Narrow Gauge
BRITAIN’S NEWEST steam locomotive – double Fairlie James Spooner – was officially launched into traffic at the Ffestiniog Railway on October 20.
First announced in late March 2016, the 0 ‐ 4‐4-0T has been built to take the place in the FR’s running fleet of 1979-built double Fairlie Earl of Merioneth – the first full-size steam locomotive built in the preservation era – as the locomotive requires significant mechanical repairs before it can return to service. The new locomotive pays homage to the original James Spooner of 1872 and incorporates Victorian-era design features – specifically stovepipe chimneys, boiler-mounted bells, square sand boxes and an open cab – from the FR’s early double Fairlies, particularly 1879-built Merddin Emrys in its as-built form. James Spooner also features a new design of boiler, based on the welded design currently fitted to 1992-built double Fairlie David Lloyd George, albeit with a riveted foundation ring.
James Spooner’s official launch took place at Blaenau Ffestiniog in inclement conditions, featuring speeches from Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways chairman Dr John Prideaux and chief mechanical engineer Jon Whalley, while pupils from the nearby Ysgol Maenofferen performed a traditional Welsh song. The nameplates were then officially unveiled by Liz Saville-Roberts MP, the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Committee for Heritage Rail and Member of Parliament for Dwyfor Meirionnedd. James Spooner commenced pulling public passenger servi
