A STEAM-powered boat was among the delights of this year’s Vintage and Sensational 60s Weekend.

The 90-year-old craft, called Kathleen, had once been used to ferry passengers between boats in Bristol harbour.

But this weekend it found itself beached in the yard at Swindon and Cricklade Railway, which hosted the annual festival.

Surrounding the tiny boat were half a dozen massive steam traction engines. Among them was an 18 tonne giant named John Tweedie after the Patagonian farmer from whose farm the engine once ferried wool. Owner Richard Morris said: “It’s a complete antidote to the day job.”

Julian Tyrrell, whose model traction engine still weighs half that of a Renault Clio, added: “I’m an electrical engineer by training but a mechanical engineer by inclination. I consider it proper Victorian engineering.”

Youngster Tim Morris, 14, added: “Once you’ve got the bug you can’t get away from it.”

While overcast skies on Sunday kept the crowds away, Saturday sun saw hundreds flock to the festival. The Swindon and Cricklade Railway took at least 200 passengers. Pete Stone, station master, said: “Everybody is happy, everyone has smiling faces – including the volunteers. People come out here and they’re enjoying themselves. Sometimes you get three or even four generations coming out. For the youngsters it’s all so exciting.”

It was the first outing for the trust's 123-year-old railway carriage. Dating from 1895 and originally built for the Taff Vale Railway, the short passenger carriage is unusual in that it features both first and second class sections. Bought from a traveller family, it was restored over a number of years by the railway's volunteers.

As well as the steam engines, the event boasted 60s motorcycles and cars.

Mark Gough, 53, from near Wantage, had brought his 40-year-old Rolls Royce for a day out with his grandchildren: “You’ve got to keep the old cars on the road. They’re worth looking after.

“It was stood in a barn for 30 years rusting away. It’s about keeping them on the read. You don’t want to see them go do the scrapyard, which is where this was destined.”

Organiser Phil Webb said: "We did very well on Saturday. We had a lot of people and about 20 scooters in from various places, although the weather's dampened it down."

The steam enthusiast hoped events like his would spark the interest of a younger generation: "This has been my hobby for 30 or 40 years."