Day Two of my steamy weekend. This time, I get to ride behind the locomotive rather than getting up early to watch it arrive and depart! Got a lift to Temple Meads for Pathfinder Railtours' "Avon Branch Explorers" to Portbury Docks and Tytherington Quarry. Traction was to be 5029 Nunney Castle throughout.

Firstly, a couple of trips to Portbury Docks. Both ran reasonably to time, but due to Freightliner working at the Car Terminal, we were routed to the Coal Terminal on both occasions. Very strange to see the Avon Gorge from the 'other side'. Pill Viaduct was impressive too, towering over a small harbour, and a large but rather tired looking village. The branch line to Portishead had given in to vegetation. This line really needs to be reopened soon. After trip one, ventured a pint of Golden Jackal. The second Portbury trip was much more crowded.



So, to Tytherington on the former Thornbury branch. Outward journey hampered by signalling difficulties near Bristol Parkway. Slow running between Westerleigh Junction and Yate Middle. On to the branch. Checked for extended periods at three level crossing en route. This gave us little or no run at the long 1-in-60 (or thereabouts) climb to Tytherington Tunnel and beyond. 5029 began to slip and struggle about half way up - the driver showed great skill in keeping her moving, albeit slowly. The tunnel, wet rails, vegetation and poor adhesion finally brought 5029 to a halt, with much of the train (including our coach) still in Tytherington Tunnel! Restarting would be near impossible, with the summit still not achieved and a load of ten coaches. Assistance was sent for...

After nearly an hour, 66244 arrived among a gaggle of orange jacketed EWS and Pathfinder people. We were pushed over the summit into the quarry sidings, with gentle skill and little effort. It was decided that it would be far simpler to use 66244 to haul the train back to Bristol. Soon off, and a rather late but trouble free run back to Temple Meads.



Bright sunshine by the time we arrived. Time to take a look at both Nunney Castle and our rescuer. Announcements to "Passengers and Enthusiasts on Platform 3" to stand clear - unusually polite! Onto a comparatively dull 150254 for the trip home. Fantastic day.