It has been confirmed that 60009 Union of South Africa has successfully completed its mainline loaded test run.

60009 departed the East Lancashire Railway early yesterday morning and headed light engine to Carnforth, where it coupled up to a rake of coaches and a Class 33 locomotive.

Once coupled to the coaches, 60009 headed down the Bentham Line to Settle Junction and on to Hellifield, where it took on water.

Running some 86 minutes early through Blackburn, thanks to a non-running Northern train on the Clitheroe branch, made life easy for the A4.

Steaming into Preston, there was no need for lengthy stop, departing the busy station some 170 minutes early.

The WCML was a doddle for the locomotive, which is due to be withdrawn in 2 months time. 60009 arrived back into Carnforth Steamtown a whopping 250 minutes early!

With no issues to report, the locomotive stayed in Carnforth due to not needing to go back to the East Lancashire Railway.

Next up for 60009 will be a light engine movement to York in preparation for its mainline tour diary of 2020.

Time is running out for the streamlined locomotive, with her withdrawal coming in April. Her future is then uncertain whether she will end up in a museum, or have to undergo a lengthy overhaul – the latter looking less certain.

Did you go out to see 60009 Union of South Africa on the mainline? If so, why not post your pictures on our community pages.

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