6989 Wightwick Hall

Wightwick Hall

Modified Hall 6959 Class 4-6-OMT 6989 “Wightwick Hall”

The largest ex BR locomotive in our collection is “Wightwick Hall”. She is one of only six Modified Hall 6959 Class mixed traffic locomotives that survived into preservation. 6989 is currently undergoing a full rebuild to working order of the tender and locomotive from ex Barry condition. This major project is being undertaken by the 6989 Restoration Group; a self-funding group of the Quainton Railway Society.

The restoration project continues to make good progress. The locomotive frame and motion are completed, as are the majority of locomotive’s vacuum brake, injector, ejector and steam heat systems. The boiler is out of the frames and is in the process of having most of the firebox stays replaced. Following this a full re-tube will be undertaken.

On the tender, the frame is completed as are all of the brake, steam heat and water systems. Construction of the new tank is also progressing well. The 6989 Group is unable to set a firm completion date for 6989 as this is constrained essentially by the rate at which funds can be raised, but they are hopeful that she can be completed by 2013.

Lots more detail on the history of the locomotive and the very latest on the progress of the project can be viewed on this link: www.wightwick-hall-6989.com