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OVER THE FORTH

A fine art print, available to own,
by photographer John C Brownlie.

Commemorating the retirement of
LNER A4 locomotive 4488 / 60009
Union of South Africa / Osprey.

Each print sold is supporting
railway heritage – helping build
a new Gresley P2 locomotive.








 
 


Proud to be part of



 
 

Welcome

2 minute read



The photograph

Over The Forth is a new commemorative-edition fine art print. It marks the retirement of the famous Gresley-designed LNER Class A4 Pacific steam locomotive 4488 / 60009 Union of South Africa - also known as Osprey or simply ”Number 9”.

The photograph captures a rare glimpse from the footplate (driver’s cab) of Number 9 whilst crossing one of the most iconic structures in the world - The Forth Bridge. This international landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which connects the Scottish region of Fife with the Capital city, Edinburgh. The title, Over The Forth, is a nod to the classic LNER lithographic poster art Over The Forth to the North from 1928.

To create this brand-new gallery-standard print, the original 35mm negative has been digitised in high resolution. This revealed detail unseen when it was first processed, whilst still preserving the characteristic warmth and grain of the Kodak Ektar Professional film stock. All materials and equipment used in the production, including the latest Giclée digital printing technology, meet Fine Art Trade Guild Standards.

The photographer

My name’s John Brownlie and, amongst other creative interests, I’ve always had a real passion for travel, photography, heritage and railways. I was a young lad at school when I took this photograph back in the 1990s - a fine moment from the locomotive’s years on the main line which Pete Waterman OBE described as an “amazing photograph” and “historic”.

Number 9 worked more than half a century in preservation. Through involvement with the Scottish Railway Preservation Society during my school years, I travelled with and photographed this locomotive many times. So, when I heard about her retirement in 2023, I knew I had to do something to acknowledge that. It’s been an amazing journey already and an opportunity to raise awareness of the new museum and to give something back to the heritage sector. I’m honoured to be able to support what is, without doubt, one of the most exciting heritage projects in the world right now: The rebirth of Gresley’s legendary P2.

The endorsements

To commemorate the retirement of Number 9, I’m really pleased to announce that this print has been personally approved by the locomotive’s owner, the ex-Chair of ScotRail, and President of The Gresley Society Trust, John Cameron CBE.

On this page, John Cameron has shared his reaction to seeing this new print of Over The Forth. Also kindly contributing to this page with their comments are - Pete Waterman OBE (ex-co-owner of 4472 Flying Scotsman), Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE (Chair of Network Rail and The Heritage Railway Association), Steve Davis MBE (Chair of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and ex-Director of the National Railway Museum), Philip Benham FCILT (Chair of The Gresley Society Trust) and Simon Kohler (ex-Marketing Director of Hornby).

The charity

In purchasing a commemorative print from this page, you’re supporting independent art and also supporting future railway heritage. A project that is close to the hearts of The Gresley Society Trust. As one famous Gresley icon is retired, another is being reborn:

Ten percent of proceeds from the sales of Over The Forth are helping towards the build of a brand-new Gresley Class P2 steam locomotive. The charity behind this incredible heritage project is The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust - the team that built 60163 Tornado.

This publicly-funded venture began in 2013. Great progress is being made in recreating the P2: A long-lost Gresley masterpiece, not seen in original form since 1938. When complete, it’ll once again take passengers over The Forth Bridge to Aberdeen. More on the P2, its historic connections with Number 9, and photos, can be found below. Steve Davis MBE (Chair of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and ex-Director of the National Railway Museum) has also kindly written a few words.

The story

As well as being able to purchase the print on this feature page, which will directly support building the new Gresley P2 locomotive, you’ll find some further reading below. Ideal for the commute or just a good excuse to put the kettle on!

On this page, I’m also pleased to be able to share some previously unpublished photographs. I’ve included a few of my own and some rare archive images dating back to 1934.

This is but a small part of the incredible story of how our railways developed. In 2025, Railway 200 celebrates the 200th anniversary of the modern railway - a once-in-ageneration opportunity to explore rail’s crucial role in national life. I’m proud to say that this project is also now part of Railway 200.

If you’ve arrived at this page through a love of art, photography, general history and heritage, or landmarks like the Forth Bridge, then I hope you’ll enjoy a brief look into this fascinating world of railway history!

Art, as they say, is an expression of the human experience. During this project, I’ve had a chance to look back on the events that led to the creation of this photograph and I’ve shared some of that story. You’ll find some info about two new railway museums currently in development, in Fife and Kent. I’ve also included links about the Forth Bridge and ways to keep in touch for updates.

It’s been a joy putting all this together. Hopefully it makes for a good read and goes some way to adding historic context to Over The Forth.

Thanks for visiting and, on behalf of everyone involved, thank you for your support.


 

Purchase print

A3 Over The Forth
£150.00                                  
A2 Over The Forth
£190.00             
A1 Over The Forth
£230.00    



 
The image is beautifully reproduced on 285gsm bright white Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl paper using the latest Giclée digital printing technology. The result is a gallery-quality fine art print with outstanding reproduction of colour and detail. All materials and equipment meet Fine Art Trade Guild Standards.

All images appearing on this website are copyrighted property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Prints are available to purchase unframed in the following sizes:

A1 Large format edition    (59.4cm x 84.1cm)
A2 Medium edition   (42.0cm x 59.4cm)
A3 Compact edition   (29.7cm x 42.0cm)

These dimensions include the white border shown. The title and a short descriptive caption are incorporated in the white border below the image. When framing the A1 edition, a custom mount is recommended. When framing the A2 or A3 editions, a spacer or custom mount is recommended. Visible image sizes are:

A1 edition - image is approx. A2 (+ border)
A2 edition - image is approx. A3 (+ border)
A3 edition - image is approx. A4 (+ border)
  • Each print is individually made to order
  • Sent protected in recyclable cardboard
  • UK orders printed and packed in London

  • UK delivery £6.45 with Royal Mail tracked
  • Includes the Scottish Highlands & Islands,
    The Isle of Man and The Channel Islands

  • Estimated delivery date given at checkout
  • Allow 6 to 10 working days for UK delivery
  • If you’re outside the UK & Channel Islands,
    feel free to contact us. We plan to
    accept international sales in due course

Each print is made to order with a percentage of proceeds going to the charity The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust. Ordinarily, we are unable to accept returns or exchanges. If, however, your print arrives in anything other than perfect condition, or you're not entirely happy with your order, please contact us within 14 days of purchase.




Image permission thanks to VisitScotland and Fife Council.




 

Endorsements

A few words about the print from John Cameron, Pete Waterman, Lord Peter Hendy, Philip Benham and Simon Kohler



 

"I’m thrilled that Number 9 has brought joy to so many over the years. With the boiler certificate expired, it felt like the time was right to bring her home. We’re all looking forward to getting the new museum open and inviting the public to come and see her alongside The Great Marquess.

This print brings back many a fond memory of driving Number 9. It’s rare to have any picture from Number 9’s footplate on the main line, but with this being a professional one taken out on the bridge in 1992… As soon as I saw it, I said now that’s a good one. That’s the real MacKay!

JOHN CAMERON CBE
(Owner of 60009 and President of The Gresley Society Trust)





 


Owner of 60009, John Cameron CBE with Over the Forth (A2 Framed)




John Cameron CBE and John Brownlie with 60009 in Fife, 2023





 

"Wow! … Amazing photograph.
What a moment… That’s historic."

PETE WATERMAN OBE




John Brownlie and Pete Waterman OBE with Over the Forth (A2 Framed)







 

“The Forth Bridge is one of the most iconic railway structures in the world, and this lovely image shows it to great effect, and from one of the masterpieces of steam. I'd love this on my wall, and I think many others will too!”

PETER, LORD HENDY OF RICHMOND HILL CBE
(Chair of Network Rail and Chair of The Heritage Railway Association)





 

“What a superb photo! It brings together two of the greatest railway engineering achievements in our railway history - the magnificence of Sir Nigel Gresley’s streamlined A4s, and the spectacular setting of the Forth Bridge. It is also a reminder of how much we all owe to owner John Cameron who kept ‘No 9’ running for well over half a century, longer by far than in her ‘everyday working life’. Happy days remembered.”

PHILIP BENHAM FCILT
(Chair of The Gresley Society Trust)





 

“So evocative! I agree with Pete Waterman, it’s an absolutely stunning picture. The A4 Pacific on the East Coast, the bridge, the light, the timing… It all came together just right. It’s like a classic scene from The 39 Steps. Now to persuade my wife to let me put it above the fireplace…”

SIMON KOHLER
(Ex-Marketing Director Hornby)


 


Supporting railway heritage

3 minute read




The LNER design team at Doncaster Works 1934. Nigel Gresley CBE (third from left) and his staff with their new Class P2 prototype, 2001 Cock O' The North. Image permission thanks to The Gresley Society and The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.


A Gresley icon is reborn

As 60009, one of Gresley’s racehorses, is retired, another Gresley icon is reborn. With each fine art print purchased from this page, ten percent of proceeds are going to the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and towards the completion of their magnificent P2.

The P2 is a brand new 2-8-2 express locomotive based on Gresley's legendary Cock O' The North. The technical ambition and significance of this project can’t be overstated. History will be brought to life when the P2 once again works from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, crossing the Forth Bridge for the first time in original form since 1938.




90 years on: The new LNER Class P2 2007 Prince of Wales takes shape in early 2024 at Darlington Locomotive works. Upstairs are the new offices and in the foreground is the P2’s new cylinder monobloc. Image permission thanks to The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.


Britain’s newest steam locomotive is the P2

The Trust embarked on this journey to develop and build a brand new improved Gresley P2 back in 2013. When complete, it’ll attract visitors to preserved heritage railways and take passengers around the country on main line rail tours.

In May 2023, the Trust moved into the new Darlington Locomotive Works - a £4.5m purpose-built facility which accommodates both their offices and engineering operations. It’s from this location that P2 2007 Prince of Wales is being completed. The locomotive works form part of the new regeneration of the Railway Heritage Quarter called Hopetown Darlington which opened in July 2024.

To be commercially viable nowadays, steam-hauled railtours using intercity routes must be able to efficiently handle long, heavy trains as well as keep pace with the timetable of modern services. The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust are renowned for building LNER Peppercorn Class A1 60163 Tornado for exactly this type of work.

When did Tornado reach 100mph?

Constructed between 1994 and 2008, Tornado was the first new-build British main line steam loco since 1960. She’s had her fair share of publicity including starring in a special episode of the BBC’s Top Gear. Filmed in April 2009, Race to the North featured a sprint from London to Edinburgh. James May was driving a Jaguar XK120, Richard Hammond was riding a Vincent Black Shadow motorbike, and Jeremy Clarkson was helping to fire Tornado.

In April 2017, Tornado famously achieved 100mph between Darlington and York. The first time in 50 years that a British steam locomotive had done so. This testing, at ten percent greater than the intended maximum speed, was to demonstrate the ability to run consistently, and safely, at up to 90mph in normal service.






 


A word from Steve Davis MBE

Chair of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and ex-Director of the National Railway Museum, Steve Davis MBE explains

"It is the mission of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust to help secure the future of steam on the main line railway. Following on from the success of our first new build, the record-breaking A1 Class No. 60163 Tornado, we are moving towards completion of our second steam locomotive P2 Class No. 2007 Prince of Wales.

The P2 Class was designed in the 1930s by Sir Nigel Gresley, CME (Chief Mechanical Engineer) of the LNER, perhaps better known for his A3 Class No. 4472 Flying Scotsman and the streamlined A4s including No. 4488 Union of South Africa / Osprey.

Keeping heritage skills alive, and using new modern engineering practices to ensure quality for longevity, this £6m project is improving and adapting the original P2 design for use on today’s main line railway, and is entirely supported by public donations.

The P2s were specifically built to take heavy trains through the challenging landscape North of Edinburgh and, once complete, the P2 will be the most powerful steam locomotive in Britain. Running nationally across the UK rail network, No. 2007 will be a regular visitor on the East Coast route to Aberdeen including the Forth Bridge crossing, taking tourists for an unforgettable journey. These nostalgic trains, already in regular service with Tornado, help to support tourism in both Edinburgh and Aberdeenshire.”



 


 

“We’re delighted that the P2 project has been singled out for support by this artistic initiative, celebrating the many parallels between the subject of John’s stunning photograph and our cause."

STEVE DAVIS MBE

(Chair of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust)




John C Brownlie and Steve Davis MBE with Over the Forth (A2 Framed) in August 2024. Seen with the new Gresley P2 under construction at Darlington Locomotive Works, headquarters of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.



 


Brief history of the P2



LNER Class P2 prototype 2001 Cock O' The North in 1934. Image permission thanks to The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.



The P2 was designed by Nigel Gresley CBE to improve express passenger services on the Northern section of the East Coast Main Line from Edinburgh to Aberdeen. The first of the class, 2001 Cock O' The North was completed in 1934 and was the most powerful steam locomotive ever built in Britain. It was notable for the distinctive “Mikado” 2-8-2 wheel configuration, which gave it eight, instead of six, driving wheels. The increase in power and traction was designed for hauling 600 tonne trains on the challenging Scottish gradients.

Later in 1934, the Prototype P2 Cock O' The North was sent by train-ferry to France. Gresley’s assistant Oliver Bulleid supervised the loco being put through its paces at the static testing plant at Vitry-sur-Seine, on the outskirts of Paris. At that time, France, Germany and America all had such testing facilities but none existed in Britain. Trials also took place on the Paris to Orleans main line.




Testing at Vitry, France, December 1934. LNER Class P2 prototype 2001 Cock O' The North. Image permission thanks to The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.



The second P2 incorporated several modifications and was completed in 1935. The next four were built in 1936. These four saw the distinctive smoke deflectors replaced with fully streamlined front ends, similar to the A4s. The first two P2s also had these wedgeshaped front ends retrofitted in 1936 and 1938. In total, only six P2s were ever constructed. Gresley was knighted in 1936. After Sir Nigel Gresley’s death in 1941, Edward Thompson was appointed Chief Mechanical Engineer at LNER. All six P2s were rebuilt as A2/2 Pacifics between 1943 and 1944 - and then eventually scrapped between 1959 and 1961. When complete, Prince of Wales will be the seventh of the class.

Connections with 60009

Historic connections run deep between LNER Class A4 60009 Union of South Africa / Osprey and LNER Class P2 2007 Prince of Wales. The learnings from the design, testing and operation of the first P2s, facilitated aspects of the design and build of the A4 Pacifics from 1935 onwards. The subsequent success of the A4s, in turn, influenced the design of the later P2s. The route from Edinburgh to Aberdeen passes alongside Haymarket depot, where the A4s and P2s were once maintained. The route then crosses the Forth Bridge, where Over The Forth was photographed - through Fife, where 60009 is located - and onto Aberdeen, where 60009 spent her final years in service for British Railways.




Resplendent at Kings Cross station on 1 June 1934. The new LNER Class P2 prototype 2001 Cock O' The North ready to depart. Image permission thanks to The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.


Railway heritage and tourism

Taking a trip on any steam excursion, Britain’s love affair with its heritage is clear to see. Whether it be main line excursions between cities or preserved heritage lines, people of all ages assemble on bridges, level crossings, fields, car parks and station platforms to watch the locomotive take the train by. The simple human gesture of strangers waving to one another can’t fail to warm the heart!

Preserved railways play a central role in the UK's leisure, tourism and heritage sectors - providing jobs, social, educational and economic benefits. They’ve also played a key role for our television and film industries by providing props and period locations for filming.

Heritage lines bring visitors to, and are supported by, the areas in which they are located. One such example is Pickering to Grosmont. Catriona McLees, Head of Marketing & Communications at the North York Moors National Park explains: “The North Yorkshire Moors Railway brings so much to the area and is one of our National Park’s treasured heritage assets, attracting up to 400k passengers per year. The organisation is a key partner of ours, employing their own conservation manager to help establish their lineside as a green corridor, linking together a mosaic of very special and protected habitats. They also help deliver our award-winning Apprenticeship-scheme, training the next generation in traditional countryside management and nature conservation skills.”

Further North, steam trains on the West Highland line remain one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions. For seven months of the year, The Jacobite brings upwards of 700 people a day to the remote port of Mallaig - providing a lifeline for the rural economy. (Mallaig in 2021, had a population of just 680 people.) ScotRail started running these services back in the 1980s although in recent years, the line has experienced an even greater surge in interest due to Glenfinnan viaduct being featured in the Harry Potter film series.

Flying Scotsman celebrated its Centenary in 2023. This priceless national treasure embarked on a year-long programme of sold-out rail tours around the UK. The magnificent Settle - Carlisle and Edinburgh - Aberdeen routes featured in the programme of events. These lines host many railtours each year.

The heritage sector’s assets are often moving around. As Number 9 is retired and has moved to her museum home, so the new P2 will step up and provide motive power capable of handling large trains at up to 90mph on UK main lines as well as drawing visitors to heritage locations. Like Tornado, the new P2 promises to be a real attraction and an invaluable working asset in the fascinating tapestry that is our nation's cultural heritage.



 

Subscribe to news updates

You can connect with John Charles Media for creative content. Follow The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust for updates on the build of their new P2 Prince of Wales.

In due course, it’s hoped a new social media channel for Balbuthie will start to provide news on developments with John Cameron’s Fife Railway Museum. When information about a public opening is made available, it’ll be shared on the John Charles Media pages.



 


Over The Forth - The story behind the photo

5 minute read

A Saturday in July

From the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, I took in the view for the first time. Across the New Town over the water to Fife and out to the North Sea. It was a hot Saturday afternoon in July and the soundscape of the city carried through the air. The far-off drone of traffic, seagulls and the sound of distant bagpipes. Amidst this, the faint noise of diesel locomotives echoed far below. At the foot of the castle rock, the railway heads out West from the second largest station in Britain, Edinburgh Waverley.

It was a day for exploring and we took one of the paths that zig-zagged down the steep grassy hillside. At the bottom of Castle Bank, two green iron footbridges used to cross over the railway lines into Princes Street gardens. It was on one of these bridges that we found several families stopped to take in the spectacle. I was at Primary School at the time, I enjoyed drawing cars and many a rainy Sunday afternoon had been spent building model aircraft. But, at that time, my experience of railways had really only amounted to a family holiday and my Hornby 125 model train set.

That afternoon was the first time I’d been up close with a real 125. Here was this icon of design and speed, en route from London to Aberdeen. The panorama had such a sense of theatre about it. That sight of the imposing yellow and blue HST power car accelerating out into the sunlight, from the tunnel beneath The National Gallery. The driver sounding the horn for the people on the bridge and the sleek carriages snaking and creaking across the points beneath the Castle.

Maybe it was the roar of the V12 Paxman Valenta engines trailing off into the haze of exhaust in the early evening sunshine… or the sense of adventure from the places a train could take us. Whatever it was, right there and then, something about the whole scene piqued my curiosity.

From that day forward, any chance to visit a newsagent or bookshop, I’d gravitate towards the transport and travel sections. There was always news about current rail operations and future developments in the UK and abroad. But there was also so much written about past history and its preservation, tied in with geography. A daytrip to York the following summer offered a few hours to see some of the beautiful city and a first real glimpse of the past in our much-loved National Railway Museum.

It was a snowy December morning when I first encountered Number 9. The Scottish Railway Preservation Society (SRPS) ran Christmas steam specials around the Edinburgh suburban circle. Being the only A4 locomotive in Scotland, 60009 always drew the crowds. I was nine years old and was invited to climb up into the cab. I gazed up in wonder at all the dials and pipework. There’s something so vivid about it even now. And it’s funny how even just the smell of a steam locomotive can take us right back to treasured memories of people and places.

I read as much as I could in these years. It was becoming apparent that history, travel, photography, films and the music within them, documentaries, maps, geography, posters, advertising, paintings, art, design, civil engineering, architecture… even the very creation of some towns… were all somehow interconnected. Evolving, influencing and responding to one another. I found it all fascinating and the railways were the common thread that seemed to connect it all. So developed a genuine enthusiasm, which alongside my love of music and film, has made for some great experiences.

Pitching my idea to the Chair of ScotRail

1992 was mostly a year of school work, piano practice, making and sharing cassette mix tapes, hill walks with the dog and mountain biking with friends… young teenage stuff at the time. I hadn’t quite graduated to finding a girlfriend at that point. I’d been doing a bit of volunteering with the Scottish Railway Preservation Society. Racking up some miles on railtours, discovering new places and managing to travel with various steam locos. Probably none more so than Number 9.

I’d written a few features about local railway history which were published in an Edinburgh newspaper. I’d not actually let on that I was a kid but when the editor inevitably phoned the number at the top of my typed letter to discuss the follow up article, it turned out to be quite funny. I was promptly invited round the newspaper HQ to have a cup of tea and meet the team!

Some of my photographs were getting into magazines and I was runner-up in the Kodak / Steam Railway magazine Photographer of the Year. (Junior category, but it still counts.)

I’d also been discovering vintage railway art. One that stood out for its grandeur was Over the Forth To the North. A wonderful 1928 Art Deco poster by Henry George Gawthorn, commercial artist for the LNER. It so perfectly captured the atmospheric view from South Queensferry… representing the Scottish night sky in deep blue as a Northbound train rumbles over the Bridge.

I was captivated by the beauty and detail in the work of Terence Cuneo. His 1952 painting for British Railways entitled Scotland for your Holidays featured A4 Pacific 60031 Golden Plover gliding South over the Forth Bridge. Incredibly, to sketch the scene, Cuneo had been perched half way up one of the girders in a 50mph gale. Working conditions that he later described as “frankly terrifying.”

Inspired by the romance and nostalgia of these works of art, I was keen to create something a bit out of the ordinary. Something I hadn’t seen published. Something that would be like stepping into that Cuneo painting. Something bringing together one of the most recognisable rail bridges in the world and the lines of a Gresley streamliner. Something from a really unusual perspective that a passenger or bystander wouldn’t be able to see. Something... I just had to figure out what. (And make sure it didn’t involve hanging onto a girder for dear life with a sketchpad.)

Number 9’s owner, John Cameron, was President of the National Farmers Union of Scotland and owned several farms at the time. He held a prominent role in British Rail as Chairman of ScotRail and somehow found time for numerous other board positions. I presented my creative idea in a message but accepted that there was a good chance I might not hear back. As it turned out, I did - and the idea was approved. Proof, perhaps, that there is always time for your passion even when you’re busy.

And so it was that this enterprising young photographer created the chance to join the Chair of ScotRail, and his crew, on the footplate of his magnificent Gresley A4 Pacific. We had a grand day out on the East Coast Main Line and, if only for that moment, it was like stepping right into Cuneo’s painting.

Over The Forth is one of the photographs I had the privilege of capturing on that day. More than three decades later, with Number 9 being formally retired, the time seemed right to revisit the images, produce this commemorative print and share it here.

Creating this feature page has also finally given me an excuse to write some of this stuff down!




Owner John Cameron at the controls of his A4 Pacific 60009 Union of South Africa on the East Coast Main Line. Taken as we were crossing The Forth Bridge on 12 December 1992. The bridge has been the same distinctive red oxide colour since 1890. Photograph by John C Brownlie.


Out on the Forth Bridge

We were speeding through Fife when I made my way up from the support coach and through the corridor tender to the cab. Corridor tenders had been introduced by Gresley on The Flying Scotsman from 1928 to allow a changeover of crews on the 8+ hour non-stop services. The passageway is only 18 inches wide and 5 feet tall. I remember navigating the various tools and long shovels scattered on the floor as it rocked around.

Emerging in the cab, there’s the noise, the unmistakable smell and the intense heat of the A4’s glowing firebox. Reaching temperatures around 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, trouser legs can start to singe quickly! Perched on the footplate, 170 tonnes of locomotive and tender were jostling back and forth so I was braced to get the photos.

The Forth Bridge stretches out for 1.5 miles across the vast sea estuary that is the Firth of Forth. At high tide, the rail deck is 150 feet above the freezing waters below. It’s no secret that being out on the middle of it is pretty exposed. It was December and a biting wind was gusting through the open cab out to the North Sea, chasing the steam clear from my view across the bridge.

The crew’s voices were raised to be heard over the wall of sound from the engine, the fireman’s shovel and the gusting wind. All underpinned by the rumble of the colossal ironwork taking hundreds of tonnes of train.

Announcing our approach to the waiting photographers at Dalmeny, driver John Cameron sounded the A4’s Crosby chime whistle… that glorious wail piercing the frosty air for miles around as the last of our carriages trailed off the bridge, high above The Hawes Inn at South Queensferry.

Before experiencing the visceral thrill of hanging onto a Gresley Pacific down the East Coast Main Line, I’d been hanging onto the words of the late Miles Kington. The broadcaster, journalist and humourist had presented a wonderful six-part series called Steam Days. It can be found in the BBC’s archives from 1986. In the final episode A Tale of Two Scotsmen, Miles describes his experience of riding on the footplate of another famous Gresley Pacific, Flying Scotsman. “Well…” he said, in perfect summary, “It shakes around a lot, like a bucking horse. It’s dirty. You can hardly hear yourself speak… and things blow into your eyes. Your legs get hot from the firebox and your top half freezes in a 60mph draught… In other words, it’s…. Fantastic.”




Seen from the air, looking South West, The Forth bridge (opened 1890) is 1.5 miles long. To the right are The Forth Road Bridge (opened 1964) and The Queensferry Crossing (opened 2017). Image permission thanks to Donna Mitchell and Network Rail.


The view from the footplate

The perspective looking far-off down the tracks always reminds me of the optimism of travel adventures. That sense of excitement when setting out on a day trip by train. In the distance, there’s a 1980s Sprinter just visible.

Although the photograph was taken in the winter, it could easily pass for a summer evening. There’s a feeling of calm crossing the Forth as the low sun sparkles on the choppy waters far below and appears to flutter through the intricate ironwork. The Pentland Hills were masked by the haze that day but the coastline rising up at South Queensferry is a reminder of the grandeur of Scotland’s natural landscapes.

The bridge itself represents innovative, awe-inspiring civil engineering. Most of the locomotive’s number is out of the frame but the presence of the final “9” is all that’s needed to identify her. And even from this rarely-seen cab view, the sculpted lines of Gresley’s Art Deco masterpiece are unmistakable. Presence, power and timeless grace.

The romance of rail travel

One of the shots from my set was published in the SRPS magazine in 1993. As was common practice then, a physical print, usually processed by the local chemist, would be sent through the post and then scanned in. Because of the print specifications of the publication around the time, they’d often be reproduced in black and white.

Thirty years on, it’s been great to revisit these 35mm colour negatives with modern digitisation. The process has revealed new levels of detail and colour definition for the first time. Advanced printing processes now allow the image to take up the space it deserves. In fact, the new digital file at 100% is A2 so appears actual size when seen on the A1 Large-format edition.

I hope this commemorative print captures some of the romance of rail travel and is a reminder of the allure of this much-admired locomotive. A moment from the very peak of her years in preservation, in this most iconic of locations.

If it finds a place on your wall, thank you. I hope it evokes fond memories of journeys made and inspires new travel adventures.

 


Reviewing first test copies at the print studio in London




 

A short history of LNER A4 60009 Union of South Africa

As Number 9 is retired after more than 50 years in preservation, John C Brownlie takes a look at the locomotive’s story.

5 minute read




Official LNER publicity photograph from June 1937 showing Union of South Africa brand new from Doncaster works with her original number 4488 and Garter blue livery. Image permission thanks to Chris Nettleton at The Gresley Society Trust. The Chris Nettleton Collection.


Streamline Moderne

The Class A4 Streamliner was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley for the London and North Eastern Railway and first rolled out the works in 1935. The A4 is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful class of steam locomotives ever to be built. His vision was inspired in part by a futuristic petrol-driven rail car, designed by automobile designer Ettore Bugatti, which Gresley had witnessed in France. The A4’s streamlining was refined using the wind tunnel facilities at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington. The trend for aerodynamic form at this time was part of the larger Art Deco movement in architecture, transport and product design known as Streamline Moderne.




Union of South Africa with her original LNER number 4488, Garter blue livery and streamlined side valances still present. 4pm on 10 March 1938, departing from London Kings Cross with The Coronation to Edinburgh Waverley. (George Barlow / Transport Treasury)


LNER and The Coronation

To mark the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in May 1937, the LNER gave the name The Coronation to its non-stop service between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh Waverley. The streamlined design by Gresley was based on The Silver Jubilee from 1935 which carried a silver and grey livery. The Coronation was painted in a two-tone blue livery with stainless steel detailing on the loco and carriages. The Garter blue on the locomotive continued along the lower coach panels whilst a lighter Marlborough blue was used at window height. Each streamlined train set was formed of four two-car articulated units. The famous Beavertail observation car was attached to the rear of the train during the summer months. Only two of these were ever built and were the epitome of 1930s Art-Deco elegance on the rails.




Fully restored: Original Beavertail car 1729 from The Coronation set is seen with LNER A4 4464 Bittern at The One:One Collection in Kent. This new museum is being developed within the former warehouse on the Hornby site in Margate, next to Hornby’s offices and visitor centre. The long journey to 1729’s breathtaking restoration started decades ago and has been painstakingly completed by Nemesis Rail. Steam Railway Magazine published the full story in Feb 2021. Image permission thanks to David Mather and Hornby. Additional thanks to Loris Clements and Tim Dunn.


Naming the LNER A4s

To haul these expresses between the two Capital cities, the LNER allocated five brand new A4 locomotives which were rolling off the production line in Doncaster during May and June 1937. To mark the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth that year, each of the five A4 locomotives from 4488 through to 4492 were named after members of The Commonwealth, as then was.

4488 had originally been allocated the name Osprey. When names were assigned to The Coronation sets, the name Osprey was put aside for another newer A4, 4494, which was built later in 1937. 4494 subsequently carried the name Osprey for the next 5 years until 1942 - when it was renamed Andrew K. McCosh after the Chairman of the LNER Locomotive Committee. 4494 (later known as 60003) was taken out of service at the end of 1962 and scrapped. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Union of South Africa‘s 1937 nameplates were removed. During those years, the locomotive once again carried her original name Osprey.




When newly built engine 4488 entered Doncaster paint shop in early April 1937, it already carried the name Osprey. This was to be the first A4 designated to pull The Coronation and it remained at the works for several weeks whilst Gresley’s design team experimented with different blue liveries. The Garter blue livery that was finally decided upon became the uniform look for the A4s by 1938. It’s the same livery still worn by sister locomotive 4468 Mallard today. 4488 eventually emerged on 18 June 1937 with Union of South Africa nameplates although these were covered until the official naming ceremony on 28 June 1937. This rare photo of 4488 at Kings Cross was taken between those two dates just prior to the naming ceremony. Thanks to Chris Nettleton and The Gresley Society Trust for this research from the RCTS 'Green Book'. Image permission thanks to The Chris Nettleton Collection.


World speed records

The first LNER A4 to be built, 2509 Silver Link, broke the world speed record for a steam locomotive on a publicity run from Kings Cross on 27 September 1935, just 20 days after entering service. It reached the unprecedented speed of 112.5mph (181km/h). The following year, in May 1936, the world speed record was taken by Germany. DRG Class 05 streamlined locomotive achieved 124.5mph (200.4km/h) between Berlin and Hamburg.

By 1937, the London Midland Scottish Railway (LMS) had developed their own streamlined locomotive to rival the LNER’s A4 in the race to Scotland. Designed by William Stanier and known as the Princess Coronation Class, they were built to run the non-stop Coronation Scot between London Euston and Glasgow Central. The first locomotive of the class, 6220 Coronation, achieved 114mph (183.5km/h) near Crewe in June 1937.

The LNER took back the British and the World record on 3 July 1938. Class A4 4468 Mallard famously reached 126mph (203km/h) on Stoke Bank, South of Grantham. This made Mallard the fastest steam locomotive in the world, a speed record which still stands today. World War II brought an end to further record attempts made during publicity and test runs. However, in regular passenger service, Mallard’s sister A4 locomotive Union of South Africa is noted to have accomplished the fastest ever recorded non-stop steam run up the East Coast from London to Edinburgh.




4488 Union of South Africa on the East Coast Main Line near Potters Bar in 1938 with The Coronation to Edinburgh Waverley. The distinctive articulated coaches designed by Gresley for this express can be seen here. Each pair of coaches shared one bogie (wheelset) in between them which reduced weight. Image permission thanks to The Chris Nettleton Collection.


Wartime and Nationalisation

From 1941, all the A4s received LNER wartime unlined black livery. The streamlined side valances that covered part of the driving wheels were also removed to allow easier access for maintenance. 4488 Union of South Africa had this work done in March 1942 and, from January 1946, her final LNER identifier was simply “9”. With nationalisation and the formation of British Railways in 1948, she was renumbered 60009. In August 1949, she was painted in British Railways express passenger blue. This livery featured the new 1948 British Railways corporate logo with the Lion astride the spoked wheel. In October 1952, she was repainted with the Standard BR lined green livery. The British Railways logo, displayed on the tender, was further modified to the roundel design in 1956. This was to be the last livery she carried in service and it’s this appearance that 60009 has retained ever since.




To mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953, The Capitals Limited service was renamed The Elizabethan. Now numbered 60009 and in the new British Railways Green livery, Union of South Africa departs from Edinburgh Waverley that same year. The clock tower of The North British (now Balmoral) Hotel can be seen in the background. It was designed in Scottish baronial style by architect William Hamilton Beattie and built for The North British Railway Company when Waverley station was redesigned in the 1890s. Image permission thanks to The Chris Nettleton Collection.


The end of UK steam

As the Deltic diesels were introduced in 1961-62 to take over from the A4 Pacifics on the East Coast Main Line, the A4s were gradually removed from Anglo-Scottish expresses and moved North of the border. 60009 was reallocated to Aberdeen Ferryhill in 1962 to work the three hour expresses to Glasgow Buchanan Street. Several more A4s from the fleet were moved North to join them in 1963. On 24 October 1964, 60009 took the very last steam-hauled passenger train out of London Kings Cross to Newcastle, marking the end of A4 running on the route. It was called The Jubilee Requiem, and was organised by the Railway Correspondence and Travel Society (RCTS) and The Stephenson Locomotive Society (SLS).




On Saturday 24 October 1964, 60009 Union of South Africa worked the very last steam-hauled passenger train out of London Kings Cross. The Jubilee Requiem ran to Newcastle and back. Here, in this colour photo from 60 years ago, Number 9 is seen at Gateshead depot, just over the River Tyne from Newcastle Central station, before the return journey. Image permission thanks to The Chris Nettleton Collection.


Rescuing an A4

In 2023, Number 9 was once again looking immaculate and in her new static home on John’s farm in Fife. Having a chat with John Cameron whilst we were admiring the locomotive, he was telling me the story of how he came to purchase this particular A4.

As early as 1962, A4s were being taken out of service, destined for the scrap yard. John Cameron’s ambition was to save one. In 1966, there were still five A4s in Scotland which were being used on the Glasgow Aberdeen express route via Perth and Forfar. John knew the Foreman at Ferryhill Depot in Aberdeen - a chap by the name of Jock Tosh. John explained his interest in purchasing one of the five A4s and asked Jock to recommend which was the best. Jock said “Without a doubt, Number 9”, explaining that it was the last of its class to have a boiler overhaul at Doncaster Works. John laughed and recalled fondly that Jock went on “and if you’re not in too much of a hurry for it, I’ll make sure it gets a mechanical too!”

Locomotives often shared reconditioned parts. 60009’s own tender was destined to become the second water carrying tender for 4472 Flying Scotsman. At the time John purchased 60009, it needed a replacement tender. As it turned out, the best available was the corridor tender originally built for Gresley’s experimental W1 Class Locomotive 10000 Hush Hush. 60009 has been paired with that ever since.

A new life in preservation

60009 was formally retired from service by British Rail on 1 June 1966 and the following month, was purchased by John Cameron. The same year, Cameron purchased Lochty Farm, which included part of the old East Fife Central Railway, a branch line that ran from Leven to Lochty. He purchased some track from the National Coal Board, enabling the establishment of about three-quarters of a mile of line to run on. Footplate rides were given on 60009 in the summer of 1967. The following year, a coach was acquired so that passenger carrying trains could move back and forth.

This became known as The Lochty Private Railway. It provided something of a safe haven for the loco as British Rail had imposed a ban on steam traction across standard gauge tracks which lasted from 1968 to 1971. In 1973, 60009 was moved back onto the main UK rail network and, whilst based at various sheds in Fife, ran special trains throughout the 70s and 80s, notably with the Scottish Railway Preservation Society.




60009 Union of South Africa with the Scarborough Spa Express 9 August 1984. In the first image, Number 9 is being prepared for departure at York. Signage for the model railway exhibition can be seen on the opposite platform. Rail Riders World as it became known, was opened earlier that same year occupying the old Tea Rooms at York station. In the second image, Number 9 is approaching Dringhouses just South of York en route to Leeds and Harrogate. Prior to privatisation, this had been part of the Scarborough Spa Express excursion. Image permissions thanks to Philip Benham FCILT, Chair of The Gresley Society Trust.




Carrying the name Osprey, 60009 was rostered to work the popular The Forth Centennial specials to mark the 100th anniversary of the opening of The Forth Bridge. In the first image, on 16 June 1990, Osprey comes off the bridge approaching North Queensferry. As I didn’t have my own SLR then, I managed to borrow a Pentax P30 from my school art dept. The imposing perspective was made possible thanks to my friend David letting me use his Dad’s vintage 400mm lens! The shot was published full-page in the SRPS magazine that summer. The second photo was taken in October 1990 at Edinburgh Waverley. Photographs by John C Brownlie.





Heading North: 60009 creates quite a spectacle leaving Stirling on a chilly afternoon in 1993. The station and surrounding environs have seen considerable modernisation and development over the years, especially to the East. In this shot, the British Rail Motorail loading ramp is still visible in the far left of the frame. On the far right, on the North West side, the old bay platforms and goods yard are now car parking. Photograph by John C Brownlie.


60009 on the main line

Since Mallard last ran in July 1988, only two other A4s have ever been operational - Sir Nigel Gresley and Bittern. Following a major refurbishment in 1989, 60009 began a prolific schedule of touring from the Highlands to Devon. 60009 hauled The Forth Centennial specials in 1990 which commemorated the 100th birthday of the Forth Bridge. Over the years, she’s worked extensively on the national network and visited numerous heritage railways. These have included the Strathspey, Bo’ness and Kinneil, North Yorkshire Moors, Keighley and Worth Valley, East Lancashire, Great Central, Severn Valley, and Dartmouth to name but a few. 60009 had another major overhaul between 2010 and 2012 at Pete Waterman’s LNWR workshops in Crewe.




60009 at London Kings Cross on 29 October 1994. This was the first steam working from KX since a charter in 1968. It was also 30 years, almost to the day, since 60009 had worked The Jubilee Requiem, the last officially scheduled steam service from here. Seen here with a Steam Railway Magazine special to Peterborough. Image permissions thanks to Philip Benham FCILT, Chair of The Gresley Society Trust.


The Great Gathering of A4s

In 2013, The National Railway Museum in York hosted The Great Gathering. This was a once in a generation occasion to bring the last six surviving A4s back together, to mark 75 years since Mallard’s world speed record. 60009 was proudly displayed in the Great Hall of the NRM alongside her classmates 4464 Bittern, 4468 Mallard, 4489 Dominion of Canada, 6007 Sir Nigel Gresley and 60008 Dwight D Eisenhower.




All six surviving A4s assembled at The Great Gathering. The National Railway Museum, York, July 2013. 60009 Union of South Africa is in the centre. Image permission thanks to Philip Benham FCILT, Chair of The Gresley Society Trust.


The Royal Train

In 2015, the new Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank was formally opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. John Cameron CBE had the honour of meeting The Queen and driving 60009 at the head of The Royal Train. An occasion he described as his “proudest day”.

Half a century in preservation

60009 has worked almost consistently for 86 years, over 50 of which have been in preservation. She’s traversed main lines and heritage railways, the length and breadth of the UK with only a modest amount of downtime for overhauls. It’s no surprise that in her lifetime of service, 60009 has covered the highest mileage of all Gresley’s magnificent A4 locomotives.

60009‘s last main line outing was The Yorkshireman from Ealing to York on 7 March 2020. She was then moved to the East Lancashire Railway where she worked the remainder of the time left on her boiler certificate. In 2022, she was moved to static display at the Bury Transport Museum.




Visiting an old friend: Number 9 in her new home in Fife. I took this one in 2023 whilst spending the afternoon with John Cameron at his home. Amongst other things, we chatted about his plans for the new railway museum at Balbuthie. Photo John C Brownlie.


Where is 60009 now?

She’s now off the rail network and back in the same part of the country that provided sanctuary when first rescued by John Cameron in the 1960s. He currently has no plans for his locomotive to run again but she’s in beautiful condition. In 2023, Riley and Son in Bury conducted a full cosmetic restoration of 60009. (The same workshop where Flying Scotsman received a full overhaul in 2016.)

Looking immaculate, 60009 was transported by road, home to Fife by John Cameron to join his other loco, Gresley K4 The Great Marquess. Both locomotives are located within what will be John Cameron’s Railway Museum and Open Farm Visitor Centre at Balbuthie in Fife. This is a privately-funded venture by John Cameron and the site is currently in development.

In due course, it’s hoped a new social media channel for Balbuthie will start to provide news on developments. When information about a public opening is made available, it’ll be shared on the John Charles Media pages.




Balbuthie in 2023: John Cameron CBE with his pride and joy, Number 9. Photo John C Brownlie.



 

About John Cameron CBE

John Cameron is currently President of The Gresley Society. Between 1990 and 1996, he was the Chair of ScotRail and a member of the British Railways Board. Amongst other roles, he was also formerly a director of South West Trains. Between 1967 and 1992 he was the owner and operator of the Lochty Private Railway. He’s a former President of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society and was appointed a CBE in 1984 for his services to Scottish farming.

Within what will become the railway museum, both Union of South Africa (Osprey) and The Great Marquess will be on display to the public. The Great Marquess is the only surviving Gresley K4 class in existence and was one of six used to work the West Highland line to Mallaig. The museum will also incorporate a collection of railway memorabilia and a teak-bodied LNER carriage from The Flying Scotsman 1938 set.

The new Railway Museum and Open Farm Visitor Centre form part of John Cameron’s broader vision to promote a greater understanding of farming and food production to the general public. With a focus on community engagement, guides will explain how farms are run. The new Visitor Centre is being made available free to all farming organisations and for visits by school children as well as for other educational and industry purposes. He’s also set up the Cameron Travel Scholarship Trust, This is to benefit of young agricultural students and pupils of Dollar Academy, where John was a former pupil and formerly Dollar Academy’s Chair of Governors.

 

About the Forth Bridge

Further fascinating reading about this world-famous icon is available on the UNESCO, Network Rail and National Museums Scotland websites.

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1485

https://www.networkrail.co.uk/who-we-are/our-history/iconic-infrastructure/the-history-of-the-forth-bridge-fife/

https://www.nms.ac.uk/explore-our-collections/stories/science-and-technology/forth-bridge-paint-mixer/


For information on visiting the area, here are the official Forth Bridges and VisitScotland websites.

https://www.theforthbridges.org/about-the-forth-bridges/forth-bridge

https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/forth-bridges-p243711



 


360 feet above the water, looking South. The view from top of the central span of the Forth Bridge with coastal fog. Image permission thanks to Donna Mitchell and Network Rail.



 


An international icon reflected in a calm sea at sunset. Seen from the air looking towards North Queensferry. Image permission thanks to VisitScotland and Fife Council.


 


Proud to be part of



 

Proud to be part of Railway 200. 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. A British innovation that’s continued its journey across the globe. Through a year-long series of activities and events, Railway 200 will explore how rail shaped Britain and the world. And, as today’s railway modernises and gears up for growth, Railway 200 will also look to the future, encouraging more people to take the train and inviting the next generation of pioneering talent to join the railway and become the history-makers of tomorrow. This will be part of a national campaign highlighting rail’s remarkable past, its essential role today, and its ever-growing importance to a sustainable future. Everyone can get involved and you can find out more at https://railway200.co.uk/




 
 

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