Sentinel Works No.9559

26/05/2026

13/04/2026

Since the last post, work has been focused on attaching the top of the cab onto the new bunker. There was a lot of twist and warp in the original bunker, an issue that hasn't been helped by the cab sitting off the engine for a prolonged period of time. Therefore, lots of bracing has been added to keep the cab in line and straight against the front section. After this Rob has welded the new bottom piece in place. This is attached to a strap which joins the gap between the bunker and cab.

10/03/2026

The Bunker Rebuild

Unfortunately the bunker was well beyond repair with several sections rotten through. Therefore the decision was made to build a new bunker in house over the past 6 months. This has allowed volunteers to gain many new skills such as improving welding techniques and riveting. The bunker is still a fair way from completion however all the major components are assembled giving a good idea of the final product.

24/02/2026

Whilst work on rebuilding the bunker continues - with life expired sections being replaced, but retaining as much of the original and possible.

Until our next full update here is an archive view of 9559 at work at its former home.

22/01/2026

05/01/2026

The new year has seen a lot of progress with the rebuild of the engine; The engine is quickly advancing to the state where it can be timed. Since our last post the engine has been completely dismantled and we are now in the final stages of its rebuild. Work has included an inspection of all the parts with polishing of the piston guides and cylinder bores, clean up of all the valves and refacing where appropriate, fabrication of new cylinder cladding and packing the stuffing boxes with new high pressure glad packing.
Elsewhere in the workshop Robert and Aaran have been repining the reverser mechanism ready for it to be used in timing the engine. Robert has also started painting the angles which support the gear change mechanism and the oil reservoir which feeds the the drive chains.

15/12/2025

One year ago today, volunteers of the North Tyneside Steam Railway started work on recently arrived Sentinel WN9559/53. The idea was for a quick restoration and over the past year progress on returning the engine to steam has been rapid. We would like to give a roundup of the last year, showing our work from the last few months as well as show where we are going in the new year.

This is our last update of the year and we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

19/10/2025

In the workshop, further painting and preparation of sentinel 9559 has taken place in order for it to make its first public appearance since 1994 at North Tyneside Steam Railway 's Rail 200 gala.

The Sentinel will be on public viewing alongside our guest engine "coffee pot", one of the oldest working steam engines in the world. The gala is set to be the biggest ever hosted with 7 steam, diesel and electric locomotives in action across a mixture of Passenger, Freight and Shunting duties.

Tickets can be bought through the link below:
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/north-shields/stephenson-steam-railway/north-tyneside-rail-200-gala/e-ereerd