THE GLADIATOR

An ongoing project is the paintwork restoration of Burrell Showman’s engine ‘The Gladiator’. Undertaken so far are two stints – one in 2020 lining the front wheels and front axles, and one in 2025 to line the back wheels, tender, gear guards, toolbox and flywheel – with further stints planned for winter 2026 (belly tanks, lagging and motion cover) and 2027 (canopy). This restoration project predominantly utilises my skills of lining – all of which is undertaken traditionally: by hand, using no tape.

Lining

background & research

A well-known Showman’s engine throughout the West Country, there are a wealth of archival and enthusiast photographs of ‘The Gladiator’ which will provide invaluable when the stint signwriting the two canopy sides commemnces. For the lining stage, what proved most valuable was the uncovering of the historic lining on the front wheels: this confirmed the use of off-white as a line (added sometime after 1932 when the engine was sold from one showmen to another, Anderton & Rowland’s to T. Whitelegg & Sons) and it felt important to include this in the paintwork restoration. This uncovering also allowed the measuring of the lining widths to ensure my work was produced with historical accuracy.

the process

Completed across a series of stints, the lining is being undertaken to compliment the ongoing restoration and upkeep of ‘The Gladiator’. A colour palette of 23.5 carat gold leaf, black and red (with the addition of off-white on the wheels) is being used.

Notable points include the gilding of the rivets on the wheels – using loose gold leaf – and adjusting the lining to factor in the repaired spoke – which was broken during World War 1 – on one of the back wheels.