Members of the public are being offered a rare opportunity to look around Tyseley Locomotive Works as part of Birmingham Heritage Week. On Saturday, September 12, the works will be offering one-hour guided tours giving visitors an insight into the work undertaken at the site.

The tour will include an overview and history of the former Great Western Railway locomotive works built in 1908, plus the turntable, signal box and the modern workshop, complete with Tyseley’s fleet of working mainline locomotives, as viewed from the visitor gallery.

Visitors will also be able to see progress on the overhaul of the flagship Number 7029 ‘Clun Castle’ locomotive – the steam locomotive that heralded the start of steam preservation in the Midlands.

The tours take place at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. Places are limited and must be booked in advance via www.vintagetrainsonline.com, where people can select which time they wish to attend.

There is no charge for the tour, although tea, coffee and refreshments will be available for purchase onsite at the works’ buffet coach.

Ben Mason, marketing manager at Tyseley Locomotive Works, said: “In recent years, it has only been on limited occasions that we have opened our gates to visitors but that’s exactly what we’ll be doing on September 12 as part of Birmingham Heritage Week.

“This is a rare opportunity for people to see what we do here and learn more about Birmingham’s locomotive history. Places are limited, so booking is essential.

“If you joining us on the day then please be aware that the site is a working railway depot and there may be uneven and rough flooring as well as trip hazards. You will also need to climb multiple flights of stairs to access the viewing gallery.”

Councillor Waseem Zaffar, chairman of the Heritage Week Steering Group, said: “This is just one example of the diverse range of events on offer during Birmingham Heritage Week, which runs from September 10 to 17.

“There really is something for everyone so I would urge people to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to learn more about Birmingham’s heritage and see their city in a way they may not have seen it before.”

Further information on Birmingham Heritage Week, including a full list of events, can be found at www.birminghamculture.org/heritage-week.