FANS of steam locomotives will be treated to a rare sight when steam locomotive No.60009, Union of South Africa, steams through the Cotswolds on her way to Worcester today.
The approximate times are as follows:
- London Paddington leaving 7.40am
- Reading arriving 8.35am
- Didcot arriving 9.04am
- Kemble passing through
- Stroud passing through approx time 10.15 - 10.30am
- Stonehouse passing through
- Worcester 11.50am
According to steamdreams.co.uk Union of South Africa was built for the LNER in 1937.
It was named after the then newly-formed Union of South Africa, although it had previously been allocated the name Osprey when it came out of the paint shop.
Osprey name plates were fitted to the locomotive during the 1980s and early 1990s due to the politics of the time.
Its name has since reverted to Union of South Africa.
With thanks to Wayne Clutterbuck photography, Chris King and Bryan Harper for allowing us to share their great pictures in the photo gallery at the top of the page from her visit to the valleys last year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here