Showman's road locomotive

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Night-time view of showman's engines, at the (Great Dorset Steam Fair, 2007)
Night-time view of showman's engines, at the (Great Dorset Steam Fair, 2007)
The Iron Maiden a preserved Showman's Engine
The Iron Maiden a preserved Showman's Engine

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. 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. This was used to generate electricity to illuminate various fairground rides. Motion of the rides was normally provided by belt drive from the locomotive's flywheel.

John Fowler & Co. was one of many manufacturers of these vehicles, which became popular in Britain and America the latter half of the 19th Century, and are still seen operating much as in their original role today, at steam fairs and similar events around the country.