This summer, steam enthusiasts will have a rare chance to see an original Devon waggon in action. Derek and Louise Gransden are taking Sentinel Waggon 8850, affectionately known as “The Lion”, on an extraordinary journey through Devon, marking the vehicle’s first return to its original working area since the 1950s.
Built in 1933 by Sentinel Waggon Works in Shrewsbury, 8850 was ordered by the Devon Trading Co. Ltd of Bideford and delivered that October. Now restored to its original chocolate brown livery with bright yellow lettering, the 7-ton steam waggon with 24” drop sides ran between the company’s dozen branches.
During the Second World War, 8850 remained in constant service and later moved across the county to the Teignmouth Quay Company, where it worked shunting railway trucks alongside Sentinel steam tractor No. 5644 “The Elephant.” It was there that it earned the enduring nickname “The Lion.”
Now fully restored and maintained by Derek Gransden, The Lion is returning to Devon for the first time in over 70 years, visiting key historic and transport events across the region in July and August 2025, including:
– Historic Vehicle Gathering, Powderham Castle (12–13 July)
– Somerset Steam and Country Show, Low Ham (18–20 July)
– Boconnoc Steam Fair (25–27 July)
– Yealmpton Agricultural Show (30 July)
– Torbay Steam Rally, Brixham (1–3 August)
– North Devon Festival of Transport, Bideford (10 August)
– SS Freshspring, Bideford (12 August)
– Woody Bay Station, Lynton and Barnstaple (13 August)
– Bideford Heritage Railway (17 August)
– Honiton Rally (23–25 August)
“Bringing The Lion back to Devon after more than 70 years is something really special for us, particularly as we live in Kent. We’re especially looking forward to taking it back to places where it originally worked, like Teignmouth Quay and Bideford. Hopefully it will be an opportunity to connect with people who may be able to share some history with us. We hope steam lovers and locals alike will come and see it” – Derek Gransden, owner and restorer of Sentinel 8850 “The Lion”
Can You Help Keep The Lion Roaring?
Steam engines run on more than enthusiasm, they run on coal, and lots of it! Derek and Louise are currently looking for coal sponsors to help fuel The Lion’s 2025 Devon Adventure. Whether you’re a local business, heritage supporter, or just a fan of steam, every bag of coal counts and helps keep this iconic Sentinel rolling.
Follow The Lion’s journey on Facebook:
facebook.com/Sentinel8850TheLion
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