James Spooner II

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)

 

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.

 

I never noticed that! What a marvellous word...!

 

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...).

 

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?

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!

 

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.