In 1944, F. W. Hawksworth of the GWR introduced an improved version of the popular 'Hall' class 4-6-0s of his predecessor , C. B. Collett. The locomotives were termed 'Modified Hall' and incorporated 'one piece' mainframes (the originals were made in two sections joined together behind the cylinders), plate frame bogie and larger superheaters. At the same time new-type flush-sided tenders were paired with the engines, although these soon became swopped round as visits to the works for repair took place. The 'Hall' class itself was a development of the 1907 'Saint' class of G. J. Churchward, so the original design was now on its third wind.

British Railways continued building the 'Modified Halls' after the 1948 nationalisation, and No. 6989 Wightwick Hall was completed in March of that year at a cost of £9,686. On delivery, 6989 was sent to Hereford and remained there until transfer to Gloucester in September 1962. June 1964 saw the loco withdrawn from service, and sold the following month to Woodham Brothers for scrap. Total recorded mileage was 640,645 on 28 December 1963, six months before withdrawal.

In 1977, 6989 was purchased by the QRS and 10th January 1978 saw the locomotive delivered to Quainton.  It has been paired with an older Collett pattern tender, as it ran with one of these for most of its life.

Wightwick Hall is now undergoing a major restoration. After nearly 2 decades at Quainton, the Boiler was reunited with the frames on 20th October 1996. The engine's tender chassis arrived back from the Flour Mill, Forest of Dean, in November 2004. The latest progress can be checked on 6989's own pages, or ask in it's dedicated sales vehicle located in a grounded Mark II coach.

History of 6989 Wightwick Hall