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v2320 Sentinel DG4 Steam Wagon (with bus body)
Built 1932
Works No.8714
Reg No. KG 1132
This is a unique opportunity to acquire a fully operational steam bus, approved by the Department of Transport with a Certificate of
Fitness to Run to carry fare paying passengers.
Sentinel DG4 No.8714 was built at the Sentinel Works in Shrewsbury in 1932 as a flat back steam lorry and was sold to the Cardiff
Gas Light and Coke Company and worked for them in and around Cardiff until the 14th September 1949 when she was sold to the
Wales Gas Board. By 1954, the wagon was out of use and laid up.
She was discovered by the Irishman Mr W.E. Curran of Curran Hauliers of Clonmel and considered to be ideal for the experiment of
conversion to burn peat. A “Mona Jet” peat burner was installed and the wagon worked successfully in Ireland for ten years. 8714
once again became redundant and was repatriated to England in the early 1970’s, where it underwent a full restoration and attended
many rallies of the north of the country in the hands of several owners.
The wagon was purchased by the present owners in 2002 with a view to convert it to a steam bus. Since there are no original buses in
existence, considerable research was undertaken to re create an authentic looking body using works photographs. In total, only four
Sentinel steam buses were built (all using the DG4 chassis). This replica body was built by the Appleby Heritage Centre and was based
closely on the original built by E. & T. Hora of Peckham, London.
To be eligible to carry fare paying customers, the vehicle had to fulfill all the stringent requirements of the DOT including a tilt test
before a certificate was granted - the process taking four years.
In 2002/3 the wagon received a complete boiler overhaul, which involved the replacement of the bottom flange of the outer boiler
shell - this work was carried out by Israel Newton of Bradford, supervised by boiler inspector John Glaze. No other boiler work was
required until 2010 when a water tube developed a pin hole. At this stage it was decided to carry out a re tube followed by a full ten
yearly hydraulic inspection. The work was carried out by George Hudson, again supervised by John Glaze and the bus was returned to
steam in October 2010.
In 2006, the first year of the full Operator’s licence, the steam bus ran a service four days per week in Bowness, Windermere. In the
period Easter to the October Half term, total revenue from fares was over £30k. The owners decided to discontinue this service for
2007 as it did not fit with their lifestyle. In subsequent years, the bus has been engaged in Private Hire, often running park and ride
for steam rallies, fetes and other public events, as well as weddings, family and hotel parties.
This finely presented wagon is in excellent mechanical shape and will cruise happily all day at 25-30 mph and if pushed has a top
speed of 45-50 mph. This very versatile vehicle comes with a current boiler certificate. This vehicle is subject to VAT but it will be
noted that the guide price has been adjusted to accommodate this.
Estimate £110,000 - £120,000
All lots are sold strictly as seen without warranty, purchasers are urged to satisfy themselves
prior to the sale as to the condition of each lot and whether the lot accords with its description. 57