This locomotive was built for the South Yorkshire area of the National Coal Board, No. 65 in their fleet, and delivered to Manvers Main Colliery, Wath-upon-Dearne, Rotherham, on 18 March 1964. It represents Hunslet's final development of the British industrial steam locomotive, being fitted with a welded steel firebox, underfeed stoker, gas producer unit, drop grate and improved blast pipe system.

For various reasons the mechanical stoker, gas producer unit and drop grate fell into disuse and were removed or replaced with conventional equipment by 1969. In 1971 the locomotive received a new yellow livery and became spare to a number of ex-BR class '04' diesel locomotives. It was used very little from this time, and in 1975 was moved to Cadely Hill colliery, Burton-on-Trent. On arrival the engine was tested and found to be in need of major mechanical repair although the boiler was in first class order. In view of this it was used as a source of spares for other locomotives.

During January 1983 the locomotive was purchased by Quainton Railway Society members and moved by road to Quainton later in that month, joining its twin No. 3890. Most of the motion, both pistons, and all the boiler and cab fittings were missing. The majority of these were acquired and a heavy overhaul was intended, with the intention of running the locomotive in NCB yellow, with vacuum brakes for passenger train running.

In the event, in December 1987 No. 3889 moved to the Rutland Railway Museum, Cottesmore, where the locomotive was put on static display awaiting restoration. Since then No. 3889 has moved to Bill Parker's Flour Mill Workshops in the Forest of Dean.

Current Location - Bill Parker's Flour Mill workshop, Forest of Dean