Re: Ridgway Spark arrestors on D&S Locomotives

He had it right, Kevin.
The Ridgway Cinder Catcher was named for the head of the C&S Mechanical Department who developed the design for use on C&S engines in 1918.
The silly name "beartrap" came from a rambling photo caption in a book published in the 50's or early 60's, and for some reason, it stuck. No one who ever worked for the C&S RR would have had the slightest idea what anyone meant if they used the term "beartrap stack". Bear traps are for trapping bears.
I thought it was high comedy when the C&S NG Histerical Society (or whatever it was) called it's periodical publication "The Beartrap".
Anyway, the ill-fated imitation Ridgway designed cinder catchers used by the D&S for a few seasons were replaced with a newer and more traditional design that employs a water spray device on the screen. This new design has proven to be far more effective, and looks way better, too.