No. 9

While the number 9 may mean other things to some people a steam enthusiast will immediately think of a certain green A4 pacific.
60009 'Union of South Africa' was the first 'Streak' that I ever saw. That was at York back in 1964 and by that time A4s were rare birds on the East Coast Main Line as the remaining examples had all been banished to Scotland.
When steam finished 60009 was purchased by John Cameron who always hoped that he would be able to get his engine back on the main line. His wish came true when steam returned to the main line in the 1970's.
My first ride behind the 'Union of South Africa' came in 1983 with an epic trip from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and back. As the train stared in Newcastle those of us who travelled from Leeds didn't see our beds for over 24 hours but it was well worth it.
I heard stories form other enthusiasts about the kind of performances that this loco had produced and, during the course of the day, although I wouldn't say I was disappointed, the running couldn't have been described as sparkling on this occasion. Although always considered a good runner, perhaps the A4 was overdue for a little attention. As you can hear in this on train recording, made leaving Aberdeen at the start of the return journey the loco does sound to be more than a little off beat.

Although the performance of the loco wasn't spectacular what we experienced in the front coaches during the climb onto the Forth Bridge was.
The gradient here is 1 in 70 and the A4 had to be worked quite hard as can be heard in this on-train recording made passing North Queensferry and reaching easier gradients on the bridge. What can't be heard but had to be seen to be believed was the volcanic firework display caused by hot ash and cinders descending over the surrounding area.

In recent years 'Union of South Africa' has been off the main line and has been based on the Severn Valley Railway. In this lineside recording No. 9 is heard heading for Bridgnorth climbing Eardington Bank.