Burrell Showman's - Dragon 'Diving Dolphins' Direct Exclusive

Exclusive to Corgi Direct. Please note, this item is not due for release until mid-September 2012

Burrell 8nhp Showman's Scenic Road Locomotive No 3912, Dragon, Reg No 4485 was built during 1921-22 for the well known West Country Amusement caterers of Anderton & Rowland. They had her delivered to Plymouth in early February ready for the forthcoming travelling season. Dragon was put to work with the Scenic Golden Dragon ride, accompanied by the Burrells Earl Beatty and Lord Nelson. The road locomotives were used to haul and power the ride, and were a great advert for the company on the roads of the West Country whilst on route to the various fairs.

Over the years the Scenic Golden Dragon ride was modernised and for the 1928 season the Dragon cars were returned to Ortons to be rebuilt with new heads and large tails turning them into huge sea serpents. This lead to the ride being re-named as Anderton & Rowlands Diving Dolphins.

During the winter of 1932/3 the Burrells Dragon & Earl Beatty were taken to the Fowler works at Leeds for a general overhaul and were re-painted in crimson lake with red wheels and all lined out in gold and looked as good as new when they left the Fowlers works. In the winter of 1935/6 the Diving Dolphin ride was again returned to Ortons at Burton on Trent and re-built as the Brookland Racer with the Dolphin cars being replaced by eight streamlined sports cars, complete with head and tail lights and a great deal of chromium-plating. Again the loco Dragon was re-lettered this time Anderton & Rowlands Brookland Racers.

Now owned by Mr Tom Chamberlain of Farcet, Peterborough and exhibited by Mr Bill Gale, Dragon is a regular exhibitor at The Great Dorset Steam Fair.

Limited Edition of only 500 pieces.

• Scale:  1:50