Close-up of the electricity dynamo on a Burrell Showmans Road Locomotive, 2342 on display at the Ramsgate Harbour Steam event
Close-up of the electricity generator on a Burrell Showmans Road Locomotive, 2342 on display at the Ramsgate Harbour Steam event Burrell Showmans Road Locomotive, 2342 "The Vanguard" - Built in 1900. A Showman's road locomotive or showman's engine is a steam-powered road-going 'locomotive' designed to provide power and transport for a travelling fair or circus. Similar to other road-going traction engines, showman's engines were normally distinguished by the addition of a full-length canopy, a dynamo mounted in front of the chimney, and brightly coloured paintwork with ornate decorations. The dynamo was used to generate electricity to illuminate and power various fairground rides. Although originally the ride's motion was powered by an internal steam engine, some later rides were driven direct from the showman's engine via a belt drive. Showman's road locomotives were built in varying sizes, from relatively small 5, 6 and 7 NHP engines, right up to large 8 or 10 NHP engines. Probably the most popular design was the Burrell 8NHP single-crank compound design. These engines had a nominal weight from 5 ton upto 22 tons plus. Charles Burrell & Sons of Thetford, Norfolk were builders of steam traction engines, agricultural machinery, steam trucks and steam tram engines. The companies origin's went back to 1770. They were members of the Agricultural & General Engineers combine.
Size: 2704px × 4064px
Location: Ramsgate Harbour, Ramsgate, Kent.
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 1900, dynamo, historic, ramsgate
