The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is delighted to announce its curtain raiser for 2019 will be the visit of 60009 Union of South Africa next Spring. Passengers will be able to travel behind the iconic A4 Pacific, designed by Nigel Gresley, from Grosmont to Pickering during its week-long visit.

Union of South Africa services will depart at 9:30, 12:40 & 15:40 from Grosmont Station on 30 & 31 March, 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7 April 2019

The LNER Class A4 steam locomotive was built in Doncaster in 1937. She is one of six surviving Gresley A4s, and is currently operational and mainline certified until April 2019 when she will be permanently withdrawn. Their streamlined design made them instantly recognisable, and one of the class, 4468 Mallard, holds the world record as the fastest steam locomotive.

Chris Price, General Manager said: “The A4 Pacific locomotives are some of the most recognisable engines in the heritage railway industry and we are looking forward to having the engine back along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

It is our fourth year we have started the season with a visiting engine and we hope that passengers enjoy 60009 as much as our previous visiting famous engines. It is also one of the last chances for the public to travel behind this LNER Class A4 steam locomotive and is a timely reminder that her much missed sister locomotive, 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley is nearing the end of her overhaul at York.

As a not-for-profit charity, the fare income generated from the visiting engine will help towards the maintenance of the railway which we already invest around £1 million annually.”

North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the most historic lines in the North of England, taking visitors on picturesque journeys along an 18-mile railway line aboard steam and heritage diesel trains.

Travel along the heritage line behind 60009 Union of South Africa (Grosmont to Pickering return) Prices from: Adult £30, Child £15 and Family £62.00 (2x Adults & 2x Children*). nymr.co.uk/uosa

2019 season will operate from 8 April – 3 November 2019. For more information and to book tickets visit nymr.co.uk

*Terms & Conditions Apply. Children are aged 1 - 15 years old. Under 12 months travel for free, but will have to sit on the lap of a full paying adult. 

Contributor: John Davidson Photos / Alamy Stock Photo