We are thrilled to announce that one of our most spectacular displays at Oundle Vintage Festival 2026 will be the mighty Nero, a 1915 Burrell 5 NHP Showman’s Road Locomotive (works No. 3669, reg. G 6470). This is not just any steam engine, it brings with it a rich history and guaranteed appeal to both steam enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Originally built in 1915 by Charles Burrell & Sons in Thetford, Nero was supplied new to the celebrated Bostock & Wombwell Travelling Circus and Menagerie. The engine was reportedly named after one of the circus’s lions, a fitting tribute to its showman heritage. Over the years Nero has hauled loads across the length and breadth of Britain, from Glasgow down to Cornwall, faithfully serving the circus and contributing to its operations.
What Makes Nero Special? As a showman’s road locomotive, Nero was built not just to haul, but to help power fairs and entertainment setups. These specialised engines typically featured a built-in dynamo (to generate electricity for lighting and rides), a full-length canopy to protect wiring and crew, and decorative flourishes in keeping with the fairground aesthetic. Nero is a 5 NHP (nominal horsepower) engine, with compound cylinders producing modest in power compared to scenic giants, but perfectly suited to the shows and side-shows of its day.
Though many showman’s engines have been lost to time, Nero remains in preservation and continues to make appearances at steam rallies and fairs, and today it is a star among a small number of surviving Burrell showman engines.
What to Expect at the Festival? At OVF 2026, Nero will be part of our steam display lineup, offering visitors a chance to see a genuine working piece of showman heritage up close. Whether you are a steam buff or simply curious. We cannot wait to welcome Nero to Oundle on May 16th 2026 and we hope it will form one of the most memorable attractions in our gathering of vintage vehicles and historic machinery. Stay tuned for updates on its presentation, timingd, and where to find it during the Festival.
