GRESLEY ‘A4’ No. 60009 Union of South Africa returned to steam at the East Lancashire Railway on April 13 following extensive repairs to its frames, axleboxes and motion by Riley & Son at Heywood.
Regrettably, its debut was short-lived and the ‘Streak’, which is under the custodianship of Ian Riley, was taken out of service again the following afternoon after the discovery of a defect in the outer firebox.
This was subsequently rectified and ‘Number Nine’ was expected back in traffic on April 22.
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It is pictured at Rawtenstall during it trials on April 13. BOB CRAGG
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