The Scarborough Flyer - 12th July 2008
In 2008, for the third year in succession, a Railway Touring Company excursion to the North called at Brandon. The locomotive this year was the most glamorous yet - A4 pacific no 60009 Union of South Africa. It may have been the first time an A4 has ever stopped at Brandon, though 'no.9' has passed through on more than one occasion. However, she was not the first choice. The train was originally planned to be hauled by 70013 Oliver Cromwell, and then 71000 Duke of Gloucester, but both had to withdraw: the first because restoration was not complete, and the second because of mechanical problems.
 |
Diesel Train 67021 pulls 60009 Union of South Africa through Brandon
|
The empty stock went down to Norwich on Friday 11 July, with no 67021 hauling and 60009 at the rear, tender first and slightly undignified. It was sunny when the train passed, but 12 July, continuing the tradition of such days, dawned cloudy. This was the aftermath of a violent storm which had taken place later on the Friday afternoon, and provided a novel excuse for the 40-minute late arrival of the Scarborough Flyer at Brandon: Attleborough signalbox had been struck by lightning.
 |
60009 Union of South Africa pulled by Diesel Train 67021 through Brandon
|
 |
60009 Union of South Africa Approaching Brandon
|
There was the customary crowd at the station, some there just to watch and others to board the train, including the coachload of RTC passengers from King's Lynn. The late arrival was a pity, because, as she proved later on, no. 60009 was in top form and gave a very fast run up the East Coast main line. But arrival at York, where many passengers left the train, was over an hour late, and at Scarborough likewise. This meant that the York passengers had a long wait for the return train, as they were told to be on the platform at the booked time. However, the return journey started off just over an hour late.
 |
60009 Union of South Africa Leaving Doncaster
|
 |
60009 Union of South Africa at Scarborough
|
The A4 pulled the train as far as Milford Junction where no. 67021 was waiting to take over for the run to Norwich. Not bound by speed restrictions, the diesel went like the wind, but the train was still an hour late at Brandon. Not that this took away the pleasure of the day, nor the expectation that next year will bring another enjoyable experience travelling in comfort behind a steam engine from our own station.