Oxford Diecast 76FB6001

Fowler B6 Showmans Locomotive The Lion Anderton & Rowland

00 Gauge

This famous West Country showman troupe is a firm favourite with fairground enthusiasts and this new addition to the Oxford range sees a fine replica of one of Anderton & Rowland's most famous steam vehicles – ‘The Lion'. Resplendent in the crimson, black and gold colour scheme, the locomotive is replicated as powering the Super Noah's Ark ride, one of the popular rides of the period, as part of A & R's Paramount Shows. Anderson & Rowland purchased their first Burrell in 1904 and between then and 1934, they added twelve to their fleet, including ‘the Lion' which was one of the last to come out of the Hunslet, Leeds Fowler works. The 1930s were seeing a decline in the use of steam locomotives on the roads but Fowler's had been asked by Sidney Harrison of Burrells to make a final four Super Lion vehicles featuring all the sophisticated elements which had made the B6 so desirable. One of these was for Anderton & Rowland and their Fowler B 6 Super Lion ‘The Lion' was delivered to St David's Station, Exeter and its immediate task was to drive the Ark at the Easter Fair, where the locomotive and its driver Dicky Davies drew a lot of attention.

Registered UB 9763, the model features the usual high level of technical and artistic detail collectors have come to expect on our Showman replicas. The crimson and black body is offset by the dark grey roof with bright red underside. Much of the lettering is printed in gold and round the roof this is enhanced with dropped shadow work. The nameplate on the side identifies it as Anderton & Rowland Amusement Caterers of Bristol, alongside the vehicle name. The Lion and the A & R details are also printed on the front. The wheels are finished in the same crimson body colour with gold detail to spokes and wheel surrounds. Note too the outer wheel surfaces have a rough textured finish, resulting in a realistic worn appearance.