60009 Union of South Africa's final streak through the Cotswolds 23 February 2020

Mr Cameron's magnificent 60009 Union of South Africa headed what was sure to be her last Cotswold Venturer tour from London to Worcester and return. A great performance from this loco and her crew.
I filmed her on the outward journey at Goring and Streatley then just past Kemble, close to the source of the River Thames, on the start of the climb up towards Sapperton. In the dusk, I saw her on the return journey at the approach to Stonehouse, followed by a night shot at Twyford.
Apologies for the poor sound quality in places. My microphone doesn't like the pesky overhead wires, and the other camera doesn't do well in windy conditions!

[@kevinenticott2206]

Great video Hils, thanks for posting, very well captured by you and such an impressive sight she is every time. 👍👍👍

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Thank you, Kevin. She’s fantastic!

[@kennethhume8628]

Always fantastic to see a streak , one of the most graceful locos ever built , excellent video .

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Thank you, Kenneth. Yes, graceful is the perfect description of her. 😊 Hilary

[@BrianSeaman]

Great captures Hils. That was a very unusual angle on the bend, looking up at No 9 as it passed by. Cheers, Brian

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Thanks Brian. I was at a foot crossing on an embankment, so to be in a safe place, I had to set up slightly down the embankment side.

[@peterscutt2253]

Thank you Hils, a great video as always. Its a shame that union will no longer be around in the future

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Thank you, Peter. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It is a shame. I think she has a special
place in a lot of enthusiasts’ hearts. Sir Nigel should be back out soon, all being well. 😊 Hilary

[@kensherwood4866]

Lovely video work. Thanks for posting, your low level shots were great

[@johnjephcote7636]

I endorse that comment - artysta!

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Thank you Ken. I appreciate your kind comments. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. 😊Hilary

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Thank you, John, you are very kind. 😊 Hilary

[@HenrysAdventures]

Brilliant video! I love the last shot at Tywford! I saw her at Worcester!

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Thank you! She was looking splendid wasn’t she?! 😊

[@HenrysAdventures]

@@hilsthetrainlady4683 Yes she was and no doubt she will no Saturday!

[@rogergardner6537]

Impressive engine, running like a "good un". I agree with Brian, that shot is probably your best so far imho ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Thank you, Roger. You are very kind. She did look rather splendid! 😊 Hilary

[@TheCrazyhorse1876]

Well Hils you will look back one day and say I saw one of the best steam engines on her final Cotswold run,well done

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Thanks Robert. She was fantastic. I’m sure the crew must have enjoyed the trip!

[@SimonTog]

Super video Hils :)

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Thanks a lot, Simon. 😊

[@ianlunt7833]

Hils , impressive as always.lan.

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Thanks, Ian. We really are going to miss her. Hilary

[@johntyh43]

I loved it, Hilary! It certainly looks like a great day !

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Thank you, John. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Apart from falling off a stile into some mud and tripping over a bramble into yet more mud, it was an excellent day! 😊 Hilary

[@johntyh43]

@@hilsthetrainlady4683 Oh dear, Hilary. That reminds me of August, 2019, when I had climbed over a style into a field, caught my foot in overgrown vegetation, and fell headfirst into nettles. I eventually got to the foot crossing only to find the view spoilt by grass and weeds. I was so disappointed in the video clip that followed that I have never used it. The ironic thing is that this happenened in my home village, about half a mile from the estate on which I grew up! You would have thought I'd have known about the state of the field!

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

I’m glad I’m not the only one to experience such a calamity! I never made it to the foot crossing I was heading for. At least the two shots I did get worked out ok.

[@dannygayler90]

And no diesel assist , That was great !

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Ha ha, I thought you’d be pleased about that, Danny. 😊 Hilary

[@Pirate-Scorcher-1998]

Amazing :D

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Thanks, Connor. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@Pirate-Scorcher-1998]

Hils TheTrainLady no problem

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

I’ve seen her at ashchurch station

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

Ah yes, a good spot there, I believe, Scott.

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

Yes Hilary

[@thestarlightalchemist7333]

Rip, no more A4s on the mainline...
...at least, until Sir Nigel Gresley gets overhauled.

[@hilsthetrainlady4683]

trainz 4460 productions Yes, sad times. Hopefully Sir N will be back out before too long. 😊 Hilary