The Vintage Trains Story – To a Train Operating Company

Following a visit I made to Tyseley last year with the Society Trustees, Vintage Trains volunteer Mike Corbett offered to visit us with his presentation “The Vintage Trains Story - To a Train Operating Company”.

Tyseley has had a very varied history since the demise of steam and its function as a Great Western shed. The area within the bounds of the original shed still functions as a base for Tyseley Locomotive Works, formally the Birmingham Railway Museum. It is currently home to steam loco’s 7029 "Clun Castle", 4965 "Rood Ashton Hall" and a pannier tank. "Clun Castle" operates various charter trains from here under the Vintage Trains name.

We covered the history and function of the site over the years. It has worked under many different names, owners and managers. On site are several other loco’s and rolling stock in various states needing repair, and money! The group has been able to build a new workshop having received grants from differing sources.

We continued after our meeting break seeing some photographs of 7029 in various parts of the country on tours. Looking very good hauling trains as it did when working from the west country and Wales up to Paddington.

A fascinating afternoon about one of our historic sites and the problems that restoring railway history and its up-keep brings.

Dave Elsdon

Branch Secretary