Founded as Ally & MacLellan, Glasgow in 1875 and then later known as the Sentinel Wagon Works Ltd, the company went through various place and name changes until in 1957 Sentinel (Shrewsbury) Ltd was obtained by Rolls-Royce. At that time Sentinel were producing steam locomotives and lorries, but the manufacturing of these vehicles ceased in 1958. In 1959, Sentinel produced a prototype diesel shunter which was operated on the military controlled Shropshire & Montgomeryshire Railway. In total 17 were produced and operated quite successfully during that year.

The Hornby 0-6-0 Sentinel is a recently tooled model and a perfect addition to any small or industrial layout. The model is 6 pin DCC ready allowing for digital operation. The London Transport model features some enhanced detailing such as dumb buffers, NEM pocket covering plates and a prototypical trip cock by the wheelset.