User:Steamscenes/Burrell Steam Wagons Sandbox

Charles Burrell produced their first steam wagon, an undertype in 1901 which they called a "Steam Lurry". It appears however that this experimental engine never went into production, not given a works number and was retained for use by the company for ferrying goods between Thetford railway station and the St Nicholas works. A half scale replica of the lorry has been built during preservation.

It was not until 1908 that they made a serious attempt to enter what was now a growing and well established market with four experimental wagons which were completed in 1911.

[The prototype wagon]

The Burrell wagons generally followed the design followed by market leader Fodens of Sandbach and several revisions were produced when Fodens had established an improved design. Once full production was underway the company sold 113 overtype steam wagons between 1911 and 1928.

Showmans Road Locomotives
Two wagons supplied were sold new to fairground amusement caterers and fitted with a dynamo and full showman's fittings, works numbers 3843 "The Lion" and 3883 "Electra". In 1939 3883 was destroyed in a Nazi bombing raid on Plymouth.

The company's steam wagons were never serious competitors to rivals Foden, whose product was much better regarded and sold in vast numbers compared to Burrell.

[survivors]

A complete Burrell wagon did not survive into preservation, however parts of at least 3 were retained.