Tyseley Locomotive Works, the working-locomotive restoration centre in Birmingham (and the home of Vintage Trains), was recently presented with an Engineering Heritage Award by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

The depot was built by the Great Western Railway in 1908 and has been in continuous use for the maintenance and repair of steam locomotives ever since.

It restores, repairs and maintains heritage locomotives and rolling stock from both the Tyseley Collection and other heritage railway operators.

The award also recognises the visitor centre’s extensive classic collection of steam engines, including three GWR Castle Class engines, an LMS Jubilee Class locomotive and a Class 47 diesel loco.

Vintage Trains (www.vintagetrains.co.uk) continues to operate services on the main line, using locomotives based at Tyseley.

Frequent excursions are run to local places of interest featuring steam, classic diesel or electric-hauled trains. The Vintage Trains Mainline Programme features a regular summer steam service between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon, called the Shakespeare Express.

IMechE president Tony Roche said: “2018 marks the 50th anniversary of Tyseley Depot opening its doors to the public for the first time, so I am delighted to present this award in such a significant year for the Locomotive Works.”