Robey Showmans Tractor

On behalf of the owners we are pleased to offer for sale the unique and charming Robey Showmans tractor “Bathsheba.” Presented in very good condition this delightful engine is a proven and reliable performer having been a regular sight on the roads of East Anglia being driven to most events under her own steam.

An excellent engine on the road she averages 8mph throughout the day and is impressively powerful. 2 speed, Sprung all round and on rubbers “Bathsheba” rides well and is a comfortable engine to be on. The large boiler makes her an easy engine to manage and is particularly free steaming on the road and belt driving rides.

In the 1980s the engine underwent an extensive restoration including new tender, gearing, firebox, tubeplate and boiler barrel. After restoration the engine had very little use until being purchased by the current owners in 2007 who have looked after her well. The boiler is reported to be in very good condition with many trouble-free years of steaming expected ahead, copies of the boiler reports are available to genuinely interested parties.

The Robey has caused much interest and discussion since being advertised for sale and new information has come to light which now confirms the engine was not used in its current Showmans form as originally believed from previous research. The engine was converted from a Tractor into her current guise in the 1960s, as such the asking price has been adjusted to reflect its history.

The extensive research collated by Tony Brown on the Robey engines used by West Amusements will be included with the sale still, although 41492 turns out not to be the engine referred to by the original accounts it still provides many hours of interesting reading and is an exemplary example of traction engine research and dedication to history. As a historian I am sure this new information would of delighted Mr Brown to have a final answer to the history surrounding the engine.

For further information or to arrange a viewing please do not hesitate to contact us, the engine is located at our premises near Sudbury, Suffolk. Part exchange of all steam and vintage vehicles considered where possible and finance is available through our specialist partners