Showman's engines were road locomotives or steam tractors adapted for the use of showmen. A large belt driven dynamo was fitted on a bracket to the front of the engine and a belt went around the dynamo pulley and the engines flywheel, providing the power to run and light the fairground. The engines were also used to tow the rides between venues and to erect the rides using a crane jib, which could be fitted to the back of the engine. Nowadays, these engines are fitted with brightly coloured lights and some still generate power for fairground rides and organs at steam rallies.

Road locomotives are large and powerful traction engines and were designed for hauling massive loads of up to 100 tons on long journeys on public highways. They had faster gearing and were better sprung to add speed. An extra water tank was fitted under the boiler so that greater distances could be travelled between water stops. These engines were also available with a crane jib fitted to the front.

Below is a selection of exhibits from this year's event. Click on an image to view larger picture with engine details.
Pictures courtesay of Mark Worbey, Pete Gray, Clive Flack and Alan Nash