LLEDO Sentinel S4 and S6 lorries

[Tod Sloan]

Hi there,

These lorries look to be 1/72 or 1/76, but not really sure. I have searched for a scale drawing, but to no avail. The wheels look a bit oversize but the bodies appear ok. Does anyone have any info on them, especially dimensions for me to compare please?

Tod

[Graeme Dunbar]

I guess you mean in proportion to the body in this model, as you mention it, by my impression is that the wheels were big in absolute terms.

If the prototype wheels were big, I wonder if it might have anything to do with gear ratios and the torque produced by steam engines, road surface, or even "that's the way it is" with early vehicles and a hang over from horse-drawn vehicles etc. compared to present day vehicles?

[Tod Sloan]

I have taken some measurements of an S4 and this is what they are:-

Wheels

With tyres, overall diameter is 14mm-----------3'-6"
minus tyres    "         "            9.2mm----------2'-4"

Body

Overall width                         30.8mm---------7'-8"
     "     length                        88.9mm---------22'-3"
     "     Height of cab              38mm-----------9'-6"


Compared with a Langley kit of an AEC Mammoth Major 2, the width is exactly the same. An EFE AEC MM1 is less than a mm narrower.
The wheels measure out at,
With tyres                              13.3mm--------3'-4 1/2"
without tyres                          7.1mm---------1'-9"

The wheels of the two generations of lorry compare due to the heavy duty tyres of the more modern vehicle.
So in summary, despite not having a scale drawing to compare with, I reckon the Sentinels are near enough, except for the track of the front wheels, which look excessively wide. I won't attack one of my display examples, but if I can find a cheap one, I will take it apart and see what can be done. A couple of rivets to drill out and it should fall apart......I hope! I love a challenge, but no, I won't try to motorise it, or will I? Now where is that Kato 103 chassis?!!

Tod

[Graeme Dunbar]

I did wonder, from memories of vintage rallies and seeing photographs. The wheels do look remarkably big compared to people standing beside them.

[Hugh Norwood]

Not wishing to muddy the waters, but some diecast vehicles are nearer to "S" scale (1/64).

Try googling for images of the S4 and S6 - especially one with people standing next to them; that should help.

[Tod Sloan]

After trawling through lots of photos, I finally found one with a chap with his elbow on the edge of the flatbed. I have to concede that I was too optimistic in hoping  the Lledo lorries were 4mm scale. Not a million miles away, but probably nearer to 1/64 as suggested. It is frustrating that I can't find a scale drawing to give me the basic dimensions, so another good idea out of the window, though it was an interesting research project.
Thanks for your input anyway, most helpful.

Tod

[Stan Williams]

Just picked up on this.

I have about half a dozen lorries converted into Draisines all with loads to hide the motors.

One is the steam wagon in its blue livery and weathered and it has a Tomytec bogie deisil under it.

All the above are combatible with 4mm stock are lovely runners and will go round fairly tight curves.

Stan.

[Tod Sloan]

I would love to see photos of these. It may be possible to squeeze a Kato unit underneath. An avenue I must explore.
I keep looking at shows for second hand S4/6s as I don't want to alter any of my small collection I have in my display cabinet. It doesn't matter if they are bashed or scratched, as I will have to attack them with a saw, drills and files to achieve a good result.

Tod

[Stan Williams]

Tod,
If you look on the Society AGM thread, I think its on page 3, you will see a Sentinel steam wagon outside the engine shed on Loch Ewe
Its painted blue, I think that may have a Tomytec bogie chassis under it.
Its carrying a timber load to hide the mech.

Stan.

[Tod Sloan]

I found the photo as you suggested, I like it, though it wasn't part of my plan. A Kato 103/104 looks possible, once the cab and back are released from the chassis. When I have aquired the suitable doner lorry(ies), I can start the hacking process. It may not be for awhile, so don't hold your breath!

Thanks

Tod

[Tod Sloan]

Happy to report that I successfully bid for a pack of 2 S4s, so I can do both the projects I have in mind. I will report back when I have a result. One of them will run on rails!

Tod

[John Harris]

Apologies for being 'late to the game', and it may be of little help, but there are 1/87th & 1/160th Sentinel kits about.

https://www.hauler.cz/search?sq=SENTINEL&x=7&y=9

Admittedly the scale is wrong, but the kit is much finer than a Lledo diecast, albeit at an increased cost.

In a more correct scale, but the wrong prototype, Keil Kraft did an Atkinson steam lorry kit.

https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/0/8/9/176089-12155-pristine.jpg

I hope they are of interest.

jch

[John Harris]

I just saw this announced, it looks a lot better than the Lledo effort, it should given it's new tooling and the price.

https://www.oxforddiecast.co.uk/products/lms-sentinel-flatbed-76sen001?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=wAn-toc7Talb3KZjIm6r-CbPYeT_Zdgs8ibBFHeLEJ4%3D.UvyHL7

jch

[Tod Sloan]

Thanks John, This model may solve the question I started. Being 1/76 scale, the DG placed alongside the S4/6 diecast should tell me how they compare, assuming of course, that the full size lorries were on the same size chassis. Once I can get my hands on the DG version, all will be revealed!!
Tod

[Tod Sloan]

Well now, very interesting, to me at any rate. Yesterday, I received a parcel containing the Oxford Sentinel DG and a Kato 108. The latter has a choice of projects to fulfil, but that will come later. The lorry however, I can now compare all aspects of it and surprisingly are closer than expected. Cab widths are the same, as are the roof lengths. The S4s nose is bulbous and therefore longer than the DGs flat front. Front wheel track is the same, but the DGs rear wheel track is wider! The DG overall length, would you believe, longer!
So, without boring you with loads of measurements, I'm happy to say that they are near enough for a non "rivet counter" modeller that I am. The DG by the way is a lovely model and Oxford show another DG forecast for the end of the year. It will have drop sides like the S4/6. Too tempting by far, but with Christmas lurking then, well why not!

Tod