Template:Featured picture/June 2016
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The new James Spooner will be the seventh locomotive to be built by the Festiniog Railway Company in its own workshops at Boston Lodge and the seventh FR Double Fairlie. It takes its name from an original FR engine which was named after the company's first manager. It was announced in March 2016 that Earl of Merioneth was worn out and needed replacement and that the new double engine would be named James Spooner. The power bogies for the new loco, and some cab fittings will come from the Earl. The locomotive will feature a boiler the same as that which will replace Merddin Emrys's current boiler. This boiler will be built at Boston Lodge to a hybrid riveted/welded design. It is also planned that the locomotive will have a removable roof section, so it can be presented in the style of Merddin Emrys when new. So far some boiler components have been delivered. It is planned the locomotive will be complete in 2020, in time for the 150th anniversary of Little Wonder's trials of 1870.< Photo credit: User:Chrisjones |