Template:Featured picture/April 2009

Little Wonder was the first Double Fairlie locomotive built for the FR. It was designed by Robert Francis Fairlie and built by the Fairlie Engine and Steam Carriage Company Limited. The success of this this locomotive enabled the FR to avoid having to double the line. It ran trials against the England engines which were witnessed by many foreign emissaries. The publicity this gave Fairlie persuaded him to grant the FR the right to build future locomotives of this type without having to pay him for the patent rights. The photo shows Charles Easton Spooner in top hat, son Percy on right hand front footplate. The person at left may possibly be William Williams, but if so, he has no beard. Photo credit: FR Archives Recently featured: David Lloyd George – 87 – The Boat's first passenger trip