Owsden Hall is a member of the Modified Hall class of locomotives, designed by the Great Western Railway’s final Chief Mechanical Engineer, F W Hawksworth. Introduced close to the end of the GWR in 1944, the design is based on C B Collett’s highly successful Hall class, the first example of which was a rebuilt Saint class 4-6-0 in 1924.

In all, 71 Modified Hall locomotives were produced, many completed after nationalisation of the railways in 1948. Owsden Hall was one of these, being turned out from Swindon works in February 1948. On entering service, it was allocated to Hereford (86C). Subsequent allocations were:

1958 – 85A (Worcester)
1963 – 87H (Neyland)
1964 – 86E (Severn Tunnel Junction)
88B (Cardiff East Dock)
87A (Neath)
1965 – 86E (Severn Tunnel Junction)
82E (Bristol Barrow Road)

Withdrawn from Bristol in February 1966, Owsden Hall was bought by Woodham’s of Barry for scrap and remained in the yard for 20 years until becoming the 178th locomotive to leave the yard in October 1986.

During its relatively short life, No 6984 clocked up well over half a million miles, its last recorded mileage being 594,835 on 28 December 1963. During its active life, the engine is known to have put in frequent appearances on the Cambrian Coast Express between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton, alternating with sister engine 6989 Wightwick Hall, which has also been preserved. It was also recorded at Bicester North in 1965, twice seen working the 4.45pm from Paddington. This service was the last scheduled Western Region steam hauled service, the final turn being worked by Clun Castle during the same year.

During its working life, Owsden Hall carried its own brand new boiler, and these others from time to time:

6973 Bricklehampton Hall
6974 Bryngwyn Hall (twice)
6965 Thirlestaine Hall, which it still has

330 Hall and Modified Hall locomotives were built. 18 have been saved, 11 Hall and seven Modified Hall.

For more information on Hall and Modified Hall class locomotives click here.