1932 Fowler 10hp B6 Showman’s Road Locomotive ‘The Lion’
Purpose-built for Britain’s traveling fairgrounds, showman’s road locomotives were steam-powered traction engines designed to both haul heavy rides and equipment from town to town and generate the electricity needed to operate them once on site.
Fowler’s 10hp B6 “Super Lion” series represented the pinnacle of this concept. Only four were built between 1932 and 1934, with this example named The Lion.
Developed with input from former Burrell personnel, the B6 introduced several departures from traditional Fowler practice. Left-hand steering replaced the usual right-hand controls to ease the transition for Burrell customers.
These compound locomotives featured three-speed gearing, oil-bath spring gear, twin solid rear tires with a single front tire, gear-driven pumps, Pickering governors, rim brakes, and large front-mounted water tanks for extended operation. A winding drum with 75 yards of cable enabled them to power carousels, swing boats, and other mechanical rides.
Weighing around 20 tons (44,700 lbs / 20,300 kg) in working order, The Lion was an immense machine. Elaborate brass fittings, twisted pillars for awning support, and decorative paintwork distinguished these showman’s engines from utilitarian road locomotives.
The specialized design reflected the unique demands of traveling fairground operators who required reliable, portable power sources capable of both road haulage and stationary operation at entertainment venues throughout Britain.
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