Heritage Trains across the West Midlands - protecting our wonderful history!

Here we feature the locomotives and trains of the past and why its so important to protect them and promote the great work of those who help protect them for us all to enjoy. 


Steam locomotives and diesel locomotives, heritage trains can be seen around the West Midlands. You can visit the Tyseley Locomotive Works on open days. Or book trips on the Shakespeare Express from Vintage Trains, which runs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham Snow Hill.

In Kidderminster, you can go on the Severn Valley Railway to Bridgnorth.

There is also the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway between Cheltenham Race Course and Broadway.

It is a delight to spot steam trains on the main line.

 

Tyseley Locomotive Works

Tyseley Locomotive Works, Warwick Road, Tyseley, Birmingham, B11 2EX

Originally built in 1908 as the Great Western Railway's Tyseley depot, Vintage Trains has been operating here since the mid to late 1960s restoring old steam locomotives. At one point the Tyseley Locomotive Works was known as the Birmingham Railway Museum, but the site is now only open to the public on certain open days during each year. They also attract vintage cars, traction engines and model railway clubs to the site.

GWR Tyseley Locomotive WorksTyseley Locomotive Works. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

For more information on events go to: Events at Tyseley

 

 

Severn Valley Railway

Severn Valley Railway at Kidderminster Town Station, Station Drive, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 1QX

The Severn Valley Railway is in Worcestershire, between Kidderminster Town, Bewdley and Bridgnorth. Intermediate stops include Arley. They run steam or diesel related weekend events through the year.

Kidderminster TownSevern Valley Railway. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

For more information visit the Severn Valley Railway

 

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway at Cheltenham Race Course Station, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH

This steam railway runs from Cheltenham Race Course in Gloucestershire towards Broadway in Worcestershire. It goes via Gotherington, Winchcombe and Toddington.

35006 Cheltenham Race CourseGloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

For more information visit the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

 

Steam locomotives you can visit

City of Birmingham 46235 at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum. On static display. Was formerly located at the now defunct Birmingham Museum of Science & Industry from 1966 until 1997. When it was relocated to the new science museum in Millennium Point, Eastside, which was opened in 2001.

City of Birmingham 46235 ThinktankCity of Birmingham at Thinktank. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Steam locomotives with carriages (coaches) you can ride

Vintage Trains uses 7029 Clun Castle with the Shakespeare Express or the Polar Express. From Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham Snow Hill or Birmingham Moor Street. They might also run trips on longer distance journeys around the country.

Clun Castle7029 Clun Castle at Birmingham Moor Street. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Vintage Trains also uses 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe with the Shakespeare Express, between Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham Snow Hill. The route alternates via Dorridge and via Whitlocks End. They also run other seasonal trips to other parts of the country.

Earl of Mount Edgcumbe5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at Birmingham Snow Hill. Photography by Elliott Brown

Project dates

29 Sep 2018 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Photography, Transport

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com

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History & heritage
15 Aug 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

The Shakespeare Express in 2022 and 2023

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Vintage Trains and Tyseley Steam Trust continue to run the Shakespeare Express and the Polar Express between Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham Snow Hill stations. Here's some photos taken between 2022 and 2023. Steam locos used include 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and 7029 Clun Castle.

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The Shakespeare Express in 2022 and 2023





Vintage Trains and Tyseley Steam Trust continue to run the Shakespeare Express and the Polar Express between Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham Snow Hill stations. Here's some photos taken between 2022 and 2023. Steam locos used include 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and 7029 Clun Castle.


The 2018 Shakespeare Express post. Shakespeare Express and Polar Express.

The 2019 Polar Express post: Polar Express 2019.

 

7029 Clun Castle

For the 2022 Polar Express season, I first spotted 7029 Clun Castle, with the Polar Express at Birmingham Moor Street Station on the 27th November 2022. This view below taken from the no 35 bus.

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Clun%20Castle%20VT%20Polar%20Xpress%2027112022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After various attempts to see the Polar Express between November and December 2022, I finally got a photo of 7029 Clun Castle with the Polar Express at Birmingham Moor Street Station, platform 4 on the 11th December 2022.

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/PE%207029%20BMSS%2011122022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I next saw 7029 Clun Castle, this time with The Shakespeare Express passing Solihull Station at speed on the 12th February 2023. Usually I'd expect The Shakespeare Express to run in the summer, not winter! Was a bit unexpected, as was going to Birmingham Moor Street one way that day (I did not see it at Moor Street, as by then it was at Birmingham Snow Hill).

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TSX%207029%20CC%20Solihull%20Station%2012022023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TSX%207029%20CC%20Solihull%20Station%2012022023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TSX%207029%20CC%20Solihull%20Station%2012022023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Carriages at Birmingham Snow Hill Station

On the 31st July 2022, I spotted these carriages of The Shakespeare Express at Birmingham Snow Hill Station, but did not see the steam locomotive. Initially from the Jewellery Quarter near Lionel Street, then from Great Charles Street Queensway, the car park near Ludgate Hill (the Great Charles Street construction site in 2023) and from the top of Snow Hill Car Park. They stretched to the end of platform 2. Was during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, so the station had wraps all over for the event.

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2031072022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2031072022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2031072022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2031072022%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe

For a few Sunday's I kept thinking of seeing The Shakespeare Express again. There was one Sunday when I spotted a steam locomotive at Birmingham Moor Street, platform 1 before it returned to Birmingham Snow Hill (from the top of a bus). Then another Sunday, I was waiting for a bus in Solihull, when I saw The Shakespeare Express whistle at speed past Solihull Station.

So this time I kept checking Real Time Trains, and it said it would be at Birmingham Snow Hill on the 13th August 2023 around 13:40.

 

The view from platform 3, as 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe leads The Shakespeare Express into platform 2, through the Snow Hill Tunnel.

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe had decoupled from the carriages, heading to the Jewellery Quarter end from platform 2, then passing platform 3, then through the Snow Hill Tunnel to Birmingham Moor Street. Was a West Midlands Metro tram nearby at St Paul's Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

One of the carriages, Charter Train Coach E, shows the route: Birmingham - Tyseley - Henley-in-Arden - Stratford-upon-Avon - Tyseley - Birmingham. Although it does also go via Dorridge, as well as via Shirley and Whitlocks End.

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After waiting for a West Midlands Railway Class 172 to come out of the Snow Hill Tunnel to platform 1 at Birmingham Snow Hill, shortly after, 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe emerges from the tunnel to re-couple onto the other end of the carriages waiting at platform 2.

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

See 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe with The Shakespeare Express on my YouTube Channel: Shakespeare Express 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at Birmingham Snow Hill Station

Or on my Facebook page: Shakespeare Express 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at Birmingham Snow Hill Station

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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70 passion points
Transport
05 Sep 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Miniature Railway Wythall operated by Elmdon Model Engineering Society at The Transport Museum, Wythall

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It wasn't just heritage buses at The Transport Museum, Wythall. On the August Bank Holiday Mondat 29th August 2022, visitors could pay to go on the Miniature Railway Wythall operated by Elmdon Model Engineering Society. The locomotive in use was called Blanche from the Penrhyn Railway. Kids seemed to have enjoyed it.

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Miniature Railway Wythall operated by Elmdon Model Engineering Society at The Transport Museum, Wythall





It wasn't just heritage buses at The Transport Museum, Wythall. On the August Bank Holiday Mondat 29th August 2022, visitors could pay to go on the Miniature Railway Wythall operated by Elmdon Model Engineering Society. The locomotive in use was called Blanche from the Penrhyn Railway. Kids seemed to have enjoyed it.


Miniature Railway Wythall operated by Elmdon Model Engineering Society

Shortly after getting off the car park shuttle bus at The Transport Museum, Wythall, I saw the station Elmdon Halt from the Miniature Railway Wythall.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The first time I saw the miniature railway in action, was while looking at various heritage buses parked up. Was a grassy bank, and saw the miniature steam train Blanche come around.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I was in The Power Hall, and briefly popped out when I saw this footbridge, shortly afterwards saw the miniature train heading around on the tracks. It went past the heritage buses, as well as a picnic bench area with bouncy castle and slides for kids.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I was later in another bus garage on site, near the milk float collection, popped out and saw this tunnel. I did not wait around to see if the miniature steam train would come out of it. So back to the milk floats and buses it was.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Before leaving, and after coming back to Wythall from a free bus ride, and ice cream. Saw the miniature steam train at Elmdon Holt, before we got back on the car park shuttle bus, to return to the Phoenix Group car park.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20Elmdon%20TMW%2029082022%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos by Elliott Brown

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80 passion points
Transport
22 May 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Miniature Railway at Trentham Gardens (August 2013)

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Looking back through my archives, and there was a Miniature Railway at Trentham Gardens that I saw back in the August 2013 day trip to the Trentham Estate. It is near Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire. Didn't have a ride of it at the time, but a return journey would have been about £2 each. There was a station here called Boathouse Station. The train they use is called Fern.

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Miniature Railway at Trentham Gardens (August 2013)





Looking back through my archives, and there was a Miniature Railway at Trentham Gardens that I saw back in the August 2013 day trip to the Trentham Estate. It is near Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire. Didn't have a ride of it at the time, but a return journey would have been about £2 each. There was a station here called Boathouse Station. The train they use is called Fern.


During a day out to Trentham Gardens near Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, during August 2013, I noticed on my map that there was a Miniature Railway in the gardens to see. So while there I popped over to have a look at it. I didn't pay to go on it myself, but there was a charge of £2 per person (not sure if kids were free or not).

People get to ride up and down on the Miniature Train to and from Boathouse Station.

The Trentham Estate was originally home to Trentham Hall. There had been a house here since the 16th or 17th centuries. But the last house to be built here was by Charles Barry in the 1830s. It would have been fully demolished in the early 20th century, but part of it was demolished, but most of the shell remains. The gardens were designed by Capability Brown in the 1750s. The house and gardens were derelict when St. Modwen Properties purchased the site in 1996. But they restored the gardens and opened them by 2008. There is also a shopping village here.

Now back to the miniature railway.

It would have been open at Easter 2020 holidays (04/04/2020 - 19/04/2020), but assume that the gardens were completely closed during the lockdown / pandemic. Trentham Fern Train Trips this Easter. Tickets would have been: for a Return trip: £2 per person. Return trip with Annual Ticket Holder discount: £1.50 per person. Single trip: £1 person.

 

The photos below were taken during the 11th August 2013.

The tracks are of a narrow gauge. This way to the station.

dndimg alt="Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens (Aug 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Welcome to Boathouse Station. The Railway is open. The fare is £2. Way in to the right.

dndimg alt="Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens (Aug 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Passengers sit on the open carriages as the miniature train goes around the rails.

dndimg alt="Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens (Aug 2013) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The train arriving at Boathouse Station.

dndimg alt="Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens (Aug 2013) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The engine the driver sits on was called Fern. This is also called the Trentham Railway.

dndimg alt="Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens (Aug 2013) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Everybody had got off including the train driver, while it waits at Boathouse Station.

dndimg alt="Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens (Aug 2013) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the station the train can only got at a very slow 2 MPH.

dndimg alt="Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens (Aug 2013) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A look further down the line to Boathouse Station.

dndimg alt="Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens (Aug 2013) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Waiting for the next passengers.

dndimg alt="Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens (Aug 2013) (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was also some wooden sheds to the left, maybe they store the train in there?

dndimg alt="Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens (Aug 2013) (10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Later saw another passenger load having a ride on the Trentham Railway.

dndimg alt="Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens (Aug 2013) (11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The train just goes around the track in circles. I think there was only one station.

dndimg alt="Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens (Aug 2013) (12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The last I saw of it, the train was going around and on to complete the loop with a handful of passengers.

dndimg alt="Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Miniature Railway Trentham Gardens (Aug 2013) (13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

For another post about another light railway in a park. Have a look at Evesham Vale Light Railway in the Evesham Country Park (August 2014).

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks to all my followers.

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80 passion points
Transport
27 Nov 2019 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

Return of the Polar Express at Birmingham Moor Street Station (22nd November to 22nd December 2019)

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It's back! The Polar Express from Vintage Trains. On at weekends from the 22nd November to 22nd December 2019. I saw it at Birmingham Moor Street Station on Sunday 24th November 2019. This was the 14:40 service. I went to get the Chiltern Railways 14:55 service (as far as Solihull).

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Return of the Polar Express at Birmingham Moor Street Station (22nd November to 22nd December 2019)





It's back! The Polar Express from Vintage Trains. On at weekends from the 22nd November to 22nd December 2019. I saw it at Birmingham Moor Street Station on Sunday 24th November 2019. This was the 14:40 service. I went to get the Chiltern Railways 14:55 service (as far as Solihull).


Last year's Post here Shakespeare and Polar Express.

Chiltern Railways 168002 (the train I would ride one stop to Solihull) and 45305 Alderman A. E. Draper seen at platform 3 and 4 at Birmingham Moor Street Station respectfully. The Polar Express is back for the festive season for the 2nd year. I saw families and kids arrive through an open gate (I used the ticket barrier).

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express 45305 Alderman AE Draper (Nov 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This steam locomotive is from the Great Central Railway. 45305 Alderman A. E. Draper. Built in 1936. Originally numbered 5305 for the London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMSR). After nationalisation in 1948, British Railways renumbered it as 45305. Withdrawn in 1968. Saved by Albert Drapers and Sons Ltd. Named Alderman A E Draper in 1984. From 1996 was with the Great Central Railway.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express 45305 Alderman AE Draper (Nov 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Carriages further down platform 4.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express Bham Moor St Station (Nov 2019) (1) (3000x2250).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

20 189 was at the end.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express Bham Moor St Station (Nov 2019) (2) (3000x2250).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up of 20 189, I last saw her at the Tyseley Locomotive Works at the open day 2 months earlier.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express Bham Moor St Station (Nov 2019) (3) (3000x2250).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Lined up the shot with the Birmingham Moor Street sign.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express Bham Moor St Station (Nov 2019) (4) (3000x2250).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking towards Primark. My train 168002 on the right at platform 3 (looks so small).

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express Bham Moor St Station (Nov 2019) (5) (3000x2250).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Selfridges to the left.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express Bham Moor St Station (Nov 2019) (6) (3000x2250).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I got on my train sometime after 14:30 and got these close up shots of the steam locomotive. This showing the number 45305.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/45305 Alderman AE Draper Bham Moor St Station (Nov 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

First saw the nameplate Alderman A. E. Draper here.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/45305 Alderman AE Draper Bham Moor St Station (Nov 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

With all the steam, the windows on my train were steaming up. Was another 10 minutes before the Polar Express left, and I had to wait 25 minutes before my train departed.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/45305 Alderman AE Draper Bham Moor St Station (Nov 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Red lights above the buffer in front of 45305. Way Out and Refreshment signs in the background.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/45305 Alderman AE Draper Bham Moor St Station (Nov 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Nameplate about the dedication to the memory of Albert E. Draper. Who was the former Alderman and Mayor of the Borough of Hedon, East Yorkshire.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/45305 Alderman AE Draper Bham Moor St Station (Nov 2019) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Just after 14:40 as scheduled, the Polar Express slowly reversed out of Platform 3. While I waited another 15 minutes, another Chiltern Railways Class 168 train arrived from London Marylebone.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/45305 Alderman AE Draper Bham Moor St Station (Nov 2019) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

My train later passed the Polar Express while it was a red light at Small Heath Station. Didn't take photos from the train as wasn't expected it there. Instead watch this video on Youtube Vintage Trains The Polar Express 24/11/2019. Video by TNXRail.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

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50 passion points
Transport
07 Oct 2019 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

The Usual Suspects at the Tyseley Locomotive Works open day (September 2019)

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I went to my 3rd open day at the Tyseley Locomotive Works on Saturday 28th September 2019. Mostly the same steam and diesel locomotives plus some special guests. The turntable was closed, so they opened up a different path from the car park to the engine repair shed at the back. Bought my ticket online and had a QR code in the E-ticket. Plus got a handstamp (not that I came back).

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The Usual Suspects at the Tyseley Locomotive Works open day (September 2019)





I went to my 3rd open day at the Tyseley Locomotive Works on Saturday 28th September 2019. Mostly the same steam and diesel locomotives plus some special guests. The turntable was closed, so they opened up a different path from the car park to the engine repair shed at the back. Bought my ticket online and had a QR code in the E-ticket. Plus got a handstamp (not that I came back).


Seen at Tyseley Warwick Road. This steam locomotive was stationary with the buffet cars behind. GWR 4073 Class 5080 Defiant. Built in May 1939 at the Swindon Works. GWR Castle Class. Standard Gauge Steam Trust (now the Tyseley Locomotive Works) bought it in 1974. Restored in 1988.

dndimg alt="Defiant" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tyseley Loco Works open day (Sept 2019) steam (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

LMS Jubilee Class 5593 Kolhapur outside of the engine repair shed. Built in 1934 at the Glasgow Works. Bought in 1968 by the Standard Gauge Steam Trust. Restored in the 1980s.

dndimg alt="5593 Kolhapur" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tyseley Loco Works open day (Sept 2019) steam (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

GWR 4073 Class 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe in the engine shed next to 7760. Built in 1936 at the GWR Swindon Works. Sold to the then Birmingham Railway Museum in 1973. Restored between 1998 and 2008.

dndimg alt="5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tyseley Loco Works open day (Sept 2019) steam (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

7760 in the engine repair shed next to 5043. GWR 0-6-0 PT 57xx Class. Built in 1931. Awaiting an overhaul.

dndimg alt="7760" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tyseley Loco Works open day (Sept 2019) steam (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

GWR 4900 Class 4965 Rood Ashton Hall outside of the engine shed to the back. Regularly used as the Shakespeare Express. Previously named 4983 Albert Hall. Rebuilt in 1962 using parts from both original engines Albert Hall and Rood Ashton Hall. Had an overhaul in 2008 to 2009.

dndimg alt="4965 Rood Ashton Hall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tyseley Loco Works open day (Sept 2019) steam (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

GWR 4073 Class 7029 Clun Castle was in front of 4965 Rood Ashton Hall. Built in 1950 at the ex Great Western Railway Swindon Works for the Western Region of British Railways after Nationalisation. Withdrawn in 1965. Bought in 1966 by Patrick Whitehouse, the ownership then passed to 7029 Clun Castle Ltd. Now based at the Tyseley Locomotive Works. First restoration in the mid 1980s. Mostly recently fully restored by 2017 before returning to service.

dndimg alt="7029 Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tyseley Loco Works open day (Sept 2019) steam (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

9600. GWR 0-6-0 PT 57xx Class. Built in 1945. Seen outside just behind guest locomotive 34053 Sir Keith Park. The turntable was fenced off behind.

dndimg alt="9600" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tyseley Loco Works open day (Sept 2019) steam (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Special guest locomotive. SR Battle of Britain class 21C153 Sir Keith Park. 34053 Sir Keith Park steaming away. Built at the Brighton Works in 1947. Withdrawn from service in 1965. In 1979 purchased by Charles Timms but didn't leave Barry Island until 1984. Later sold to Dr John F Kennedy in 1992 and moved to Crewe. Currently owned by Southern Locomotives Limited. Last restored in 2012. Original intended home was Swanage Railway but is now usually at the Severn Valley Railway. I last saw her on the back of a lorry in December 2018 heading to the Tyseley Locomtive Works on the Warwick Road in Tyseley. See that post here Not something you see every day: a steam locomotive on the back of a lorry!

dndimg alt="34053 Sir Keith Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tyseley Loco Works open day (Sept 2019) Sir Keith Park.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another special guest. A diesel locomotive 20189. Class 20 built sometime between 1957 and 1968, it's an diesel-electric locomotive. Also called L189. Currently owned by Class 20189 Ltd. Behind was London Transport 20142 Sir John Betjeman (I didn't get full views of that one). Also owned by Class 20189 Ltd. It used to be used on the London Underground on the Metropolitan line.

dndimg alt="20189" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tyseley Loco Works open day (Sept 2019) diesel (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

When I was briefly there on the Saturday the 28th September 2019, they had a pair of diesel locomotives taking passengers in the carriages up and down the line from the platforms at Tyseley Warwick Road.

At the back was D1755 / 47773. Class 47 built in 1964. Used to be used with the Royal Train. Named The Queen Mother. Now owned by Vintage Trains. It was previously used with The Polar Express around December 2018.

dndimg alt="D1755 / 47773" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tyseley Loco Works open day (Sept 2019) diesel (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At the front was 13029. Original number was 08021. Class 08. Built in 1953. Has a British Railways badge on the side.

dndimg alt="13029" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tyseley Loco Works open day (Sept 2019) diesel (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

D1755 and 13029 seen heading up and down the line with the passengers in the carriages. Behind 13029 was a Pullman carriage. As usual, I found lots of photographers waiting for their shots as far as you could walk on site. This is usually as far as I can go before heading back into the engine shed and up and down the stairs to the exit.

dndimg alt="D1755 and 13029" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tyseley Loco Works open day (Sept 2019) diesel (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

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60 passion points
Transport
11 Sep 2019 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway from Cheltenham Race Course to Broadway

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My ride on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway was on Sunday 8th September 2019. The 14:05 from Cheltenham Race Course to Broadway. Along 14 miles of a line that used to link Stratford to Cheltenham. We had our own reserved carriage. A pleasant ride through the fields of the Cotswolds. 

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Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway from Cheltenham Race Course to Broadway





My ride on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway was on Sunday 8th September 2019. The 14:05 from Cheltenham Race Course to Broadway. Along 14 miles of a line that used to link Stratford to Cheltenham. We had our own reserved carriage. A pleasant ride through the fields of the Cotswolds. 


Cheltenham Race Course Station

Being filled with coal at the far end of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway was 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co at Cheltenham Racecourse Station. This steam locomotive would head up to the crossing point, then head down on the other line, before being attached to the carriages at the far end of the station. Built in 1941 and then given the Southern Railway number 21C6. Renumbered to 35006 in 1948 by British Railways after Nationalisation. Withdrawn in 1964, it was purchased for preservation in 1983. Restoration completed between 2015 and 2016.

dndimg alt="35006 Cheltenham Race Course" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/GWSR Cheltenham Race Course Station 35006 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

35006 was seen near the Evesham Road bridge near Cheltenham Race Course. We headed down the ramp and got onto our reserved carriage for the journey towards Broadway.

dndimg alt="35006 Cheltenham Race Course" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/GWSR Cheltenham Race Course Station 35006 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Gotherington Station

Our train had to stop outside of Gotherington Station as the line from Cheltenham Race Course was a single track, and this was the only double track with a passing loop. Wasn't a steam locomotive coming, past but an old diesel train. BR Class 117 heading towards Cheltenham Race Course. Nos. W51360, W59510, W51363. 2C36 at the front.

dndimg alt="GWSR Gotherington" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/GWSR outside Gotherington Station Class 117 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2L05 at the back but with the Broadway name plate at the front.

dndimg alt="GWSR Gotherington" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/GWSR outside Gotherington Station Class 117 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Winchcombe Station

After we had passed Winchcombe Station I saw several trains on the sidings such as these ones. Baguley-Drewry looks like a pick up truck with a trailer.

dndimg alt="GWSR Winchcombe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/GWSR trains outside of Winchcombe Station (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

17244 Wansea Docks. One of the old wagons on the sidings.

dndimg alt="GWSR Winchcombe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/GWSR trains outside of Winchcombe Station (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Toddington Station

Heading into Toddington Station on the GWSR towards Broadway. On Sunday 8th September 2019 there was a Classic Vehicle Day in a nearby field to the station. But another steam train went past the one I was on. The steam locomotive at the front was 2807. Built in 1905, withdrawn in 1963, saved in 1981, and moved to Toddington Station, restored to steam in 2010.

dndimg alt="2807 at Toddington on the GWSR" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/2807 at Toddington Station on the GWSR (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was a bit too close as my train came to a stop. Saw the 2807 number plate and a bit of the inside of the cab where they shovel the coal into the engine.

dndimg alt="2807 at Toddington on the GWSR" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/2807 at Toddington Station on the GWSR (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Broadway Station

When we got to Broadway Station I only had time to get photos of the station buildings before heading to our coach. The station was rebuilt and reopened in 2018, 58 years after it was closed to passengers. I was hoping to head to the other end of the platform before 35006 moved down to the other end but had to stay with my group. Took these from the coach as 35006 decoupled at the far end, then headed down over the bridge. It then switched tracks again before reversing back.

dndimg alt="35006 at Broadway on the GWSR" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/35006 moving back at Broadway Station on the GWSR (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The driver slowly moved 35006 back until they reattached it to the carriages. We were off to Broadway for a few hours. Having earlier that day had a look around Regency Cheltenham.

dndimg alt="35006 at Broadway on the GWSR" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/35006 moving back at Broadway Station on the GWSR (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I will get all of my photos of that day up onto my Flickr in this album Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. Adding to my existing ones from July 2019.

When I saw the 6023 King Edward II steam locomotive from the car in the summer, I didn't know back then that I would be going on the GWSR. But was good that I did, as I got a proper look around Cheltenham and Broadway! This visiting locomotive is no longer on the heritage railway.

dndimg alt="King Edward II" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Low Bridge GWSR Broadway (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

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30 passion points
Transport
03 Sep 2019 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Severn Valley Railway over the years: from Kidderminster Town to Bridgnorth

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Ahead of my trip on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway a look back at the Severn Valley Railway between Kidderminster Town (Worcestershire) and Bridgnorth (Shropshire). I've only been on it during a day out back in August 2006. My last time to Kidderminster by train was September 2016 (but not on the SWR). More recently saw the line from Arley Arboretum.

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Severn Valley Railway over the years: from Kidderminster Town to Bridgnorth





Ahead of my trip on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway a look back at the Severn Valley Railway between Kidderminster Town (Worcestershire) and Bridgnorth (Shropshire). I've only been on it during a day out back in August 2006. My last time to Kidderminster by train was September 2016 (but not on the SWR). More recently saw the line from Arley Arboretum.


The Severn Valley Railway runs between Kidderminster in Worcestershire to Bridgnorth in Shropshire. It is a 16 mile heritage line. Part of the Beeching cut's of the late 1960s, the line closed in 1963. The Severn Valley Railway Preservation Society was formed in 1965, and they bought the line reopening it in stages between 1970 and 1984.

Kidderminster Town Station

I got a train from my local station in Birmingham to Kidderminster Station, mainly to have a look around the town centre in early September 2016, so wasn't there for the Severn Valley Railway. But got some photos of Kidderminster Town Station of the SVR while I was there. This billboard also advertising the Kidderminster Railway Museum.

dndimg alt="Kidderminster Town" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Kidderminster Town Station (Sept 2016) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen from Kidderminster Station while still under London Midland. A look at the carriages at Kidderminster Town Station. Was also old freight waggons in the background as well.

dndimg alt="Kidderminster Town" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Kidderminster Town Station (Sept 2016) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Can just about see a steam locomotive buffing away on ther right. Bit hard to see from the modern station on the Birmingham to Worcester via Kidderminster line.

dndimg alt="Kidderminster Town" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Kidderminster Town Station (Sept 2016) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Kidderminster Railway Museum. I didn't go in there on my last visit to Kidderminster. This was after my walk around the town, and was now back at Kidderminster Station to get my train home. I do hope to go on the Severn Valley Railway again in the future, just not got around to it (not checked out how much a ticket costs).

dndimg alt="Kidderminster Town" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Kidderminster Town Station (Sept 2016) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bewdley Station

My first and so far only journey on the Severn Valley Railway was on a day out back in August 2006 (13 years ago!). Didn't have my own camera back then, used my brothers compact camera (wasn't into photography back then). This diesel locomotive with 2D12 on it to "Banbury" (well not here).

No. 51941/50933/52064/56208/59250. Ex-British Railways. Class: 108 DMU. Owner: DMU Group (West Midlands)
Notes: based at Bewdley - undergoing repairs before further use. Details from Meet our locos.

dndimg alt="SVR Bewdley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Bewdley (August 2006) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Also saw this steam locotive with carriages behind it.

dndimg alt="SVR Bewdley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Bewdley (August 2006) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Not sure of the number as didn't get it in my old photos back in 2006 but think it was ex British Railways.

dndimg alt="SVR Bewdley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Bewdley (August 2006) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Carriage on the left numbered 52255. Not clear from here what number the steam locomotive was though.

dndimg alt="SVR Bewdley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Bewdley (August 2006) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Some more of the carriages. Must be ex LNER. Middle carriage numbered 24105.

dndimg alt="SVR Bewdley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Bewdley (August 2006) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Arley Station

On a visit to Arley Arboretum at the beginning of September 2019, could hear the whistles of nearby steam trains. Must be the Severn Valley Railway! The Severn View Point was on the walk past the trees towards the Grove Coppice at the arboretum in Arley. This diesel locomotive heading towards Arley Station is D9551, known as 'Angus'. Ex-British Railways. Built in 1965. Owned by the Severn Valley Railway Class 14 Company Ltd. Normally based at Bridgnorth. Details from Meet the locos.

dndimg alt="SVR Arley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Arley Arboretum (Sept 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Waited a few minutes for the next train, before I saw 7714 heading towards Bridgnorth having just left Arley. Ex-Great Western Railway, built in 1930, owned by the SVR Pannier Tank Fund. Details from Meet the Locos.

dndimg alt="SVR Arley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Arley Arboretum (Sept 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later on after a walk around the arboretum, headed to the Severn View after passing The Well, just before going up the Laburnum Arch. First train I saw heading into Arley Station was 2857. Ex-Great Western Railway, built in 1918, Class 2800, owned by the 2857 Society. Details from Meet the Locos.

dndimg alt="SVR Arley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Arley Arboretum (Sept 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After that train had left Arley, then saw this train head out of Arley towards Bridgnorth. 4144, Ex-British Railways. Direction facing Kidderminster. It is on hire from Didcot Railway Centre until November 2019. Details from Meet the Locos.

dndimg alt="SVR Arley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Arley Arboretum (Sept 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bridgnorth Station

Heading back to Bridgnorth Station during August 2006. We had gone to look at the ruins of Bridgnorth Castle in the Bridgnorth Town Park. Don't really remember much about this visit, other than we must have walked over this footbrige and around the road. Then gone into the park and then walked back to the station.

dndimg alt="SVR Bridgnorth" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Bridgnorth Station (August 2006) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

My only decent photos of the trains at Bridgnorth was from this viewpoint. Don't think I took any photos of the trains from the platforms at this station. Well not until we got to Bewdley.

dndimg alt="SVR Bridgnorth" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Bridgnorth Station (August 2006) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

In this view was too many trees in the way of the trains to see them. Didn't really take much photos of trains back then. Didn't really start taking trains photos again until 2009, after I lost my brother in late 2008 (on my own camera).

dndimg alt="SVR Bridgnorth" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Severn Valley Railway Bridgnorth Station (August 2006) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

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50 passion points
Transport
01 Aug 2019 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Evesham Vale Light Railway in the Evesham Country Park (August 2014)

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Heading towards Snowshill Manor recently, I was reminded of my visit to the Evesham Country Park in Worcestershire 5 years ago in August 2014, when I saw the Evesham Vale Light Railway. It's not far from the A435 and A46 route from the Maypole, going past Alcester. At the time was in the country park for a few hours before heading onto Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds.

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Evesham Vale Light Railway in the Evesham Country Park (August 2014)





Heading towards Snowshill Manor recently, I was reminded of my visit to the Evesham Country Park in Worcestershire 5 years ago in August 2014, when I saw the Evesham Vale Light Railway. It's not far from the A435 and A46 route from the Maypole, going past Alcester. At the time was in the country park for a few hours before heading onto Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds.


Five years ago back in August 2014, was on the way for an outing to Bourton-on-the-Water. We stopped for a few hours in the Evesham Country Park for around 2 and a half hours. While in the park I saw the Evesham Vale Light Railway. If you are in a car or on a coach, you head down the A435 and the A46 from the Maypole in Birmingham, heading down the Hollywood Bypass. On the way you pass Studley, Coughton and Alcester before getting to near Evesham.

For my Bourton-on-the-Water post on BRUM! follow this link BRUM! at the Cotswold Motoring Museum in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire.

This place is also home to The Valley Evesham, an outlet shopping park. It's probably changed in the 5 years since I was last there.

 

This sign tells you that you can take the train through the old apple orchards to the picnic and viewing area. You can break your journey any time walking through the countryside before later returning by the train.

dndimg alt="Evesham Vale Light Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Evesham Vale Light Railway (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Exmoor 0-4-0STT St. Egwin with several carriages behind it.

dndimg alt="Evesham Vale Light Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Evesham Vale Light Railway (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up of  Exmoor 0-4-0STT St. Egwin (at the front). Here you see it had three carriages behind that you can ride on.

dndimg alt="Evesham Vale Light Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Evesham Vale Light Railway (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

No 2 at the back, then No 8 in the middle. No 1 carriage at the front behind St. Egwin.

dndimg alt="Evesham Vale Light Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Evesham Vale Light Railway (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another look at Exmoor 0-4-0STT St. Egwin. It was stationary.

dndimg alt="Evesham Vale Light Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Evesham Vale Light Railway (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

First look at the station with a carriage you can ride on. At the front was Severn Lamb 0-6-0STT Dougal. Seen at Twyford Station.

dndimg alt="Evesham Vale Light Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Evesham Vale Light Railway (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Severn Lamb 0-6-0STT Dougal seen in Twyford Station with passengers ready to go.

dndimg alt="Evesham Vale Light Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Evesham Vale Light Railway (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A close up of Dougal at Twyford Station. Excited kids can't wait to ride this train!

dndimg alt="Evesham Vale Light Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Evesham Vale Light Railway (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The light steam engine Dougal is now on the way up the lin with several carriages full of passengers behind.

dndimg alt="Evesham Vale Light Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Evesham Vale Light Railway (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Dougal and the carriages were quite small, maybe half the size of a full size steam locomotive. Also the rail gauge was much smaller.

dndimg alt="Evesham Vale Light Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Evesham Vale Light Railway (10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up of Dougal as it passed me on the path I was walking on at the time.

dndimg alt="Evesham Vale Light Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Evesham Vale Light Railway (11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

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40 passion points
Transport
18 Jul 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends at the East Anglian Railway Museum

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I saw trains converted to look like Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends at the East Anglian Railway Museum, in Wakes Colne, near Colchester in Essex (not far from the Suffolk border) on the 20th June 2019 (during my week in East Anglia). This was not a steam day so they didn't have their "faces" on! The museum was pretty quiet, felt like their was no one around at the time.

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Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends at the East Anglian Railway Museum





I saw trains converted to look like Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends at the East Anglian Railway Museum, in Wakes Colne, near Colchester in Essex (not far from the Suffolk border) on the 20th June 2019 (during my week in East Anglia). This was not a steam day so they didn't have their "faces" on! The museum was pretty quiet, felt like their was no one around at the time.


These trains have been converted to look like the characters from Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends created by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry.

I visited the East Anglian Railway Museum in Wakes Colne near Colchester in Essex on the 20th June 2019 during my week in Suffolk and East Anglia.

Seen in the Restoration Shed was:

Thomas: 0-6-0 Saddle Tank No 54 Works No 7031 / 41

Built by Kitson and Company Ltd, Leeds. Spent it's life hauling iron ore wagons at Stewarts and Lloyds, Corby. Withdrawn from service in 1969. In 2008 it had side tanks added and looks similar to Thomas the Tank Engine.

dndimg alt="EARM Thomas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EARM Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Percy: 0-4-0 Saddle Tank 'Jubilee' Works Number: 2542 / 35

Built in 1935 by W.G. Bagnall & Sons Ltd of Stafford. It came to the museum in 1976. Returned to traffic in 2007. Painted bright green and received some cosmetic changes to be Percy the Small Engine from Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends.

dndimg alt="EARM Thomas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EARM Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends (4) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Toby: John Fowler 0-4-0DH Works No. 4220039 7

Converted cosmetically to be 'Toby' for Day out with Thomas events. Painted in brown and grey along with the Number 7 Magnet. Seen outside along with other trains of the museums collection.

dndimg alt="EARM Thomas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EARM Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends (5) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen in the Goods Shed was:

Henrietta: Replica build, four wheeled coach.

A former 4-wheeled Ferrywagon built at Shildon in 1978, was converted in their workshops between 2000 to 2004 to becoem a replica Wisbech and Upwell Tramway coach.

dndimg alt="EARM Thomas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EARM Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A look inside of this coach. Looked a bit like a street tram or light rail train. Was also Thomas the Tank Engine books on the seats. During Steam Days, visitors can have a ride on this train. It's unlikely that I'll go back for a Steam Day to ride on it though.

dndimg alt="EARM Thomas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EARM Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

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30 passion points
Transport
22 Jan 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Not something you see every day: a steam locomotive on the back of a lorry!

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I only popped to Tyseley to check out some trains heading past Tyseley Station. When I walked back down to the Warwick Road on the 13th December 2018, saw a steam locomotive on the back of a lorry. Sir Keith Park 34053 was probably getting near to the Tyseley Locomotive Works. The walk to Acocks Green, but Amey had barriers out for new lampposts!

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Not something you see every day: a steam locomotive on the back of a lorry!





I only popped to Tyseley to check out some trains heading past Tyseley Station. When I walked back down to the Warwick Road on the 13th December 2018, saw a steam locomotive on the back of a lorry. Sir Keith Park 34053 was probably getting near to the Tyseley Locomotive Works. The walk to Acocks Green, but Amey had barriers out for new lampposts!


Sir Keith Park 34053

Not something you expect to see on the road in Birmingham! A lorry with a steam locomotive on the back of it. Although I have in the past seen a Cross Country train on the back of a lorry once. It was the 13th December 2018, and this small convoy was approaching the Tyseley Locomotive Works on the Warwick Road in Tyseley. Seen here passing the Cousins furniture store (mostly selling sofas etc).

The locomotive is currently operated by the Swanage Railway. So it was probably coming to Tyseley for repairs or maintenance?

dndimg alt="Sir Keith Park 34053" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sir Keith Park 34053 Warwick Road Tyseley (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A little bit of history of the locomotive. It was built in 1947 at the Brighton Works. It's original number ID was 21C153. It was a SR Battle of Britain class (Southern Railway Battle of Britain class 4-6-2 Pacific steam locomotive). It gained the number 34053 in 1948 when British Railways was formed. In 1960 it was transfered to the Bournemouth Depot where it was on the Pines Express on the Somerset & Dorset Line. She remained in Bournemouth until being withdrawn from service in 1965.

dndimg alt="Sir Keith Park 34053" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sir Keith Park 34053 Warwick Road Tyseley (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After being withdrawn from service in 1965, she was towed to the Barry scrapyard in South Wales. But the locomotive wasn't scrapped. She was eventually towed to Barry Island where she remained for 18 years. A new owner bought her for preservation in 1979, but she didn't depart Barry Island until 1984. She was moved to Hull, but little was done to her. In 1992 she was sold to another owner and moved to Crewe. Again litte was done to her. By 1997 she was moved to the West Somerset Railway and was later purchased by Southern Locomotives Ltd in 2000. Restoration finally began in 2008. Returned to steam by 2012 not at the Swanage Railway as intended, but at the Severn Valley Railway. Naming ceremony took place in 2013 as Sir Keith Park at Bridgnorth. She can only run on heritage railways, but is not certified to run on National Rail railway lines. Probably why it was transferred by lorry!

dndimg alt="Sir Keith Park 34053" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sir Keith Park 34053 Warwick Road Tyseley (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos by Elliott Brown

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50 passion points
Transport
02 Dec 2018 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

The Shakespeare Express and The Polar Express

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Most summers along the Shakespeare line, Vintage Trains used to run steam trains between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stratford-upon-Avon. They now also have a licence to run trains on the mainline from the Tyseley Locomotive Works to Birmingham Moor Street during the Christmas season. It is quite the sight to see a steam train going over the Bordesley Viaduct! Look out for it in Digbeth.

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The Shakespeare Express and The Polar Express





Most summers along the Shakespeare line, Vintage Trains used to run steam trains between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stratford-upon-Avon. They now also have a licence to run trains on the mainline from the Tyseley Locomotive Works to Birmingham Moor Street during the Christmas season. It is quite the sight to see a steam train going over the Bordesley Viaduct! Look out for it in Digbeth.


In September 2015, the Shakespeare Express was at Birmingham Snow Hill Station at platform 1. When I got to platform 3, saw the steam locomotive 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe decouple and head towards the Jewellery Quarter tunnels, before it returned and recoupled at the other end. Didn't have the best views from platform 3 to be honest!

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express at Birmingham Snow Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare Express BSH 0915 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The steam locomotive is seen puffing away towards the tunnels that leads to Jewellery Quarter Station.

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express at Birmingham Snow Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare Express BSH 0915 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express at Birmingham Snow Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare Express BSH 0915 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The carriages at platform 1. They filled the length of the platform.

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express at Birmingham Snow Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare Express BSH 0915 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I didn't have the best view from platform 3. One of the carriages as passengers walk past!

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express at Birmingham Snow Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare Express BSH 0915 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Earlier that day I saw The Shakespeare Express passing through Hall Green Station. The front of the engine was attached to the carriages. So the back end was heading towards Stratford-upon-Avon. They would probably have to decouple it again at Stratford-upon-Avon, so the engine would be facing the front towards Birmingham Snow Hill!

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express passing Hall Green Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare Express at Hall Green Station 0915 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The name plate of the special service is seen at the front.

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express passing Hall Green Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare Express at Hall Green Station 0915 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Most of the stations on the Shakespeare line opened in 1908 and are of the Edwardian period.

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express passing Hall Green Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare Express at Hall Green Station 0915 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Polar Express run by Vintage Trains started in the last week of November 2018 and will run throughout the Christmas season until late December 2018. Should be every Thursday to Sunday.

Steam puffing away into platform 4 at Birmingham Moor Street Station.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express at BMS 1118 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was photographers on both platforms. And probably on all the days that it is due in at Moor Street Station. As well as from the Moor Street Car Park view. The Poppy Appeal train from Chiltern Railways was at platform 3.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express at BMS 1118 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Rood Ashton Hall or as it is known during this Christmas season as the Polar Star slowly comes into the platform.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express at BMS 1118 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There is a view from the ramps down from the Bullring to Moor Street Queensway.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express at BMS 1118 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Into the concourse then down the steps to Moor Street. Before that a few views as the Polar Star comes to a stop.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express at BMS 1118 (5A).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen with Chiltern Railways 68012 at platform 3. Platform 5 is the only platform yet to be restored at the station.

dndimg alt="Polar Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express at BMS 1118 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I have also seen the Polar Express from a train I was on the next day passing through Bordesley Station. Was a bit awkward getting photos from the train as it passed. Later saw some views of the Polar Express returning to Tyseley over the Bordesley Viaduct through Digbeth. Quite a sight to see!

At the back was as diesel locomotive D1755 47 773.

dndimg alt="Bordesley Station D1755" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bordesley Station D1755 Polar Express.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I also noticed from my train that they have done up the Tyseley Locomotive Works around the Tyseley Warwick Road platform area for Christmas.

The Polar Express seen from the Bordesley Viaduct in Digbeth. The train was stationary on the viaduct, probably waiting for it's slot to go into Birmingham Moor Street Station. These views of 4965 Rood Ashton Hall / Polar Star from Oxford Street in Digbeth.

dndimg alt="Polar Express on the Bordesley Viaduct" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express Bordesley Viaduct (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Was a bit difficult to see it from this side, heading from Bordesley Street. So walked under the viaduct for a look on the other side of Oxford Street.

dndimg alt="Polar Express on the Bordesley Viaduct" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express Bordesley Viaduct (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On this side of Oxford Street, Rood Ashton Hall seen with a pub that the Peaky Blinder Pub was due to take over (used to be an Irish pub called O'Rourkes).

dndimg alt="Polar Express on the Bordesley Viaduct" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express Bordesley Viaduct (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Had to walk further down Oxford Street and close to the Digbeth High Street.

dndimg alt="Polar Express on the Bordesley Viaduct" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express Bordesley Viaduct (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

These views of the back of the train. D1755 / 47 773 seen from Milk Street in Digbeth.

dndimg alt="Polar Express on the Bordesley Viaduct" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express Bordesley Viaduct (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

When you are up there, you don't realise how far down from the viaduct it is! The area is close to the Custard Factory, and various pieces of graffiti / street art.

dndimg alt="Polar Express on the Bordesley Viaduct" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Polar Express Bordesley Viaduct (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos by Elliott Brown

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04 Oct 2018 - Elliott Brown
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Diesel locomotives at the Tyseley Locomotive Works

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It's not just steam locomotives to be found at a Tyseley Locomotive Works open day. They also have diesel engines in their collection, plus other diesel engines come to visit, or are there for maintenance / restoration as well.

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Diesel locomotives at the Tyseley Locomotive Works





It's not just steam locomotives to be found at a Tyseley Locomotive Works open day. They also have diesel engines in their collection, plus other diesel engines come to visit, or are there for maintenance / restoration as well.


In this post, we will show you what diesel locomotives are in Tyseley's collection, or which ones have visited on open days. Most of them were in service between the 1950s and 1980s before they were retired. Many were scrapped, some were preserved.

 

Their only operational Class 47 is 47773. Built 1964. BR Co-Co Class 47. Also known as D1755 The Queen Mother. Seen below in the engine shed at Tyseley. You can also see it from the walkway above. Although the best views of it was from both ends of the train.

dndimg alt="D1755 47 773 at Tyseley Locomotive Works" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/D1755 47 773 The Queen Mother at Tyseley LW.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen below in September 2016 was 47760 owned by West Coast Railways. It is now located at Carnforth.

dndimg alt="47760 close to the turntable at Tyseley LW in 2016" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/47760 at Tyseley LW Sept 2016.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

37263 seen at the September 2016 open day. BR Co-Co Class 37. Built in 1965. It is currently located at the Telford Steam Railway.

dndimg alt="37263 at Tyseley Locomotive Works" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/37 263 at Tyseley LW.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

40 118 seen at the September 2018 open day. BR 1Co-Co1 Class 40. Built 1961. Undergoing a major restoration.

dndimg alt="40 118 at Tyseley Locomotive Works" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/40 118 at Tyseley LW.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

50 033 seen at the September 2016 open day. It is named "Glorious". BR Co-Co Class 50. Built 1968. Glorious 'Hoover' is now undergoing a restoration at Kidderminster. It arrived at the Severn Valley Railway in late May 2018. They are hoping to get it ready for the gala marking 50 years of Class 50s.

dndimg alt="50 033 at Tyseley Locomotive Works in Sept 2016" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/50 033 at Tyseley LW.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A visitor to the Tyseley Locomotive Works in April 2018 was 56301. Class 56. Now owned by the Class 56 Group. Built sometime between 1976 and 1984. It was delivered to Tyseley by lorry propably for an open day that spring.

dndimg alt="56301 seen at Tyseley Locomotive Works" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/56301 at Tyseley LW.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

13029 (08021) from the area where you can watch steam trains going up the line nearby. BR 0-6-0 Class 08. Built 1953.

dndimg alt="13029 (08021) at Tyseley Locomotive Works" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/13029 (08021) at Tyseley LW.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On open days they have one train at Tyseley Warwick Road with a Buffet Car. In September 2016 that was behind The Flying Scotsman. This time in September 2018 the Buffet Car was close to the buffer. There was about four Class 50 trains behind.

dndimg alt="Buffet Car at Tyseley Warwick Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Buffet car at Tyseley LW.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now a look at the four visiting Class 50 diesel locomotives that were at Tyseley Warwick Road behind the buffet car.

 

50 006 Neptune. D406. Built 1968. Named in 1978. The first Class 50 to be refurbished. The original Neptune was scrapped in 1988. It is actually 50 007 Hercules (that number / name pair could be seen on from the other platform).

dndimg alt="50 006 Neptune at Tyseley Warwick Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/50 006 Neptune at Tyseley LW.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

50 007 Hercules. D407. Built 1968. Named 1978. Renamed to Sir Edward Elgar in 1984. Renamed back to Hercules in 2014. Now owned by the Class 50 Alliance. 50 006 Neptune is on the other side of the train.

dndimg alt="50 007 Hercules at Tyseley Warwick Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/50 007 Hercules at Tyseley LW.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

50 011 Centurion.  D411. Built 1968. Named 1978. First Class 50 to be withdrawn. The original Centurion was scrapped in 1992. It is actually 50 049 Defiance (that number / name pair could be seen from the other platform).

dndimg alt="50 011 Centurion at Tyseley Warwick Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/50 011 Centurion at Tyseley LW.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

50 049 Defiance.  D449. Built 1968. Named 1978. Now owned by the Class 50 Alliance. 50 011 Centurion is on the other side of the train.

dndimg alt="50 049 Defiance at Tyseley Warwick Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/50 049 Defiance at Tyseley LW.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown at the September 2016 and September 2018 open days at the Tyseley Locomotive Works.

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