3884 GLADIATOR - Built 1921 - Fred Gray of Hampstead - Survived
This engine was supplied to Fred Gray of Hampstead in March 1921 for his new set of Scenic Motors. She was originally named I WONDER and later renamed GLADIATOR. By the 1930s the Scenic Ride was out of fashion but the engine continued to be used with the Ark and Autodrome. The engine travelled London fairs until the early 1950's. The canopy was ordered 6 inches lower than normal to pass under London bridges. They always had pride of place at the Hampstead Heath Holiday Fairs. The canopy was lettered Fred Gray's Steam Yachts". The engine was owned by Hardwicks of West Ewell before being sold on to Edgar Shone of Cricklewood. She passed through two more owners before being sold in 1988 to Sandy Bay World of Country Life, Exmouth. There she was fitted with a new firebox but otherwise she was in a good mechanical condition. She was given a full repaint at that time. Gladiator has Lord Lascelles front axle. The original axle broke whilst returning from East Rayham, Norfolk with Jack Shuttlewood. The axle from Lord Lascelles was swopped, this work was carried out at the roadside. Gladiator has the opposite number of rivets on its rear wheel spokes to Lord Lascelles.. 5 rivets on the near side, and 4 on the off side. Both engines were owned by Grays and it is possible their rear wheels were mixed up one winter when the engines were repainted. Gladiator was built with both wheels with 4 rivets per spoke.
Click on this link to see Lord Lascelles and Gladiator generating at the 1932 Hamstead fair (Pathe News) beginning and 2.11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmHwOLajH1I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmHwOLajH1I
Under ownership of Mr E Shone, The Crown, Cricklewood, 21st of July, 1955. Roof being rebuilt.
When owned by E Shone (see plate on auxiliary dynamo stand) photo Barry Finch
Purchased by Sandy Bay World of Country Life, Exmouth in 1988
Photo Steam Scenes