So what is the privateer movement? ... Well, at the outset, it has to be said that it is a group of people who arguably have far too much time on their hands, maybe a little eccentric, looking for bottomless pits to fund, all in the aid of projects that otherwise wouldnt get a second look from a sane person!
The reality, probably not exactly too far from the above description, is about those who are interested in preservation of railway heritage who are not only prepared to put their "money where there mouth is", but also to see heritage rollingstock run on real trains and to share around the enjoyment of such work and unusual projects with with like minded people.
Presently, in the privateers privately owned collective are two old New South Wales "B A M" class sleeping cars converted for group travel with a bar and lounge facilities added, both still retain sleeping facilities. There is also a former NSWGR "M H G" brake van under restoration for inclusion into the movement, and a former "F A M" class sleeping car who's owner is keenly keeping himself busy on the weekends for the next little while.
There are also privately owned carriages who sit on the periphery of the Privateers as well, who's owners just enjoy participating with their own cars for their own leisure, which we also welcome in too.
In the past, the Privateers have run their carriages with both the heritage operators of the ARHS ACT Division in Canberra (http://www.trains.org.au/) and the NSW Rail Transport Museum (http://www.nswrtm.org/) at Thirlmere. Trips have included such destinations as Tamworth and Armidale, Wollongong, Canberra, Albury, Cowra, Katoomba to name just a few.
This blog aims to keep those interested in this movement with updated with progress on restoration, trips and have a few laughs along the way.
To get things kicked off, some pics of trips in the past are posted for your viewing pleasure.
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