The Tyseley Locomotive Works Open weekend has, over the years, become something of a favorite in many enthusiast's calenders even though it does not offer the almost 20mile run of the WSR or the period atmosphere of the GWS at Didcot for example. But, what Tyseley does offer is a marvelous oppotunity to get up close and personal with some of the mainline certified locomotives that normally you might only really see flashing by on a special steam excursion.
Main Attractions
Much of the day's activites centred around the turntable on which almost all of the operational locomotives were displayed and turned on.For most of the day this was surrounded by a sea of photographers 
despite the rather dull conditions on the 25th June. The opportunity was taken for some special photo calls, with all the GWR tender locomotives in steam being lined up around the turntable for all to grab their photos of (see above). It was also interesting to see two generations of Great Western express motive power lined up side by side in the yard - No:5043 'Earl of Mount Edgecumbe' and D1015 'Western Champion' (See Left. Or full size). Short train rides were on offer from Vintage Trains' Warwick Road platform, in the morning these were handled by pannier No:9600 although the National Railway Museum's replica of 'Rocket' was also giving rides in the replica Liverpool & Manchester Railway coaches for a nominal charge of £1 (to ride in the open coach) or £2 to sit down in the enclosed carriage.
Locomotives
However, the star of the show for many was newly restored pannier tank No:7752 which was launched on the 25th June in London Transport red carrying its LT number, L94. L94 was recommisoned on the turntable on Saturday in the tradtional manner of smashing a bottle of champagne over the buffer beam which was carried out by a member of the locomotive's restoration team. The relaunch of L94 was slightly unexpected as a couple of years ago No:7752 seemed destined to lie dormant for many years in a store shed with no plans for restoration by Vintage Trains after the expiry of its boiler ticket about 10years ago. After its recommisoning L94 worked in top and tail fashion with No:6201 'Princess Elizabeth' and both put in some fine performances for those in the viewing area beyond the workshops with some minor slips too! (Right: L94 makes a super sight with it's exhaust reverberating off the surrounding workshops, see video! Or full size) Another 'new' loco was No:4936 'Kinlet Hall' which was immaculate in its fresh BR brunswick green livery with late cycling lion crest on the tender which unfortunately didn't pull any of the shuttle trains but did go for a spin on the 
turntable instead. (Left: No:4936 'Kinlet Hall' backs off the turntable. See full size) Tyseley's smallest loco Peckett 0-4-0ST No:1 spent the day pottering around the site with a GW shunting truck and toad brakevan. Spliting hairs, we could complain that the 'Toad' and shunting truck weren't hooked up to one of the pannier tanks for part of the day, but apart from that there is little to fault about this event. It was a shame that No:70013 'Oliver Cromwell' was unavailable for the event as 'Cromwell', one of locos chosen to haul the '15 guinea special', the last steam railtour on BR would have made an interesting pairing with L94 which hauled the very last official standard gauge steam train on the London Underground in 1971. But the non appearance of No:70013 certainly didn't detract from what was a superb event.
The extensive workshops at Tyseley were open for public inspection where progress on the overhaul of Tyseley stalwart No:7029 'Clun Castle' could be viewed as could the construction of LMS 'bloomer' replica, a new build project being carried out by Vintage Trains staff.
Little Extras
This year's event seemed not to have attracted the massive crowds that surrounded No:60163 'Tornado' in 2008 but the site was still very busy making it sometimes difficult to get the shot you wanted. It was pleasing to see a good cross section of ages at an event which is predominately for enthusiasts. The overall layout of the site appeared better this year with a small marquee next the museum where refeshments were served. Considering what this event offered it provides quite good value for money with an adult ticket costing £10, which, when compared to the admission fees at Didcot's forthcoming 50th anniversary celebrations in September of £12.00 for an adult makes Tyseley pretty good value.
Conclusions
Overall, Tyseley's annual open weekend offered something quite different to what many other railways can provide, giving the opportunity to get up close and personal with Vintage Train's mainline certified fleet and an interesting look at the work that goes on in railway workshops, something that ususally the public cannot see.
The author of this report would like to take this opportunity to say a massive 'thank you' to all the stewards, organisers, train crews and those behind the scenes for making everthing happen and make the open day the marvelous event that it was.
Thank you for taking the time to read this report, watch the video, and take a look at the photos and we very much hope that you have enjoyed it as much as we did making them!
(Above Right: No:4965 'Rood Ashton Hall' simmers on a turntable road beneath a darkening sky. See full size)*No:5593 Kolhapur is currently out of traffic and spent the day sat on a turntable road on static display.