Matchbox Yesteryear Billy Smart's Coronation Amusements Showman's Engine NEW

In the late 19th century the Smart family operated a horse drawn removals firm. Billy Smart was born in 1894 and at the age of 15 he was put in charge of a hand operated roundabout at a funfair in Slough. By the age of 20 he had set himself up as a fairground proprietor and by 1939 had built up one of the largest travelling fairs in the UK. He purchased a big top tent from Coadys Circus and the Billy Smarts New World Circus made its debut in 1946. As the circus expanded the amusement business continued until 1951.

The Fowler engine number 10302 'Norah' was an A5 type built in 1908 and was purchased by Billy Smart in 1937 from J. Botton of Farnborough.

This being coronation year of King George V1 the engine was painted in the livery of 'Coronation Amusements'. The engine was used for demolition work in London during 1941 and was sold in 1945. It did not survive to the present day.
The Fowler A5 Showman's Engine weighed over 13 tons and was powered by a two cylinder compound engine developing 55hp. These vehicles would haul up to 4 trailers between fairgrounds and were then used to generate electricity for the rides using the dynamo fitted above the smoke box.

Models of Yesteryear - Billy Smart's Coronation Amusements - Contains: Vehicle - For Adult Collectors - Matchbox 1996

There is some wear on the edges and corners of the box. The vehicle is in great condition. Vehicle has only been removed for photos.