60009

Rather poignant video popped up from the footplate on possibly her last run through her birthplace....

Not mine obviously.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=3296097307071640

 

Haunting watch. Is that the last time? I wonder.

 

I have a dream . . .

 

60009 official Facebook page says that it is. Quote below from the FB post:
"And finally tonight, a video from support crew member Chris Boyd taken from the cab as Number 9 passed through Doncaster for the last time."

Her RYTC trip back North to York on 7th March is using the Midland Main Line.

 

And yet even now I wonder if this really will be the last time. Life has a funny way of turning out. Steam was supposedly dead in 1968, the Lynton and Barnstaple was gone forever in the 1930s, a Merchant Navy out of Victoria every other week an impossible dream and the Peppercorn A1 was extinct in the 60s.

Things change. Perhaps she will sleep for a while...

 

I find it incredibly sad she is being allowed to move back to Scotland, and into retirement, without some sort of final hurrah.

Obviously 2 trips are on the cards, prior to the move, I am sure a couple of Edinburgh to Aberdeen trips could attract a hefty premium, if allowed.

Sadly it seems it is too late in the day for this to happen, that is a poor epitaph for such a solid, much loved respected mainline performer.

And I am sure Mr Cameron did not want it this way, I am sure No 9 coming into Waverley one last time, and retirement would be his wish......

 

Video of 60009's likely last mainline tour yesterday. On its Yorkshireman trip
70000 and Agecroft 1 also does appear albeit minorly.



(Wellingborough shot didn't turn out as well as I hoped but I left the clip in purely for sound)

 

Her final mainline run? Seen 4 times on Saturdays Yorkshireman trip:

 

I feel very fortunate to have been able to get unforgettable rides behind both of John's engines. As some would say - don't be sad that it's over, be happy that it happened at all.

That said, I'm curious about what the short-term plan is for No.9, before a more permanent home is found (or perhaps built?) for it?

 

If LSL are able to lease the Ferryhill site, I would not bet against 9 being given a home there until its future is sorted out

 

LSL are after the site at St Rollox in Glasgow Martin. But I believe the GC have asked about putting her on a low loader for a visit.

 

My tribute to 60009.
A few shots of her in action over the last six years:

 

No.9 in action during the late 80's and 1990's

 

Despite the hype afforded to Flying Scotsman as far as I am concerned this loco has been the star of the first era of the 21st. century. A great deal of pleasure - in various ways - has been given to many, thanks to John Cameron and his wonderful locomotive.

 

Many memories of number 9, but seeing both of Mr Cameron's locos double heading on engines and support move at Scout Green will always be special. 3442's wheels were fair whizzing round! In the video collection somewhere.

 

Be patient, the double heading is near the end of the video.

 

Part Two of 'Farewell No.9'

 

A small tribute to N09, it's certainly nowhere near the abundance of shots that Austin has captured and presented but still a worthy memory for ourselves, I definitely regret those missed opportunities when I chose not to film No9 !

 

60009 + 61994 on the GB returning from Inverness along the highland line before sunrise at Culloden and crossing Findhorn viaduct just after sunrise

 

Very impressive...thanks for sharing them here