LNER 60009 ‘Union of South Africa’ at Crewe 08/09/2018.

John Cameron’s exquisite A4 Class 60009 ‘Union of South Africa’ was to take charge of the Railway Touring Company’s ‘Cheshireman’ railtour from Norwich to Chester. Gail and I caught up with the train at the major WCML junction of Crewe. With the train booked to stop for around forty minutes, this would give plenty of time to get some up close pictures of the A4 Pacific.
The rain was still coming down when we arrived, just in time to see 153311 arrive with 1K11 from Derby, before 390155 departs with the service we arrived on, 9M53 Glasgow Central to Euston. Also present in one of the sidings was DRS 57308 ‘Jamie Ferguson’ looking in immaculate condition.
‘Number 9’ was running bang on time, and duly announced its’ arrival into Platform 12 with style- a lovely loud blast from her chime whistle. The fairly lengthy layover meant most of the passengers got the chance to get some pictures of the locomotive, with the footplate crew being kind enough to allow folks into the cab to take pictures, including yours truly.
It seemed as though the train would depart Crewe dead on time, but there seemed to be a problem which delayed her. Gail captured a lot of the goings on as various people climbed onto the ballast to look at something but I’m not totally sure what the issue was- Gail’s very technical description was that they “couldn’t make it go ‘choo-choo’”!
Eventually the problem was put right and Number 9 was underway again, Gail getting some lovely atmospheric shots as it passed under the bridge, again chine whistle in full effect.
As most people reading this will know, ‘Union of South Africa’ is due to be retired by Mr Cameron next year. I was certainly glad of the chance to catch this stalwart of steam preservation, many thanks to the crew for letting me on the footplate.
Enjoy the video
Ross

[@stestewart1119]

I love the A4s 👌

[@TheCrazyhorse1876]

Nice video well worth filming in not so nice weather.What a great ambassador this engine has been for the revival of steam trains enjoy your retirement

[@30453trains]

Robert Elliot agreed. Number 9 has been a fantastic servant. 🚂

[@allan5919]

A very well made video of the A4.

[@30453trains]

Cheers Allan