'Union of South Africa' is a preserved locomotive here running on the route for which it was designed, in the mid 1930's.
35 of these graceful locomotives were built and they pulled many of the more important services between London, Yorkshire and Scotland for a period of 25 years, before they were replaced by diesels. Their sleek streamlined shape made them favourites for enthusiasts and photographers, and today several of them still work special services.
This service, the 'York Yule-Tide Express' started from London Victoria and travelled by a rather circuitous route before arriving in York just one minute late.
Here it is on the final approach to York railway station, to be met by a crowd of photographers and bemused passengers waiting for normal services.
This is the second shot I've included of one of these locomotives in our project this month - sister locomotive 'Bittern' appeared at the beginning of the month - http://365project.org/fishers/365/2014-12-04
Thank you all for your fantastic comments and for all the favs! Your encouragement is greatly appreciated.
I love the view of steam trains approaching the station like this, but recent changes to the track layout and electrification masts presents quite a challenge to catch a shot of a locomotive in one of the gaps.
Lynne, these were indeed LNER locomotives, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, and the pride of the fleet.
Thank you all for your fantastic comments and for all the favs! Your encouragement is greatly appreciated.
I love the view of steam trains approaching the station like this, but recent changes to the track layout and electrification masts presents quite a challenge to catch a shot of a locomotive in one of the gaps.
Lynne, these were indeed LNER locomotives, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, and the pride of the fleet.
Ian