Dramatic image which 'captures some of the romance of rail travel' raises funds for new steam locomotive
Prints on sale to help build new engine for Edinburgh-Aberdeen route
Prints of a steam locomotive crossing the Forth Bridge are being sold to raise awareness of and funds for the construction of a new steam engine which will follow its predecessor's route between Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
The image features the now retired 1937 locomotive Union of South Africa, which also hauled the Queen's train when she officially opened the Borders Railway ten years ago.
It was taken in 1992 by photographer John Charles Brownlie, who was inspired by the work of artist Terence Cuneo.
Cuneo’s 1965 painting Blue Train at Bowling Harbour was shortlisted as one of Britain’s best-loved railway artworks in this year’s bicentenary celebrations for the modern railway.
While still at school, Brownlie wrote to the locomotive’s owner and ScotRail chair John Cameron for permission to join its crew on board.
He captured the rare view along the bridge from the footplate while the engine was hauling one of its many Scottish Railway Preservation Society excursions.
Brownlie said Mr Cameron, who hopes to display Union of South Africa at a new museum in Fife next year, had approved the use of the print to commemorate its retirement.
The locomotive’s name was changed to Osprey in the 1980s and 1990s because of opposition to apartheid in South Africa.
Mr Cameron said: “This print brings back many a fond memory of driving Number 9 [from its number 60009].
“It’s rare to have any picture from Number 9’s footplate on the main line. As soon as I saw it, I said, now that’s a good one.”
The photograph is on display at the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum in Doncaster. Copies of the print from the John Charles Media website are on sale for £150-230.
Brownlie said 10 per cent of the proceeds from sales of the print would be used to support the project to build Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive, which is based on a type by Flying Scotsman designer Sir Nigel Gresley for the Edinburgh-Aberdeen route.
The £7 million scheme to build the P2 class locomotive Prince of Wales is expected to be completed in 2028.
Gresley also designed Union of South Africa, which is among the same A4 locomotive class as steam speed record holder Mallard.
Brownlie said: “Once this new locomotive is complete, history will be recreated when passengers are once able to travel behind a P2 for the first time in original form since 1938.
“I hope this commemorative print captures some of the romance of rail travel - a moment from the very peak of her years in preservation, in this most iconic of locations.
“I hope it evokes fond memories of journeys made and inspires new travel adventures.”
Steve Davis, chair of the A1 Locomotive Trust, which is building the new locomotive, said: “We are delighted the P2 project has been singled out for support by the artistic initiative, celebrating the many parallels between the subject of John’s stunning photograph and our cause.”
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