60009 Union of South Africa at dawn, on October 18, 2017.

‘Number Nine’ has always been a firm favourite of mine, with A4s being one of the first locomotives I was introduced to by my Grandad at a young age and I’ve been fascinated by them ever since.

A photo charter held by the 3P20 Group on the ELR was brought to my attention, with nine Mk1s on the drawbar on an autumnal day, it was looking likely that we would be treated to some nice displays of exhaust. Sure enough, the best run-past of the day came right at the start, with the sun breaking over the thin cloud layer on the hills, and casting the fireman’s side in golden light.

This was one of those moments where as soon as

I’d got the shot, I just put the camera aside and soaked up the sight and sounds.