Photos:
RCTS Collection© - 6989 on Bournemouth SR Shed on 21st April 1957 - Halls were used on the York - Bournemouth services South from Leicester

In compiling the history of 6989, we have discovered that she ranged throughout GWR territory and beyond and headed a number of named expresses and specials. These include regular appearances on the Cambrian Coast Express and Cathedrals Express and once on The Cornishman, substituting for a failed castle. Elsewhere in this edition, you will read of the exploits of Christopher Tanous on 6989.

Our collection of in service photographs of 6989 now numbers 52. At some point we plan to show these as part of an exhibition in the Balfour Beatty coach we have adopted. We also have in mind something on the development of the Saint through to the Modified Hall and what some believe was the ultimate linear development the Black 5?

On the restoration front we continue to make steady progress commensurate with our fund raising activity. We focused on the tender frame in 2007 and have made good progress on the brakes. We have all 3 sets of brake hangers and stretchers on the frame and about 60% of the vacuum pipe work. We plan to have the frame finished by this summer so that we can start assembling the tank.

We have not completely neglected the loco and both injectors are fitted. The copper injector steam feed pipes have been bent to shape by Trevor Tremblen and a new set of clack valve flanges have been made for us by John Hancock. We hope to complete this pipe work by year end as fill in work when we are held up on the tender. We have already completed the driver's side clack feed pipes.

The fund raising team, led by Chris Tayler, continues to do a great job and we have sufficient funds to deliver our planned work for this year. As we get into the final stage of the project we need to fund the boiler refurb, which will be the single biggest cost item. 1f we are to avoid a pause in the restoration activity more help on the fund raising will be needed. In particular, help to man the shop on Wednesdays during the school holidays will provide a welcome boost to our funds. If anyone can help please contact Chris Tayler on xxxx xxxxxxx.

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 2008 and so does not reflect events in the 6+ years since publication. The text and photographs are repeated verbatim from the original publication, with only a few minor grammar changes but some clarifying notes are added if deemed necessary. The photos from the original publication are provided as scans in this internet version of this long out of print publication.

Reference:
6989 Update - Jeff Jackson - Quainton News No. 99 - April 2008