2. Railways

60009 Union of South Africa

The former LNER class A4 pacific has been privately owned since 1966 and a regular performer on the main line from 1974. I joined the support crew at the beginning of 1990 and here are some memories from my involvement.
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  • Freshly overhauled A4 60009 carrying the name "Osprey" stands outside its shed at Thornton. The name "Union of South Africa" has been removed due to the political situation in South Africa. Osprey was the name originally allocated to this loco, 4488, when built in 1937. 30/3/1990.

    Freshly overhauled A4 60009 carrying the name "Osprey" stands outside its shed at Thornton. The name "Union of South Africa" has been removed due to the political situation in South Africa. Osprey was the name originally allocated to this loco, 4488, when built in 1937. 30/3/1990.

  • No9 is turned on the turntable which survived since the end of steam and is located in the north freight yard at Perth. 12/5/1990

    No9 is turned on the turntable which survived since the end of steam and is located in the north freight yard at Perth. 12/5/1990

  • On this day I was not part of the support crew. No9 takes a spin on Perth's turntable. The loco and tender weighs in at 168 tonnes and the table must be a good 4-5 tonnes and it does take some effort to get it all moving but then is becomes easier once on the move. 18/5/1990

    On this day I was not part of the support crew. No9 takes a spin on Perth's turntable. The loco and tender weighs in at 168 tonnes and the table must be a good 4-5 tonnes and it does take some effort to get it all moving but then is becomes easier once on the move. 18/5/1990

  • 60009 rests on a true steam shed, Carnforth. Behind the loco is the ash plant where loco ash would be dropped into small tubs that were then lifted up to be dropped into the structure. Then the ash would be dropped into wagons to be taken away for disposal. This is the last remaining ash plant and is now listed Grade 2*. A coaling tower also remains at Carnforth.

    60009 rests on a true steam shed, Carnforth. Behind the loco is the ash plant where loco ash would be dropped into small tubs that were then lifted up to be dropped into the structure. Then the ash would be dropped into wagons to be taken away for disposal. This is the last remaining ash plant and is now listed Grade 2*. A coaling tower also remains at Carnforth.

  • The view from the pit which has a load of ash dumped in it. Sadly the ash plant is no longer functional. No9 would run tender first later in the day to Skipton to pick up a north bound Cumbrian Mountain Express.

    The view from the pit which has a load of ash dumped in it. Sadly the ash plant is no longer functional. No9 would run tender first later in the day to Skipton to pick up a north bound Cumbrian Mountain Express.

  • On shed at Carlisle Upperby depot and the setting sun glints off the Osprey nameplate and casing. 25/8/1990

    On shed at Carlisle Upperby depot and the setting sun glints off the Osprey nameplate and casing. 25/8/1990

  • The panned shot that became the postcard. I believe John Cameron is driving as 60009 passes Easter Balgour between Forteviot and Dunning on the road from Perth to Stirling. The trip is a Forth Centennial Edinburgh to Perth via the Forth Bridge and Fife then back to Edinburgh via Stirling. 2/9/1990

    The panned shot that became the postcard. I believe John Cameron is driving as 60009 passes Easter Balgour between Forteviot and Dunning on the road from Perth to Stirling. The trip is a Forth Centennial Edinburgh to Perth via the Forth Bridge and Fife then back to Edinburgh via Stirling. 2/9/1990

  • No9 and coach sits in Perth's bay platform 5 in glorious sunshine. John Cameron had moved the loco clear of the shadows at the request of several photographers. The loco was working a semi private charter from Glasgow to Dalwhinnie and back. The tour was diesel hauled from Perth to Dalwhinnie and back while No9 laid over at Perth and turned and serviced. 8/9/1990

    No9 and coach sits in Perth's bay platform 5 in glorious sunshine. John Cameron had moved the loco clear of the shadows at the request of several photographers. The loco was working a semi private charter from Glasgow to Dalwhinnie and back. The tour was diesel hauled from Perth to Dalwhinnie and back while No9 laid over at Perth and turned and serviced. 8/9/1990

  • The RAF Leuchars Battle of Britain air show had a different exhibit in 1990 and here it is making its arrival. Having run tender first from Thornton No9 is pushed along the sharply curved branch into the base by one of the resident shunters.

    The RAF Leuchars Battle of Britain air show had a different exhibit in 1990 and here it is making its arrival. Having run tender first from Thornton No9 is pushed along the sharply curved branch into the base by one of the resident shunters.

  • The coach has been brought up from the exchange sidings. Aviation fuel and stores vans used the rail connection well into the 1990's. The loco footplate was available for a 20p donation and the whistle was heard all day. I was stationed at RAF Leuchars at the time and was working on the Phantom OCU that day, I went in and came out on the train and missed the road traffic. 22/9/1990

    The coach has been brought up from the exchange sidings. Aviation fuel and stores vans used the rail connection well into the 1990's. The loco footplate was available for a 20p donation and the whistle was heard all day. I was stationed at RAF Leuchars at the time and was working on the Phantom OCU that day, I went in and came out on the train and missed the road traffic. 22/9/1990

  • In 1991 we concocted a plan to rename and number the loco to a long scrapped sister, 60027 "Merlin" while the loco was running on the North wales coast in the August and September of that year. I was unable to make it and it was a great success heralded as "the best kept secret of 1991" by Steam Railway magazine. Back in Fife and the "7" transfer has been removed on the driver's side to reveal another long lost sister, 60029 "Woodcock".

    In 1991 we concocted a plan to rename and number the loco to a long scrapped sister, 60027 "Merlin" while the loco was running on the North wales coast in the August and September of that year. I was unable to make it and it was a great success heralded as "the best kept secret of 1991" by Steam Railway magazine. Back in Fife and the "7" transfer has been removed on the driver's side to reveal another long lost sister, 60029 "Woodcock".

  • The "Merlin" nameplate on the fireman's side. This was chosen as it was a Haymarket loco and at six letters the nameplate was the same size as the Osprey plate so no additional holes in the casing. Four nameplates were cast with two being carried and this one is mine, 38lbs of solid brass!

    The "Merlin" nameplate on the fireman's side. This was chosen as it was a Haymarket loco and at six letters the nameplate was the same size as the Osprey plate so no additional holes in the casing. Four nameplates were cast with two being carried and this one is mine, 38lbs of solid brass!

  • The fireman's cab side showing the number 60027. I made the transfers. Shortly afterwards we put the big "Union of South Africa" nameplates back on as the political situation in South Africa had improved greatly. 7/9/1991

    The fireman's cab side showing the number 60027. I made the transfers. Shortly afterwards we put the big "Union of South Africa" nameplates back on as the political situation in South Africa had improved greatly. 7/9/1991

  • 60009 with the big plates back on and highly polished stands on Perth's turntable. Earlier it had worked a VIP renaming special from Edinburgh to Dundee, Dr John Prideaux had unveiled the big plates at Waverley. On arrival at Dundee we left the stock and travelled light engine tender first to Perth to collect our coach and six SRPS coaches. The following day the loco was having a play day with several members of the InterCity chiefs having a shot driving the loco. 15/9/1991.

    60009 with the big plates back on and highly polished stands on Perth's turntable. Earlier it had worked a VIP renaming special from Edinburgh to Dundee, Dr John Prideaux had unveiled the big plates at Waverley. On arrival at Dundee we left the stock and travelled light engine tender first to Perth to collect our coach and six SRPS coaches. The following day the loco was having a play day with several members of the InterCity chiefs having a shot driving the loco. 15/9/1991.

  • In February 1992 we officially renamed and renumbered the loco into another long scrapped sister, this time it is 60004 "William Whitelaw". The occasion is the 150th anniversary of the E&GR, the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway. At Edinburgh Waverley the loco's nameplate was unveiled by Lord William Whitelaw who's father, also William Whitelaw, was a director of the LNER and had a loco named after him. Once again I made the number transfers.

    In February 1992 we officially renamed and renumbered the loco into another long scrapped sister, this time it is 60004 "William Whitelaw". The occasion is the 150th anniversary of the E&GR, the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway. At Edinburgh Waverley the loco's nameplate was unveiled by Lord William Whitelaw who's father, also William Whitelaw, was a director of the LNER and had a loco named after him. Once again I made the number transfers.

  • The nameplates were made of aluminium this time and Lord Whitelaw was presented with one at Edinburgh. 16/2/1992

    The nameplates were made of aluminium this time and Lord Whitelaw was presented with one at Edinburgh. 16/2/1992

  • This is at Newport in South Wales during a lengthy light engine and coach run from the Severn Valley Railway to Hereford ahead of a railtour. We ran to Worcester to turn then to Newport for water and onto to Hereford via Abergavenny. There is a shorter route via Ledbury but the tunnel has a restricted bore and No9 is out of gauge so we took the long way round. The loco carries a plate saying "Scottish Steam Specials". 24/4/1992

    This is at Newport in South Wales during a lengthy light engine and coach run from the Severn Valley Railway to Hereford ahead of a railtour. We ran to Worcester to turn then to Newport for water and onto to Hereford via Abergavenny. There is a shorter route via Ledbury but the tunnel has a restricted bore and No9 is out of gauge so we took the long way round. The loco carries a plate saying "Scottish Steam Specials". 24/4/1992

  • A private lunch charter stands on the Newburgh branch by Lindores Loch while the passengers tuck in. Posing in front of the engine is the late George Steel, Glasgow loco inspector and the then ScotRail Operations Manager George Wallace who was trying hide and avoid having lunch with the guests of Mr Cameron.....he failed!

    A private lunch charter stands on the Newburgh branch by Lindores Loch while the passengers tuck in. Posing in front of the engine is the late George Steel, Glasgow loco inspector and the then ScotRail Operations Manager George Wallace who was trying hide and avoid having lunch with the guests of Mr Cameron.....he failed!

  • The train stopped at Stirling for water and I left it here for whatever reason. John Cameron leans from the cab as the loco storms away from Stirling passing one of the impressive signal gantries. 30/8/1992

    The train stopped at Stirling for water and I left it here for whatever reason. John Cameron leans from the cab as the loco storms away from Stirling passing one of the impressive signal gantries. 30/8/1992

  • Driver "Wee " Pete Hutton and Inspector George Steel pose in the cab during a pathing stop at Montrose on the way to Aberdeen engine and coach. Pete was a Thornton driver and passed out to drive along with colleague Harry "Aber" Abercrombie, also of Thornton, in the 1990 crew training runs. Pete much preferred firing but they all swapped about and each had a shot. The engine was heading for Aberdeen for a week of celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the joint station. 1/11/1992

    Driver "Wee " Pete Hutton and Inspector George Steel pose in the cab during a pathing stop at Montrose on the way to Aberdeen engine and coach. Pete was a Thornton driver and passed out to drive along with colleague Harry "Aber" Abercrombie, also of Thornton, in the 1990 crew training runs. Pete much preferred firing but they all swapped about and each had a shot. The engine was heading for Aberdeen for a week of celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the joint station. 1/11/1992

  • No9 stands at Inverurie station on the former Great North of Scotland route from Aberdeen to Inverness. It hauls a special train from Aberdeen and back on the day 125 years ago that the Aberdeen Joint Station opened. The loco wears a wreath of poppies as it will be hauling a railtour south the following Sunday, Remembrance Day. 4/11/1992

    No9 stands at Inverurie station on the former Great North of Scotland route from Aberdeen to Inverness. It hauls a special train from Aberdeen and back on the day 125 years ago that the Aberdeen Joint Station opened. The loco wears a wreath of poppies as it will be hauling a railtour south the following Sunday, Remembrance Day. 4/11/1992

  • Aberdeen Yard and No9 and support coach stand ready for the railtour south later in the day. A trip that would not be without incident when the coal ran out and we ran back to Thornton from Inverkeithing on wood and a sleeper sticking out of the firebox door!! The story of that trip and others can be found here https://www.amazon.co.uk/60009-Union-South-Africa-Stories/dp/1445682753/ref=sr_1_2?crid=15GQTF9PCPDE4&dchild=1&keywords=60009 8/11/1992

    Aberdeen Yard and No9 and support coach stand ready for the railtour south later in the day. A trip that would not be without incident when the coal ran out and we ran back to Thornton from Inverkeithing on wood and a sleeper sticking out of the firebox door!! The story of that trip and others can be found here https://www.amazon.co.uk/60009-Union-South-Africa-Stories/dp/1445682753/ref=sr_1_2?crid=15GQTF9PCPDE4&dchild=1&keywords=60009 8/11/1992

  • In the run up to Christmas 1992 the SRPS organised two weekends of Santa Specials round the Fife Circle starting and ending in Edinburgh. On the second weekend 60009 is seen climbing past Hill of Beath on the Fife Circle, the line is climbing here at 1 in 100 and Cowdenbeath is a couple of miles away. 13/12/1992

    In the run up to Christmas 1992 the SRPS organised two weekends of Santa Specials round the Fife Circle starting and ending in Edinburgh. On the second weekend 60009 is seen climbing past Hill of Beath on the Fife Circle, the line is climbing here at 1 in 100 and Cowdenbeath is a couple of miles away. 13/12/1992

  • Carlisle Upperby shed is the setting for 60009 and sister loco 4498 "Sir Nigel Gresley". We are in steam ready to work a Cumbrian Mountain Express south later in the day. The Gresley crew are having a working weekend between trips for their engine. 22/5/1993

    Carlisle Upperby shed is the setting for 60009 and sister loco 4498 "Sir Nigel Gresley". We are in steam ready to work a Cumbrian Mountain Express south later in the day. The Gresley crew are having a working weekend between trips for their engine. 22/5/1993

  • Every six months mainline steam loco were inspected by "the men from the ministry". Sam Foster and Brian Penney were those men and I struggle to find appropriate words to describe them. Brian is the mechanical inspector and he was trained at Swindon, Sam is a Doncaster man and looks at the boiler. Two finer men you could not meet, both extremely knowledgeable and very keen to share their experience and knowledge. Sam once described the boiler as being so good "it could make steam burning wet bus tickets", he had a fantastic sense of humour. Both Brian and Sam received an enlarged copy of this photo. 29/9/1993

    Every six months mainline steam loco were inspected by "the men from the ministry". Sam Foster and Brian Penney were those men and I struggle to find appropriate words to describe them. Brian is the mechanical inspector and he was trained at Swindon, Sam is a Doncaster man and looks at the boiler. Two finer men you could not meet, both extremely knowledgeable and very keen to share their experience and knowledge. Sam once described the boiler as being so good "it could make steam burning wet bus tickets", he had a fantastic sense of humour. Both Brian and Sam received an enlarged copy of this photo. 29/9/1993

  • 60009 sits on the trailer of a low loader within the yard at Haig's behind the station at Markinch. Fortunately it is still rail connected to the branch to Tullis Russell's paper mill. We had been carrying out a valve and piston exam and we were in the process of putting the cylinder covers back on and Johnnie went to check the centre cylinder to make sure there was nothing left inside, what he did find was a large crack in the cylinder liner, oh poop! The loco is heading to Bridgnorth for repairs.

    60009 sits on the trailer of a low loader within the yard at Haig's behind the station at Markinch. Fortunately it is still rail connected to the branch to Tullis Russell's paper mill. We had been carrying out a valve and piston exam and we were in the process of putting the cylinder covers back on and Johnnie went to check the centre cylinder to make sure there was nothing left inside, what he did find was a large crack in the cylinder liner, oh poop! The loco is heading to Bridgnorth for repairs.

  • The tender is separated from the loco and will be loaded onto another lorry the next day. The journey south went via the Forth Road Bridge and in doing so it became the only steam loco to cross both Forth bridges! 17/5/1994

    The tender is separated from the loco and will be loaded onto another lorry the next day. The journey south went via the Forth Road Bridge and in doing so it became the only steam loco to cross both Forth bridges! 17/5/1994

  • The loco has been repaired and repainted and now carries the early BR crest and black nameplate. Here it takes water at Andover on a wet day that the loco worked a Waterloo, Salisbury, Southampton to Waterloo tour. This was the first time the loco had been south of the River Thames. After the tour the loco ran light to the Mid Hants Railway at Ropley. 22/1/1995

    The loco has been repaired and repainted and now carries the early BR crest and black nameplate. Here it takes water at Andover on a wet day that the loco worked a Waterloo, Salisbury, Southampton to Waterloo tour. This was the first time the loco had been south of the River Thames. After the tour the loco ran light to the Mid Hants Railway at Ropley. 22/1/1995

  • No9 rests on Ropley shed keeping company with BR Standard 76017, West Country pacific 34105 Swanage and USATC 3278. The tender is well loaded with coal ready for a railtour the following day. When we left the railway I drove the loco from Ropley to Alton, then we continued to Clapham Junction to stable for the night. 17/2/1995

    No9 rests on Ropley shed keeping company with BR Standard 76017, West Country pacific 34105 Swanage and USATC 3278. The tender is well loaded with coal ready for a railtour the following day. When we left the railway I drove the loco from Ropley to Alton, then we continued to Clapham Junction to stable for the night. 17/2/1995

  • Nick and Davy oil round at Exeter St Davids station before working a tour to London via the GWR main line. The previous day we had brought a tour from Clapham Junction to Exeter via the LSWR route through Salisbury. As we went about getting the loco ready, little did we know what the day would bring, it was a day never to be forgotten. Again the story is told here https://www.amazon.co.uk/60009-Union-South-Africa-Stories/dp/1445682753/ref=sr_1_2?crid=15GQTF9PCPDE4&dchild=1&keywords=60009 19/2/1995

    Nick and Davy oil round at Exeter St Davids station before working a tour to London via the GWR main line. The previous day we had brought a tour from Clapham Junction to Exeter via the LSWR route through Salisbury. As we went about getting the loco ready, little did we know what the day would bring, it was a day never to be forgotten. Again the story is told here https://www.amazon.co.uk/60009-Union-South-Africa-Stories/dp/1445682753/ref=sr_1_2?crid=15GQTF9PCPDE4&dchild=1&keywords=60009 19/2/1995

  • 60009 sits at Keighley station on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. The loco had been stabled here for a few months and was now booked to run engine and coach to Crewe via Derby. But first we had to go to Shipley to turn on the triangle. That movement was tender first whole way, on the return section we suffered two flashovers with the 25kV overhead wires. The second one tripped the system and all local electric trains were delayed by 30 minutes. It was thought the thick rubber cab sheet was lifting in the wind and got too close to the wires. Back at Keighley we removed the cab sheet which was made of part of a conveyor belt from a coal mine. Once it was removed the driver quipped "oh look, a sun roof!!" I was on the footplate when it occurred and the second one really made me jump. We did continue on to Crewe somewhat late. 12/7/1996

    60009 sits at Keighley station on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. The loco had been stabled here for a few months and was now booked to run engine and coach to Crewe via Derby. But first we had to go to Shipley to turn on the triangle. That movement was tender first whole way, on the return section we suffered two flashovers with the 25kV overhead wires. The second one tripped the system and all local electric trains were delayed by 30 minutes. It was thought the thick rubber cab sheet was lifting in the wind and got too close to the wires. Back at Keighley we removed the cab sheet which was made of part of a conveyor belt from a coal mine. Once it was removed the driver quipped "oh look, a sun roof!!" I was on the footplate when it occurred and the second one really made me jump. We did continue on to Crewe somewhat late. 12/7/1996

  • I look from the cab as the loco sits on the turntable within the National Railway Museum to turn during a tour from Peterborough to York and back. 5/10/1996

    I look from the cab as the loco sits on the turntable within the National Railway Museum to turn during a tour from Peterborough to York and back. 5/10/1996

  • Wansford shed on the Nene Valley Railway and No9 sits on the former Peterborough New England shed turntable. It should have been working a railtour but a voluntary ruling by ASLEF regarding steam workings has been supported by Derby men who were booked to crew the loco, so the tour ran diesel hauled. 23/11/1996

    Wansford shed on the Nene Valley Railway and No9 sits on the former Peterborough New England shed turntable. It should have been working a railtour but a voluntary ruling by ASLEF regarding steam workings has been supported by Derby men who were booked to crew the loco, so the tour ran diesel hauled. 23/11/1996

  • Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway and No9 drops down onto its train in the station. It will then work it to Bridgnorth during their Autumn Gala. 20/9/1997

    Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway and No9 drops down onto its train in the station. It will then work it to Bridgnorth during their Autumn Gala. 20/9/1997

  • 60009 crosses Victoria Bridge with the 1500 Kidderminster to Bridgnorth train. The impressive bridge carries the railway high above the River Severn and Arley station is a short distance away. 21/9/1997

    60009 crosses Victoria Bridge with the 1500 Kidderminster to Bridgnorth train. The impressive bridge carries the railway high above the River Severn and Arley station is a short distance away. 21/9/1997

  • 60009 has had its 7 year overhaul at Bridgnorth and is now running in. It has done several light engine trips to bed in the bearings and all moving parts and surfaces and now it is felt confident enough to give the loco a train to haul. This is the 1300 from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley Railway and this is Eardington Bank climbing at 1 in 100 with 8 on.

    60009 has had its 7 year overhaul at Bridgnorth and is now running in. It has done several light engine trips to bed in the bearings and all moving parts and surfaces and now it is felt confident enough to give the loco a train to haul. This is the 1300 from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley Railway and this is Eardington Bank climbing at 1 in 100 with 8 on.

  • The freshly overhauled A4 stands at Kidderminster having worked in from Bridgnorth. The loco has been fitted with an air pump for main line work. 10/8/2001

    The freshly overhauled A4 stands at Kidderminster having worked in from Bridgnorth. The loco has been fitted with an air pump for main line work. 10/8/2001

  • Colin stands in the cab talking to the footplate crew. He, myself and John spend two days cleaning the loco in preparation for the 2001 SVR Autumn Steam Gala. The loco is about to head for Kidderminster light to use the turntable. 21/9/2001

    Colin stands in the cab talking to the footplate crew. He, myself and John spend two days cleaning the loco in preparation for the 2001 SVR Autumn Steam Gala. The loco is about to head for Kidderminster light to use the turntable. 21/9/2001

  • No9 has come off its train and is running round, the driver looks back as he slowly moves the loco backwards. 22/9/2001

    No9 has come off its train and is running round, the driver looks back as he slowly moves the loco backwards. 22/9/2001

  • Northwood Junction is located just north of Bewdley station and is where the former Cleobury Mortimer line diverged from the SVR. We are in fact standing on its formation as it dropped away from the Bewdley to Bridgnorth line. Passing by is No9 with the 1415 from Bridgnorth made up of GWR stock. 23/9/2001

    Northwood Junction is located just north of Bewdley station and is where the former Cleobury Mortimer line diverged from the SVR. We are in fact standing on its formation as it dropped away from the Bewdley to Bridgnorth line. Passing by is No9 with the 1415 from Bridgnorth made up of GWR stock. 23/9/2001

  • 461-24

    461-24

    No 9 stands at London Victoria, platform 2 at the head of the VSOE British Pullman train for the very first time standing in for 4472 Flying Scotsman which was indisposed on a low loader in a muddy field in Derbyshire!! The trip was a circular Surrey Hills tour. That's me kneeling bottom left. 31/5/2002

  • Back at Stewarts Lane depot after the run and the loco is about to go and turn. The shunter speaks with the footplate crew. 31/5/2002

    Back at Stewarts Lane depot after the run and the loco is about to go and turn. The shunter speaks with the footplate crew. 31/5/2002

  • No9 heads back to Kidderminster and pauses at Moreton on Marsh due to a Thames Turbo unit failing ahead of us on the single line section. I think we took water here. Alun Rees and Richard Kempton walk towards me. The working is 5Z89 1030 from Stewarts Lane. 1/6/2002

    No9 heads back to Kidderminster and pauses at Moreton on Marsh due to a Thames Turbo unit failing ahead of us on the single line section. I think we took water here. Alun Rees and Richard Kempton walk towards me. The working is 5Z89 1030 from Stewarts Lane. 1/6/2002

  • The loco cools down on Bridgnorth shed the day after we returned from London. 2/6/2002

    The loco cools down on Bridgnorth shed the day after we returned from London. 2/6/2002

  • A sunny afternoon at Scarborough after the loco worked a tour from Kings Cross. Originally it was booked to go to Cleethorpes, then it was changed to Scunthorpe and we ended up in Scarborough. We are relaxing with a cup of tea after the loco had been turned and serviced. We had a great run down the ECML with the loco getting up in the mid 80's a few times. On the return run to Doncaster, where we were booked to come off, we were held on the Scarborough branch outside of York due to problems on the mainline caused by a thunder storm. We got into York station and was offered a path ahead of a GNER train if we could get to Doncaster in 30 minutes for the 35 miles. Driver Dave Court said "okay" and off we went and arrived in 28 1/2 minutes with sustained high speed running and a maximum of 87mph. The passengers gave us a round of applause when we left the train to go on shed. Great trip. 20/7/2002

    A sunny afternoon at Scarborough after the loco worked a tour from Kings Cross. Originally it was booked to go to Cleethorpes, then it was changed to Scunthorpe and we ended up in Scarborough. We are relaxing with a cup of tea after the loco had been turned and serviced. We had a great run down the ECML with the loco getting up in the mid 80's a few times. On the return run to Doncaster, where we were booked to come off, we were held on the Scarborough branch outside of York due to problems on the mainline caused by a thunder storm. We got into York station and was offered a path ahead of a GNER train if we could get to Doncaster in 30 minutes for the 35 miles. Driver Dave Court said "okay" and off we went and arrived in 28 1/2 minutes with sustained high speed running and a maximum of 87mph. The passengers gave us a round of applause when we left the train to go on shed. Great trip. 20/7/2002

  • The location is the yard at Millerhill to the south of Edinburgh. The loco is being prepared for a trip the following day from Edinburgh to York. Wayne Jones is visible on the far right carrying out the fitness to run exam on the loco and coach. 13/9/2002

    The location is the yard at Millerhill to the south of Edinburgh. The loco is being prepared for a trip the following day from Edinburgh to York. Wayne Jones is visible on the far right carrying out the fitness to run exam on the loco and coach. 13/9/2002

  • An open weekend at Crewe Works and 60009 is one of the exhibits. The sun glints off John Lynch's "The Elizabethan" headboard.

    An open weekend at Crewe Works and 60009 is one of the exhibits. The sun glints off John Lynch's "The Elizabethan" headboard.

  • Works shunter 08830 has put No9 on the main works traverser to place it in its rightful position for the weekend.

    Works shunter 08830 has put No9 on the main works traverser to place it in its rightful position for the weekend.

  • 60009 has been positioned on the road next to the NRM's V2 60800 "Green Arrow".

    60009 has been positioned on the road next to the NRM's V2 60800 "Green Arrow".

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    The "Merlin" nameplate on the fireman's side. This was chosen as it was a Haymarket loco and at six letters the nameplate was the same size as the Osprey plate so no additional holes in the casing. Four nameplates were cast with two being carried and this one is mine, 38lbs of solid brass!
    The fireman's cab side showing the number 60027. I made the transfers. Shortly afterwards we put the big "Union of South Africa" nameplates back on as the political situation in South Africa had improved greatly. 7/9/1991
    60009 with the big plates back on and highly polished stands on Perth's turntable. Earlier it had worked a VIP renaming special from Edinburgh to Dundee, Dr John Prideaux had unveiled the big plates at Waverley. On arrival at Dundee we left the stock and travelled light engine tender first to Perth to collect our coach and six SRPS coaches. The following day the loco was having a play day with several members of the InterCity chiefs having a shot driving the loco. 15/9/1991.