Photo:
Mike Taylor - Wightwick Hall moves under its own steam for first time since May 1964, 11 December 2018
Originally on 6989's former website

Wightwick Hall arrived at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre on 9th January 1978, little did anyone know that the restoration of 6989 was to take almost 42 years. 6989 made preservation history when it became the 150th ex- Barry loco to steam when it moved under its own power on 11 December 2018. The loco performed its first passenger service since 1964 on 2 March 2019 and was launched to the public on 3 March 2019.

The following is a brief, mainly pictorial, overview of the 42 year restoration.

Photo:
6989 Restoration Group Collection - Wightwick Hall's First Boiler Lift in 1978.

Photo:
Roy Lawrance - Wightwick Hall's strip down underway, with 6024 King Edward II on the track behind

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6989 Restoration Group Collection - Wightwick Hall's boiler sandblasted and painted

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6989 Restoration Group Collection - A growing collection of parts stripped off and cleaned, including crossheads

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6989 Restoration Group Collection - Heavily rusted connecting and coupling rods

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Alan Vessey - Wightwick Hall's bogie tyres being reprofiled at Swindon Heritage Centre

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6989 Restoration Group Collection - Wightwick Hall's piston and slide alignment by Alan Vessey and John Wood

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6989 Restoration Group Collection - Vacuum pipes being refurbished - 2002