‘A4’ for ELR’s Easter - and October gala

‘A4’ No. 60009 Union of South Africa will return to service at the East Lancashire Railway at Easter, it is hoped. ELR Financial Director David Layland said that “subject to completion” of its repairs by Riley & Son (E) Ltd, the Gresley 4-6-2 will be in steam on April 14-17. A ‘Pacific’ duo may be in prospect, as either Bulleid ‘West Country’ No. 34092 City of Wells or Hughes-Fowler ‘Crab’ 2-6-0 No. 13065 will be rostered. No. 60009 is also booked for the ELR’s Autumn Steam Gala, currently scheduled for October 14/15, but possibly to be extended to October 13-15. As reported in recent issues, ‘No. 9’ will be in service for just two more years before owner John Cameron retires it and ‘K4’ No. 61994 The Great Marquess to static display at his farm museum in Fife. Mr Layland added that the ‘A4’ could be just one of a number of high-profile guests for the October gala: “We’re looking to have engines from each of the ‘Big Four’, and at least one other ‘Pacific’.”