Bringing back an old feature (‘Throwback Thursday’) to showcase these great photos by Paul Stanford from 31st May 1985 when a series of special trains were run down the harbour branch (in those days still in use for coal trains).
These ‘Bristol Harbour Specials’ were sponsored by Imperial Tobacco and featured Ivatt 2MT Mogul (this type was nicknamed ‘Mickey Mouse’ by enthusiasts) No. 46443 and three chocolate and cream Mk1 coaches.
Coaches of this length were unusual on the branch. Paul remembers that At Ashton Junction, the guard locked the interconnecting doors between the coaches as the curves were so sharp, passengers would not be able to move safely between carriages.
“Colin Forse was the driver that day. On the way back, a sort of unofficial Blue Riband was playing out amongst train crew, to see if coming up from Wapping on the final leg Parson Street Junction to Bristol Temple Meads, could the little loco hit 50mph. It managed it on the run I did.”
Thanks to Paul for the photos!
In the first photo the train is standing roughly where the long siding in the yard is now.

Special trains were also run from Temple Meads up the Portishead Branch. Paul caught the 2MT at work on 2nd June 1985, then later at Pylle Hill in July.

The very last Portishead special was on 29th September and the Ivatt is pictured with steam to spare. On the final day the train was strengthened to 8 coaches such were the number of tickets sold.