edit] Preservation
Neither of the Radstock Sentinels has survived to preservation. However, a similar locomotive, former Croydon Gasworks No. 37 Joyce, originally built in 1927 (works No. 7109) is to be rebuilt to resemble a Radstock Sentinel for the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust at Midsomer Norton by Tyseley Locomotive Works. Apart from mechanical restoration, the work involves modifying the shape of the cab to match that of the original locomotives. The Sentinel is expected to be fully restored and in steam by 2008 or 2009. It can be viewed at Midsomer Norton South station on Sundays or Mondays.
