Meccano Showman's Traction Engine

This traction engine (or road locomotive) is a my slightly modified version of Meccano’s Showman’s Traction Engine (Model No. 10.15) from 1971. They were commonly used by traveling circuses in Great Britain in the early 1900s for hauling wagons and animal cages, and to provide electrical power for amusement rides and lighting. They were coal-fired, steam-driven and included a dynamo (electrical generator). Many of them were scrapped but many also survived into preservation. The model includes an electric motor for driving the rear wheels, crankshaft, piston and valve rods, and the flywheel for the generator. Steering for the front wheels is provided through a worm gear and chain drive. The model is about 32 inches long.