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James Spooner II

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by FairlieSquarelie, Dec 4, 2016.

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  1. Masterbrew

    Masterbrew New Member

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    James Spooner was open-cab when built. The wagon-top boiler was fitted in 1906, replacing the parallel boiler fitted in 1888. A taper-boiler (visually similar to wagon-top), open-cab loco would therefore be a mix of periods. Full info attached.

    https://www.festipedia.org.uk/wiki/James_Spooner_(Locomotive)
     
    Masterbrew, Jan 3, 2017
    #21
  2. clam1952

    clam1952 New Member

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    If the original was still in existence, it would probably by now have a tapered boiler plus other modifications anyway, the idea I assume is to get a usable locomotive for current requirements not a museum piece to pacify the rivet counters. ;)
     
    clam1952, Jan 3, 2017
    #22
    LesterBrown likes this.
  3. andrewshimmin

    andrewshimmin Well-Known Member

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    I never noticed that! What a marvellous word...!
     
    andrewshimmin, Jan 3, 2017
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  4. andrewshimmin

    andrewshimmin Well-Known Member

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    Indeed so, and quite right too. In which case, why not a new name like with DLG? James Spooner, although a fine engineer, was already honoured with the lost loco, and has little name recognition. I think reusing the old name just adds more confusion to a fleet already very confused (three Taliesins, one of which had three names, two Earls, two Mountaineers...).
     
    andrewshimmin, Jan 3, 2017
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  5. MuzTrem

    MuzTrem Member

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    I must admit, I thought it was an odd choice to revive an old name now, when two new Fairlies have already been built with new names. I can't help wondering whether the James Spooner name is just a cover, and a surprise new name will be unveiled when the engine is finished. Trouble is, if that's the plan then I've blown it now, haven't I? :p

    If I were the FfR then Alan Pegler would have been my choice. If any figure in the history of the FfR deserves to have his name on the side of a loco, he does. But I'm not the FfR so it's not for me to say!
     
    MuzTrem, Jan 3, 2017
    #25
    Miff, paullad1984, black5 and 1 other person like this.
  6. andrewshimmin

    andrewshimmin Well-Known Member

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    Yes, that would be my choice too. You could fit the loco with magnificent sideburns at each end...
    I'm surprised that at least they didn't run a consultation or ballot. The RERPS used it to raise donations.
     
    andrewshimmin, Jan 3, 2017
    #26
    paullad1984 likes this.
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