Burrell Scenic Showmans Locomotive Dragon Anderton and Rowland

Burrell Scenic Showmans Locomotive Dragon Anderton and Rowland

Anderton & Rowland are one of the most famous and oldest names in Showman history, established in the West Country in the mid 1850s by Albert H Haslem, a variety artist, who teamed up with Professor Anderson, a conjuror.

After the Professor's death, Albert took on the stage name of Professor Anderton and toured the company with his magic show, eventually becoming Anderton & Rowland.

The manufacturers Charles Burrell and Sons of Thetford were well known for their steam engines and agricultural machinery, exporting all over the world.

The company, which had its heyday towards the end of the 19th Century, finally closed in 1928, having made over 5000 steam vehicles from their Norfolk base.

The intricately detailed model in crimson and gold with a white roof and registered CO 4485 would have been used to power the Anderton & Rowland 'Golden Dragons' ride, inscribed along one side just below the roof, while on the other side the lettering states it as being 'The Pride of the Fens'.

You can also see the vehicle name 'Dragon' printed just off centre on the main body of the locomotive. Some interesting printing on the front of the locomotive identifies it as being The Burrell Locomotive and round the edge is the name of W Chamberlin, Amusements Caterers, who must have had a finger in the pie somewhere in the business!