Kit Nos. STC 4  and STC 6

Sentinel STC 4/40  27ft bus  Sentinel STC 6/44 30ft bus

The 1948 Commercial Motor Show saw the introduction of a new name in bus manufacturers – Sentinel.
The initial prototype of the SB4/40 bus was completed by Beadle and appeared at Earls Court in Western National livery and became 2006 (HOD 57). Meanwhile (EUJ 792) had appeared as a demonstrator in June 1948 and after six months was sold to Salopia Saloon Coaches.

Sentinel was certainly the star of the show in 1948 and even more surprising was the appearance of a third demonstrator in Ribble livery.2722(CRN 211). Ribble at the time was one of the largest bus companies in the British Isles and being based in Preston traditionally a customer of Leyland Motors. However they were attracted to the idea of an underfloor single decker and felt that Leyland were being slow in offering such a design and also caused quite a stir when the Sentinel was introduced on a route which passed Leyland works.

In late 1949 it was decided to change the designation from SB4/40 to STC 4/40. The exact meaning of this is unclear but the brochures make regular use of the phrase `Sentinel Town & Country`. At the same time the 44 seat bus development became STC 6/44 indicating the use of a six cylinder engine and from this time almost all vehicles were assembled at Shrewsbury from parts supplied by Welsh Metal Industries. Ribble received a further five vehicles in October 1949 and full deliveries started in March 1950.

By 1951 the Sentinel had built up a history of unreliability from which it never recovered and although Ribble ordered a further 14 STC 6/44`s, they were ordering Leyland Royal Tiger`s by the hundred. From 1952 most were fitted with coach bodies and production finally ceased at the end of 1955.

References       Super Prestige Sentinel by Howie &  Mercer;  Venture Publications Classic Bus magazine No35  The Ribble Sentinels

STC 4

STC 6

The parts include:  Resin Body shell, Resin seating unit, resin axle keepers, steering wheel, glazing, rubber wheel and axle set. .

The kit may be completed in any order, but the following is suggested:

·         The main body parts may need cleaning in the aperture areas with a craft knife or small file

·         Unless the parts are handled excessively they do not need cleaning, sanding or any other abrasive action as this will do more harm than good.

·         If cleaning is needed use warm soapy water and rinse afterwards

·         Fit the keeper plates into axle slots, drill and fit steering wheel and column.

·         Cut axles to required length. The wheels are a push fit and may be put on the axles for painting purposes.

·         All parts are now ready for painting and this is a matter of choice  You may brush or spray and in either case a primer undercoat is recommended

·         Photographic reference is required to achieve the many and varied liveries

·         Most operators are listed below

·         Cut the glazing material to size and glue to the inside with a light contact adhesive (Kristal Klear or Bostik solvent free)

·         Fit body to completed seating and base unit

·         Fit axle through holes and push fit wheels

Specialist transfers are available from    Hunters Tryst Coachworks

6 Rosslyn Ave  Harold Wood   Romford    Essex RM3 0RQ   Tel 01708 344944 email foomf@btinternet.com 

General transfers are available from   Fox Transfers

4 Hill Lane Close Markfield Industrial Estate Leicestershire  LE67 9PN   Tel 01530 245618
                Email sales@fox-transfers.co.uk  Website www.fox-transfers.co.uk

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