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 June 1964 saw the loco withdrawn from service, and sold the following month to Woodham Brothers for scrap.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. On the 2nd Spetember 2008 the tender and loco were reunited in the old King shed in the Upyard when the 6989 Group took over this covered storage space. The tender frames are making good progress as are the tender brakes, with the tank itself taking shape. The water scoop column has been fitted, though it is unlikely ever to be used again.

Having had the boiler in the frames for a number of years, allowing the fitting of the various parts, the boiler was removed and placed on a concrete pad outside the shed in May 2010. Since then around 900 of the stays have been drilled out and replaced. Subject to funding it is currently hoped that the engine will be in steam in 2013. Wightwick Hall gained a Transport Trust Highly Commended Award in 2011.

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

Date	Depot	Tender No.	Repairs	Remarks
March 1948	Swindon	4048	Built	Boiler - 9241, Brunswick Green Livery
29/01/50	-	4048	-	-
15/02/50	Worcester	2907	Unclassified	-
10/05/50	Hereford	2907	Unclassified	-
20/10/50	Swindon	2533	Heavy General	Miles - 101065, Boiler - 9326
18/03/53	Swindon	2689	Heavy Intermediate	Miles - 200504
08/11/54	Swindon	2831	Heavy General	Miles - 284092, Boiler - 9264
26/09/56	Swindon	4071	Heavy Intermediate	Miles - 373022
14/06/57	Swindon	2931	Heavy Classified
05/09/57	Swindon	2613	Heavy General	Miles - 468663, Boiler - 9296
28/12/57	-	2777	-	-
22/01/59	-	2772	-	-
05/11/60	Worcester	4081	Unclassified	-
06/03/61	Swindon	4081	Heavy General	Miles - 549750, Boiler - 9296
02/08/61	Old Oak Common	4081	Unclassified	-
27/09/61	Worcester	4081	Unclassified	-
20/10/62	Swindon	2933	Heavy Classified	-
28/12/63	-	-	-	Miles - 640645
01/06/64	-	2933	Condemned	Boiler - 9296, Brunswick Green Livery
17/07/64	Woodham Bros	-	-	Arrives Woodham Bros scrap merchants
08/01/77	Woodham Bros	-	-	Sold to Quainton Railway Society

References:
Fleet Report: 6989 Wightwick Hall - Quainton News Nos. 105 - 107 Triple Issue 2011/12
6989 Update - Jeff Jackson - Quainton News No. 100 October 2008
Welcome to Wightwick Hall - Quainton News No. 34 Spring 1978