The tender for steam locomotive No. 6984 “Owsden Hall” has been shunted outside at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, in readiness for transporting to the Buckinghamshire  Railway Centre, where the Tender will be paired with 6989 “Wrightwick Hall”.

Why is 6984’s tender is going to be paired with 6989?

6989 “Wrightwick Hall” is currently at a closer stage to being operational than 6984 “Owsden Hall” is.

Also, 6989 currently doesn’t have a tender that will be ready in time for when the engine is ready to enter traffic. Therefore, both groups have made an agreement which will see 6989 borrow 6974’s tender.

How far away from completion is 6989?

The latest update from The 6989 “Wightwick Hall” Restoration Group was released in Mid-February. The engine is roughly 95% complete. The boiler only requires an In-Frame Steam Test, with the spark arrester being built. Much other work required is fitting various pipes and making adjustments to components, which can only be done after In-Frame Steam Test have been completed.

The tender’s frame is completed and ready for use, but further work is needed to be carried on the tender’s tank, with this work currently on hold.

For further information about 6989 “Wrightwick Hall”, please visit The 6989 “Wightwick Hall” Restoration Group’s website here

For further information about 6984 “Owsden Hall”, please visit the Modified Hall 6984 ‘Owsden Hall’ Facebook Page here