4" Fowler B6 Showmans Engine

On seeing a 4" Fowler Showmans the initial assumption is its one of the Plastows R3 designs, however look again and you will see this is a somewhat different and considerably bigger engine being based on the largest of Fowlers road loco offerings a B6. Also look past the now somewhat tired paint work and you will see underneath is an exceptionally well built and mechanically sorted engine.

Believed to be one of a batch of the 3 engines built in the late 1990s this is one of those engines you jump on and can just feel the quality of workmanship, although 30 years old it still runs beautifully and doesn't feel at all its age or mechanically tired. After cleaning off the top works underneath revealed a chrome plated motion, a sign that the build had little expense spared. I try to be a little reserved with my descriptions normally but this is genuinely a lovely engine and hope people can see that with a new paintjob this would be one of the finest and rarest engines on the rallyfield.

If you have watched the videos you will hear the exhaust note is slightly unusual for a Fowler Road Loco, this is because the engine has been built as a double-high rather than compound. This makes for an effortlessly powerful and easy to drive engine, open the regulator and she will pull away at any crank position. After driving the engine around the yard for most of the afternoon the double-high arrangement makes for a lot of sense with the only real downside being slightly increased water usage over a compound.

The boiler was built by well known builder Harry Holt and pre-dates CE marking requirements, it has been tested under the Model Engineering club scheme for its life and had a hydraulic and steam test in June this year under the scheme. We have put a thickness meter over the engine and despite its age looks to be in remarkably good condition, the firebox crown is giving readings over 7mm so if looked after properly will give plenty of years service. Once hot the engine is free-steaming, the deep firebox means you can run a thick fire, Water feed is through a crank driven pump and injector. The working pressure is 150psi, however the engine will still drive around comfortably at lower pressures, one of the other benefits of being double-high.

With some time and a few touch-ups here and there (maroon paint included) and a good polish the engine is more than presentable however personally we think a re-paint is due. The canopy requires some work with new sign boards required, new timber is supplied for these as well as a set of LED bulbs.

Overall this is an excellent winter project for someone, especially someone who is a dab hand with a paint brush. The engine is a real head-turner and I am sure being a rare model will get you in to almost any rally.

Despite being a bit of project we are selling the engine the same as our ready to rally offerings with a full set of firing irons, extension chimneys, coal, oil and a days tuition included in the sale. The riding trolley shown in the pictures under the canopy is also included but could do with some love. UK delivery and export available if required and as always we are happy to consider and steam and vintage vehicles part exchange where possible. The engine is also road registered.

On a rally field full of Burrells (lets be honest there's loads of them), we are sure this lovely Fowler wont hang around for long so please do not hesitate to get in touch or contact us for further information.