The group looking after the Facebook page for 60009 ‘Union of South Africa’ have announced that, due to firebox issues, No. 60009 will not be taking part in any railtours in the near future.
This comes as a blow for many, as the locomotive was due to hauling stages of the ‘Great Britain XI‘ railtour over the coming week.
For those who don’t know, No. 60009 is due to be withdrawn in 2019 and placed in a museum at the owner’s house in Fife along with K4 No. 61994 ‘The Great Marquess’.
At this moment in time, we don’t know any information as to the extent of the repairs required, or whether these will be carried out.
Here is the announcement made:
A brief history of 60009 ‘Union of South Africa’
60009 Union of South Africa is an LNER Class A4 steam locomotive. It was built in 1937 at Doncaster Works. The ‘A4’ was a common sight on the East Coast Mainline between London and Scotland. 60009 is one of six surviving A4s.
- Visit the 60009 Union of South Africa Facebook page
For more information - Visit the RailAdvent news homepage
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SEEN STEAMING THROUGH GLOUCESTER TOWARDS CHELTENHAM ABOUT 1045 THI SAT AM DFEB 16TH.
I feel really privileged to have been on the excursion to Chester. It is such a beautiful locomotive. I was astonished at the speeds it achieved on the trip. Is it too much to hope that a samaritan comes along to pay for the repairs to keep her on the rails? I wish I could.
Although there is nothing official out, so we mustn’t speculate, but there has been rumours that plans for its museum keep being disapproved. Maybe someone will come along
I’m booked on a service from Ealing to York behind this loco in October this yeaf
Is it now running as I’m coming from australia fir this
I am very grateful that the engine was restored and had the opportunity to see it on several occasions.The owner deserves our appreciation for
keeping it in steam and in use for so long.It was the last “Streak” I saw leave Peterborough station circa 1966 if my memory is correct.
Union of South Africa just went past our living room window approaching Chester Train Station, WOW what a spectacle.
Just passed 60009 close to Hayes as I’m heading into Paddington.
well i feel honour today, as i have just seen the union of south africa past my back bedroom window looking beautiful 17.30 15/07/2018
I believe that locomotive is going to replace by the return of the a2 locomotive blue peter
60009 is getting really expensive to repair all the time, the owner wants a peaceful retirement so sadly its the best all round
We are beginning to hear that it will be ready to return to the mainline this June!
Very sad indeed I recognise that engine whilst it was running on the seven valley railway in June 2006
60009 ‘s place is on the mainline for every one to see and appreciate.Not put in a museum
Sad to see any steam locomotive go static we need to keep these beasts a live.
Sad though it may be, UoSA more than any other has contributed to Steam Heritage over many years and it is the owners decision to make after all when she is withdrawn. If the cost of repair is going to be high this may expedite his decision. We now have more steam heritage locomotives running than we have had for a very long time with more in the pipeline.
One way or other we need to respect the owners decision