Monday the 4th of October saw the sad news that 60009 Union of South Africa had been withdrawn, retiring three months earlier than planned due to what is reported to be boiler tube issues.
Unfortunately 60009 Union of South Africa wasnt able to run at this weekend's East Lancs Railway Autumn Steam Gala and also will miss a farewell event planned later in the year.
60009 Union of South Africa has had an incredible career working through the days of steam from 1937 right up to 2021, never being retired and becoming a firm favourite for mainline excursions throughout the country and visiting many heritage railways.
RailView has created a special video in tribute to one of the most iconic and legendary locos in preservation especially as this truly remarkable locomotive holds a place in the hearts of so many people.
The video includes some amazing unseen footage and covers a period of 8 years capturing some incredible performances from 60009 and reminding us all why this stunning locomotive is so well loved.
You can watch the video below:
Highlights in the video include:
- Blasting out of Chesterfield hauling The Yorkshireman on 22nd October 2017.
- Whistling through Retford hauling the return leg of The Christmas White Rose on 15th December 2018.
- Powering away from Ramsbottom on the East Lancashire Railway in the stunning winter light on a frosty morning on 15th January 2020.
- Blasting up the 1 in 60 incline of Sapperton Bank hauling her penultimate tour, The Cotswold Venturer 22nd February 2020.
- Speeding through Goldthorpe on her final railtour before retirement, The Yorkshireman on 7th March 2020.
- Five minutes of 60009 blasting through her birth place, Doncaster on the fast line in each direction with much whistling in 2012, 2014, 2017, 2018 & 2020.
Info about 60009 Union of South Africa:
- Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley
- Built by The LNER in 1937 at Doncaster Works
- She was withdrawn from BR in 1966
- Her original name was Osprey
- Her second/current name is Union of South Africa
- John Cameron purchased her in 1966 who is her current owner
- From 4th October 2021, she has now been retired and will be used for static display.
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Sad news. My late Fathers friend James Patterson was the lead driver of the Union of South Africa in the 1950’s. He was very proud of this engine. When he retired my Father bought the Regulator handle and gave it as a momento to “Jimmy. ” I still have the paperwork as his proof of purchase along with other letters written by Jimmy and a few photographs. Sadly don’t know what happened to the handle.
Had the great good fortune to spend time on the footplate of this iconic locomotive on a christmas special to Ely a few years ago. Fantastic day out. I do hope miracles happen and she can be returned to service one day.
I think those of us who were lucky enough to be hauled by this wonderful loco, either on a preserved railway or on the mainline, should be thankful for the privilege and wish her a happy retirement.