'Number Nine' for Nene Valley

John Cameron's 'A4' No. 60009 Union of South Africa will be visiting the Nene Valley Railway in September, where it will be paired with 'Battle of Britain' No. 34081 92 Squadron for the first time in preservation.


As its overhaul reaches completion, 'A4' No. 60009 Union of South Africa has its cylinders re-bored at Riley & Son (E) Ltd. in Lancashire, ahead of its visit to the Nene Valley Railway in September. JOHN SAGAR

It will also likely be the last chance to witness 'Number Nine' at the Peterborough railway, as Mr Cameron has announced the Gresley 4-6-2 will be withdrawn and placed on display at a purpose-built museum on his farm in Fife once its boiler ticket expires in two years' time (see SR462).

Taking place on September 16/17, the 'Streak' is expected to double-head with 92 Squadron and, on the 14/15, will be available for driver experience courses. Priced at £395 per person, these will give enthusiasts a final opportunity to take the regulator of the 'A4' before its retirement.

Union of South Africa isn't the only LNER-design 'Pacific' to visit the Nene Valley Railway this year, as new-build 'A1' No. 60163 Tornado will be gracing NVR metals on April 22/23 as part of the railway's 'Best of British' weekend.

The visit forms part of the NVR's 40th anniversary celebrations, which also see the debut of LMS '7P' No. 46100 Royal Scot over the seven-mile line on June 2-4.

Further details about No. 60009's visit to the Nene Valley Railway can be found at: www.nvr.org.uk/events/pacifics.

Read more about Union of South Africa's impending return to steam in the latest issue of Steam Railway, on sale March 24.

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I do believe both engines appeared together at the Mid Hants Railway in 2003!