Privateers Carriage Preservation Movement

Drawing Out The Draw Gear

2011-01-26T01:21:00.001-08:00

With the bogie overhaul now completed, the next step is to work on actually fitting them to the carriage properly - such that all clearances and buffer/coupler heights are exactly where they should be.

As the draft gear sits above the bogies, the only way to inspect this equipment is to contemporaneously inspect/repair it whilst dealing with the bogie fitting issues too.

Here we see the MHG sitting up on carriage stands at the Canberra end of the van in preparation of dealing with the bogie mountings and draw gear.

With the carriage raised off its bogie, it is appropriate to pull the bogie out of the way.

When returning a carriage back to service that hasnt turned any serious Km's since the mid 1980's, it is appropriate to inspect all safety critical components.

The king casting has been removed from the Canberra end of the van so that it can be cleaned up and crack tested. Once this has happened, it will be re-installed back into its correct location.

Prior to removing the draft gear, it is much easier to change out existing stubborn bolts holding the keeper plates in with ones that will be able to done up and removed easier when time comes to remove this equipment.

As Oldmate had the time to remove the draft gear, he decided to take it out after changing out the old keeper plates bolts.

Complete draft gear lowered out of van.

At the back of the coupler 'expansion pressure held' in a binding yolk is a buffing package. The package needs to be disassembled for inspection down to its base components. It is seen here having just been removed from the draft gear.

With no coupler, yolk and buffing package - all thats left is the draft gear pocket seen here. This will be cleaned up and inspected for damage and crack tested before any of the removed components will be reinstalled.

Here is the draft gear with the package removed.

Happy times and keep on Privateering til next time!

Go West ... to Bathurst that is.

2010-12-06T00:50:00.001-08:00

Sunday 5 December 2010 saw the annual RTM members and volunteers train run from Central to Bathurst. Doing the loco duties were 44211 and 4520, combined with the rebirthed 4001, albeit the latter being off-lined for a great deal of the trip with some mechanical niggles to be ironed out.

From the Privateers POV, attached was BAM1741 and BAM1748 with a very full load of pax (I think we've found our absolute capacity with these cars!)

Usual XPT in Central.

Jumbo on the consist.

45 class.

Recently restored 4001 back into traffic, but some minor mechanical problems to solve still.

Cab shot of the 40 class.

Internals of the cab.

Heya Paul, long way from home!

Gaggle of gunzels!

Very full load in the lounge of BAM1748.

Bar attendants for the day.

Megs and Anthony (first privateers trip!)

Even the lounge in BAM1741 was very full too.

No room in the lounge, so hiding away in the bedrooms.

Just arrived at Bathurst - 4001, 4520 and 44211.

BAM1748 at Bathurst.

The PHA powervan with the BAM1741 travelling group congregating outside it on the platform at Bathurst.

Here at Bathurst was the former Primer Minister of Australia Ben Chifley's engine (apparently) 5112 being built with a protective cover to ensure its protection from the weather.

Good times, happy privateering til next time.

Do The Happy Dance... Bogie Overhaul Finished!

2010-10-23T20:53:00.000-07:00

The month of October has seen the completion of the long, tedious, tiring and yet very important task of overhauling the 2AT bogies for the MHG brake van.

Some smaller jobs were required to finish off the bogie overhaul, including the refitting of all brake rigging, keeper plates and split pins.

Here we see Gav fitting one of the keeper plates.

Some of brake rigging fitted, but the bogies coming along nicely.

Gav picking up the next bit to refit.

More rigging fitted.

Pulley still to be bolted down, but will be done once the exact location to be secured to is known - after the bogies are back under the van.

Another keeper plate to be fitted.

All rigging fitted, but now the fun task of reinstalling new split pins.

All split pins back in, all brake rigging attached - overhaul completed.

New brake blocks and overhauled rigging fitted.

Beautiful symmetry.

Brake rigging ready to be connected to that fitted to the carriage.

Looking good - just need to get them under the van now.

Along the way, there were some bits that just simply 'didnt make the cut' - bent, rusted and worn items including wear plates, pins, bushes that will make their way to the scrap bin.

Looking forward to moving back to the restoration of the body work of the brake van!

Happy days and Keep on Privateering.

Keep on rollin, rollin, rollin...

2010-10-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

With the delivery of the 14R wheelsets down to Canberra occuring on Wednesday 29 September 2010, with the long weekend occuring the following Saturday to Monday, the opportunity was taken to start to re-assemble the 2AT bogies for the MHG brake van.

The process to re-assemble is a little bit of a jigsaw puzzle remembering to put things back on where they came off.

Fortunately, there weren't too many hassles in putting the big bits back together.

Here is the bogie frames sitting back on the wheels and preparing to reinstall the bolster.

Side view without the bolster installed.

Happy days Fireman Dave!

The bogies are coming back together nicely.

Here are Pat and Dave looking to fit the sled for installation.

Cant question Pat's technical ability.

Dave, John and Kyle looking to fit the bolster sled for installation.

Bottom half of the bolster installed with springing and packing blocks on top, ready to accept the bolster head.

Simon, Dave, Milton and John having just placed the bolster head back in the bogie frame on the springing.

Privateer Oldmate standing alongside the 2AT bogies.

Yep, the partially complete bogies awaiting reinstallation of the brake rigging and other smaller bits.

One step closer to enjoying a ride in another piece of NSWGR history.

Wheely good time

2010-09-21T03:56:00.000-07:00

The MHG wheels sent away much earlier in the year have gone down to Melbourne, been overhauled, returned back to Sydney and are now awaiting a delivery run down to Canberra.

Not long before the 2AT bogie jig-saw puzzle reassembly can commence!

A "Pig" of a Day Out to Thirlmere

2010-07-19T04:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday 18 July 2010 saw the private BAM's head out for a jaunt on the RTM service from Central to Thirlmere and return. A great day was had out behind heritage 36 class steam engine 3642, affectionately known as 'the Pig'. On arrival at Picton, as the train was sufficiently loaded up a second steam engine 2705 was added for the short run to Thirlmere up the grades.

Gunzel passengers heading up the platform waiting for the train.

The pig arriving at central.

Engine running around 1741 - good to see the former President in Central.

Backing up through the yard - lots of overhead wires.

Coupling up.

Engine sitting on train ready to roll.

RTM Oldmate.

Lots of brass and bling on the Pig.

Got to set up the facilities for the passengers!

End of carriage window view.

Happy families - good group.

Padstow on the down.

Whats a group of gunzels called - a gaggle of gunzels?

The Pig at Campby...

1741 at Campbelltown.

Good morning Ivan, cold and crisp out in the west.

To help with the grades out of Picton heading towards Thirlmere, RTM added on steam engine 2705 - not bad double headed steam!

Round the curve.

Looking back on train consist.

Moo'ers, soon to be making an appearance at your local butcher.

BAMs in the Thirlmere depot with the 36.

Silver City Vomit looking much much much worse for wear - its going to take some real TLC to get her back to operational state.

2705 on the 'table.

Shunting back to the platform.

Obligatory carriage shot.

Another obligatory carriage shot.

End of consist with 1741 - bright tail lamps!

Sunny afternoon.

Campbelltown on the up - beautiful afternoon.

Back home in Central.

Not a great night shot.

Coupling up - lots of compression on the buffers!

Last shot of the day. Fun times had by all.

Happy days until next trip - keep on privateering!

BAMs on Transfer - 18 May 2010

2010-05-22T23:35:00.001-07:00

In an opportunity what can only be described as the sun, moon and stars aligning, the BAMs private cars were transferred through from Canberra to the NSWRTM at Thirlmere on Tuesday 18 May 2010.

The day was a very early start with a 3am departure from Canberra. The ARHS was returning 4821 to its owners at Goulburn after a previous hiring. On this movement, the two BAMs were attached on the transfer movement and on arrival at Goulburn were shunted into Platform 3 for later collection by Lachlan Valley Railway, whilst 4821 was subsequently stabled into its home in the Goulburn Roundhouse. This occured at about 7:30 in the morning.

As LVR were running trips on the North Coast through May and June, they had a movement to transfer carriages from Cootamundra through to Sydney and beyond hauled by 4701. With a brief stop and shunt through Goulburn at 9:30, the BAMs continued on their way north through the main south line.

After an arrival at midday, the two BAMs were cut off at Picton and an awaiting 44211 from RTM was waiting to collect the two BAMs for their journey to their new home for the next little while.

Photos attached are credited to Matt Roberts.

Here we see the BAMs sitting in the 'back platform' at Goulburn station, as they had been shunted away by the ARHS movement for collection by the 'soon to arrive' LVR movement.

Here we see 4701 shunting in Platform 2 at Goulburn.

... and again 4701 and train shunting to attach BAMs in Platform 3.

BAMs shunted on train at Goulburn.

Melbourne End of the LVR train.

Nice shot of 4701 sitting on the transfer train at Moss Vale.

BAMs on the back.

8162 looks on as the LVR train departs Moss Vale heading north.

Jumbo 44211 at Picton collects the BAMs

Bits of smoke heading out of Picton.

Arrival into Thirlmere

BAM1741 and 1748 in Thirlmere yard.

Happy days with 3526 on the turntable at Thirlmere loco depot.

Side Show - "A Set" PPP Prototype Set in Central - Sunday 2 May 2010

2010-05-02T23:06:00.000-07:00

By pure ass than class, Privateer Oldmate found himself in Central at the right time in the right place. This was 2100 hours on Sunday 2 May 2010 after having a nice dinner in Paddington at Manu Feidel's restaurant (L'etoile - highly recommend it).

Here is the PPP "A Set" sitting in Central with 442S1 going out for one of its first test trips.

This set has no seats, but was full of computers, lots of bottles of water upstairs (to act as ballast) and lots of blokes from EDI and Cityrail going for the test ride. Not sure how long it will be before it is in traffic. This night the set was heading out to East Hills for testing.

The photos are of a low quality because they were taken on a mobile phone, but better to get the shots than not.

Bundanoon Bound - Saturday 17 April 2010

2010-04-18T03:04:00.001-07:00

Saturday 17 Apri 2010 saw another outing of the privateers' group. This trip was heading out for a day ride to Bundanoon for the Scottish Brigadoon Festival.

Early on Saturday morning we see Xplorer 2525 sitting in the Canberra Station.

Being a day out to the Scottish festival bag pipes are compulsory!

... and a shot of 1741 at Canberra

Loco 4807 with the BAM

Early morning engine crew.

Good Morning Lindz and Margaret!

Morning passengers in 1741.

Having just arrived at Bundanoon

The BAM at Bundanoon

Good old 4807

4821 and 4807 on their way to Moss Vale

4807 revving up.

Lots of crowds in Bundanoon

and a Fordson tractor

with an old truck

Lots of pipes bands.

Good opportunity to see the local cafes

Did anyone mention a strong man from a certain television show?

Privateer Oldmate a smidgen taller than strongman oldmate, but nowhere near as bulky!

Big band performance

After the conclusion of the festival, the crowds headed back to the station for the ride home.

Lots of happy travellers just waiting for the train.

And here is the train on the way!

4821 pulling up.

Mr Duffman playing the role of guard.

The BAM at Bundanoon once again.

See you later guys!

Out of the platform, 2nd right of way...

Evening crowd in 1741.

Gents at the bar and ladies on the lounges!

Good evening Goulburn!

Fun times had by all - keep on Privateering until next time.

ARHS Locomotive Branch - Kandos Fundraising Trip 20 February 2010 - If You Weren't There, This Is What You Missed...

2010-02-20T23:58:00.000-08:00

On Saturday 20th February, with the kind assistance from 3801 Ltd and our Goodmates at Goodwin Alco, the CPJ lounge car from the 3801 Ltd fleet was made available to the ARHS to assist in our fundraising efforts towards the locomotive branch projects(particularly 6029).

Excellent weather and beautiful country side, with a nice pub lunch travelling in a quality lounge carriage made for a great day out.

At the start of the day, with the sun in the right position, a number of pre-departure shots were taken.

Here is some of the happy travellers in the CPJ lounge car - Gav, Megs, Dave, Peter and Andrew.

We also have Fred and Stuart as our carriage attendants standing outside on the CPJ at Central.

Cab side of 4501.

Goodmate Paul Stapo at the controls of 4833.

XPT power car XP2013 on platform 4 at Central.

4833 sitting on the lead of the train at Central

Second unit 4501 on the consist.

Our Goodmate, Col the electrician onboard. Always good to have back up technicians onboard, just in case!

Here is a shot of part of the travelling group, Andrew, Dave, Stuart, Col, Pat and Gav.

A brief stop was made at Lithgow to change the crews. Here is 4833 and 4501 on the front of the consist ready to tackle the branch.

The lounge car, first vehicle behind the engines - good location to hear the lusty chant of the alco beat.

Our good mate Pat the electrician.

The Wallerawang-Kandos section is full of long runs up-grade and running around curves of the hills found in this location. Here are some shots taken from the vestibule of the CPJ - looking forward with the engines, but also looking back on the consist.

Very scenic countryside!

Here we see the train approaching one of the few passing loops. This loop was full of track machines, presumably because of ARTC works going on the branch. If the rumour mill is correct, apparently there is some moves for the line to reopen back to Mudgee past Kandos... only time will tell.

A good day out always bring out the motorcaders!

One of the most picturesque parts of the NSW rail network has to be the former loop site at Brogans Creek - here we see the 48 and 45 having just arrived.

The lovely Megs decided to not jump out and join the mobs of photographers!

Our Goodmates from 3801 Ltd, Steve, Jason and Dave.

Another goodshot of the 48 and 45 at Brogans Creek.

A remnant from another era - the old water column hasnt seen use for a little while.

The obligatory line up of photographers.

Happy days indeed - Andrew and Pat mingling.

Can you spot the illusive hillside gunzel?

Parade of legends - Gav happy, Dave on the phone to the Mrs, and Ivan enjoying one of the Goodwin Alco hotdogs. Must be good, two were had!

Ivan reckons those hotdogs were the bomb!

Professional photographer Pat taking a picture of Privateer Oldmate.

The standard issue line up of photographer.

The roll-by of the consist with the photos being taken.

The train has just arrived at Kandos.

Gav at Kandos.

Of course, here is Col, Dave and Andrew!

The engine crew who drove the train into Kandos - Steve and Jason, thanks guys!

Here is the consist at Kandos.

At the moment, Kandos is the end of the branch line. A permanent block has been fitted at the end of the station section with a fixed signal set at stop. Time will tell whether the line will be reopened.

Very pretty countryside.

Another shot of the end of the line.

The lunch venue - the Kandos Hotel.

Gav, Andrew, Dave, Pat and Meg about to enjoy a delicious lunch at the hotel.

The lounge car at Kandos.

Old mates, Bob from Goodwin Alco and Jason from SSR talking shop.

Goodmate Steve have a discussion.

Enjoying the day out, we see Dave and Gav having a good time.

The opportunity was taken to get some shots of the consist at the Up end of the platform.

Yep, we're at Kandos!

The engines sitting on the Up end almost ready to depart.

The youngest crew in NSWGR history?

The CPJ as far as it can go at present - the end of the line!

More scenic countryside.

Megs, Peter, Dave and Pat in the CPJ.

Happy days Duffman!

Poor Paul, almost married and a sign of things to come?

Sleepy Duffman!

Good on ya Fred! Fun day out.

More of the travelling groups, clockwise from lower left, Peter, Ivan, James, Scott and Stuart (visiting Victorians), and another 6029 supporter!

Baal Bone Junction with 4833 smoking it up.

Matching outfits, Megs and Paul...

Ah yes, no trip complete without the A-Team.

Party on the river at Penrith.

Waving!

Leaving Blacktown, fun times had by all and no more light left to take pictures!

Next fundraising trip, we'd love to have you join us for good times and a great experience.

Happy ALCOing until then!

MHG - There's movement afoot...

2010-02-07T01:49:00.001-08:00

With trams being moved out of the old tradies club in Dickson combined with Goodmate Mario in town to shift a tram, an excellent opportunity was taken to collect the MHG wheelsets for delivery to Sydney in preparation for inspection and overhaul by one of the railway workshops. Free plug for Mario, find out about moving trains at www.a-tm.com.au and for further info, quotes and other train shifting requirments...

Here we see the wheelsets being loaded and tied down on Mario's truck - and then Mario heading off! (and a shot of Mrs P. Oldmate sitting in the car being bored waiting for Mr P Oldmate to finish off loading with Mario!)

As progress occurs on the wheelsets and other matters, future updates will be made to the blog.

Keep on privateering until next time...

ARHS Locomotive Branch Fundraiser - 1st Class Lounge - Central to Kandos, Saturday 20 February 2010

2010-01-12T23:25:00.001-08:00

The following is a posting on behalf of the ARHS Locomotive Branch, who are looking for ongoing support for their projects.

*********

As part of any restoration effort is the need to generate $ to fund the ongoing restorations.

On Saturday 20 February, the ARHS has arranged for interested persons to travel in a first class lounge car for a ride from Central to Kandos and return.

The trip is to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 48 class, but the opportunity is being taken for those interested in supporting the ARHS restoration efforts to have a good day out, as well as assist in fund raising for the ARHS locomotive branch!

Preliminary timetable is to depart Central at 7:30am, Arrive Kandos at 1:30pm, Depart Kandos 3:25pm, arrive back into Central at 8:45pm.

Tickets are $195 for a ticket in the first class lounge car, which includes a two-course lunch at the Kandos Pub.

Bookings can be made through the ARHS-ACT front office (02) 6284 2790 or email trains@trains.org.au

Thanks for all the continued support to the ARHS Loco branch!

New Years Eve - 2009/2010 - Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-01T00:16:00.000-08:00

The end of 2009 ended for the Privateers with one final trip to Sydney for NYE celebrations.

Again, the ARHS used motive power and crewing provided by our Goodmates at Southern Shorthaul Railroad. This year the honours were undertaken by newly acquired units G513 and G514 from SCT Logistics.

As the train was 17 carriages long, the consist wouldnt fit into the gates of the Society's depot in Kingston, so had to be stored in two halves which were shunted together prior to departure.

Here we see 4833 putting the private BAMs and society BAMs onto the other portion of the train.

Another shot of 4833 and the private cars

In the ARTC territory we see the front of 4833 and G514 having arrived a little earlier in the morning.

Money shot of a pair of G's sitting in Canberra yard having arrived earlier on.

Engines coupled in Canberra yard.

G513 coupling up to BAM1748.

Almost there.

Arty shot of G513 headlight through the end of BAM1748

Having just departed Canberra early cheers all round

... and catching up chit chat from the last time we all caught up.

On time running into Queanbeyan sees the engines through the heritage station platform shelter

Being the first carriages on the Sydney end of the train, we see G513 coupled to the consist.

G514 on the NYE train, same location.

Being a more modern unit that we are used to at the ARHS, good opportunity to have a look at the EMD Control stand of G514!

A lovely sunny day sees G514 with the NYE train roll into Bungendore for a down Xplorer cross.

What are the A-Team doing here?

One half of the A-Team (Gav) contemplating life in the station shelter at Bungendore.

The cross of the Xplorer and the NYE train at Bungendore.

Fun and games of crossing trains on the Canberra Branch means lots of back and forth movements - here the train after arriving into the platform road, then shunting back to the Canberra end home signal has now taken a position the passing loop.

After leaving Goulburn a sumptuous lunch was provided by Mrs P. Oldmate - awesome spread of tasty food!

Prior to arrival into Central, a couple of shots were grabbed passing through the Sydney suburbs.

After travelling up in the East Hills line, the train headed left through Wolli Creek seen here.

Heading through Tempe we see a Cityrail Tangara on a down Illawarra service.

Approaching Meeks Road Junction...

...and approaching Sydenham looking back on the train...

... looking towards Sydenham ...

... and back on Sydenham!

Train passing near Erskineville (wasnt there a movie about some basketball team of this location from the mid 1990's???)

Rounding the corner near Eveleigh, Cityrail has spare sets stabled. Here is an OSCar "H" set awaiting its next duties.

The train has just arrived in Central!

BAMs in Central

... and behind every moving engine is a qualified crew - here are a couple of our Goodmates from SSR sitting here in Central!

View of platform 1 in Central.

Another shot of the G class on the NYE train in Central

Look across Platforms 1 to 4 in Central.

On NYE, we see Office of Rail Heritage PayBus displayed on the Central Concourse.

On NYE Privateer Oldmate and the gathering of privateers went to Balmain for dinner - view of the harbour bridge from Darling Street.

With truncated bus services turning in Darling street, interesting angle of the buses U-turning around in Darling Street. Looks like it could go top over!

On New Years Day, the bar in BAM1741 is set up for breakfast.

and happy travellers relaxing.

With a late night 'sing song' session in BAM1748, none of the pax to be seen anywhere in the lounge of that car!

Almost home, the NYE express passes over the new Yass Road Bridge in Queanbeyan - the old timber trestle bridge was removed in the later half of 2009.

Passing under the Monaro Highway, Fyshwick.

Looking back on the consist from the MHN.

With most of the operational fleet on the train, the ARHS depot looks kind of empty.

Very short distance ot the station platform.

Thanks to oldmates Fireman Dave and Gav, 4807 was shunted into the yard to place 4833 for its return to Sydney and to shunt the ARHS consist back to the yard.

4833 sitting in the Canberra station siding awaiting its return to Sydney.

On the Canberra end of the platform, we see G513 and G514 having just arrived and coupled onto the PHG power van.

Lots of 'vests of invincibility' on the Canberra platform. We can see Fireman Dave talking to the engine crew in the cab of G513.

Sunny morning in Canberra, G513 leads the consist in Canberra Station.

G514 being prepped for leading back to Sydney, and prior to uncoupling from the PHG.

Fun times had and looking forward to the next trip.

Until then, happy privateering!

BAM1748 - Wiring Fun Times Continued...

2009-12-25T23:06:00.000-08:00

With the external conduit fitted up, progress has been made on wiring up the car internally by Pat the Electrician.

Here we can see the end junction box with the end receptacle fitted to the car, with the mains feed up to the main internal power box inside the car.

The wire feeding up in grey conduit contains the main power line to the car.

Here is the internal switchboard with the cover closed

... and the cover open where we can see the main circuit breakers and the contactor for the hot water system.

As was the case for BAM1741, power points will be fitted to the vestibule area for easy access to plug in applicances like vacuum cleaners etc etc.

Typical for NSWGR rollingstock was the fitting of gas hot water systems. One such system was originally fitted to BAM1748, however, it had not actually operated for nearly two decades since the carriage was last in service with SRA in the 1980's.

A review of the hot water tank showed the gas heated tank was NFG with the gas lines and system missing many parts. Not a restoration proposition at all.

Like BAM1741, with safety and 'convenience' issues in mind, the opportunity was taken to upgrade the hot water system to operate on a three-phase 'flash' instantaneous hot water unit. Also, like BAM1741, the electric hot water unit was a Stiebel Eltron DHC-15 three phase unit.

For the record, EBay is a great source for these units, which come up for auction every now and then (they are a common fitted unit to domestic applications in Sydney).

Here we see the heater plumbed up for testing and activation in the old 'wet area' heater cupboard.

Prior to fitting of the mains power bylines to the car, provision was made for small electrical appliances through the use of an inverter from the 24v battery system with the single 240v power outlet fitted to the bar area.

The new mains power points can been seen installed in the bar area, with the old inverter supplied point hiding down in the lower left corner of the picture.

and more wiring work in the bar to be completed shortly.

Also very handy to have provision of lots of strategically placed power points in the carriage. Here holes have been drilled in anticipation of fitting up the power points.

With Mrs P Oldmate coming along for the ride, seen here standing in the vestibule of BAM1741, opportunity was taken to assess the bar/fridge/esky requirements for the NYE trip in a few days time

Onwards and upwards towards the big NYE journey!

FAM Stainless Work Continues...

2009-12-07T01:28:00.000-08:00

Our northern contemporaries have sent us an update on the FAM project!

Best to hear how things are going from Oldmate himself:-

Just to update you all, I finally got out to Swanbank today to continue working on FAM2386.

Myself and two mates of mine helped me to continue to clean the stainless steel. In one day (not a full day) we got half of one side cleaned which I am stoked about.

(ed - looking good, cant wait to see the finished job on the outside stainless)

Keep on Privateering!

Merry Xmas - Bungendore Steam and Cuisine 27 November 2009

2009-11-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

With the pending xmas season almost upon us (and nice summer weather too), the opportunity was taken for the Privateers group to go for an evening ride behind ARHS steam engine 3016 and Alco diesel 4807 to Bungendore, and have some celebratory cheers!

Being the first of the ARHS's summer series of trains, and with the launch of a new product "the Steam and Cuisine Express", it provided the perfect journey for such an evening out.

Here we see the BAM sitting in the S&C consist in the Kingston yard prior to departure.

and going around the other side, we see 1741's twin 1748 parked up still awaiting completion of electrical mods.

A view through the PHG guards van shows us the end of 1741.

Getting back to the main reason for the trip, xmas cheer! Here we see the privateer oldmates sitting around waxing lyrical about fun times.

Same people, different angle!

Having just arrived at Queanbeyan, the consist sits awaiting for the normal passengers to have their dinner service.

It is worth including the obligatory shot of the 'pointy end' of the train.

Here the honours are being undertaken by 3016 and 4807.

Goodmate Driver Keith always cheerful!

Workhorse of the ARHS 4807.

... and our train guard for the evening (or someone in a reflective vest impersonating a guard)

Always important to make sure plenty of drinks are around.

... and never lose your cup/mug/stein!

The serious photographers have a timely discussion about pressing matters.

Pat the Electrician - big supporter of Steam on Any Sunday.

Fun times being had by all.

The "A-Team".

Lots of passengers at Bungendore

Has anyone seen this man?

Keep on Privateering!

Melbourne Cup Holiday - Powerboard Installation BAM1748

2009-11-02T23:50:00.001-08:00

As us lucky Canberrans got to enjoy our Melbourne Cup Holiday aka Families and Communities Day for the last time that it will fall on the day of the Melbourne Cup, the opportunity of nice weather was taken to progress the wiring task on BAM1748.

Here we see a general overview of the electrical cabinet in the vestibule area of BAM1748. No holes in the wall, and modifications made just yet!

Prior to drilling holes in the vestibule wall, it is important to make sure we have the correct measurements. Used in the modifications in BAM1741, this cardboard cutout of an old banana box makes a good template to mark out the holes on the wall of which profile to cut out with the jigsaw.

Same model of electrical box, different carriage!

Just to check that the cutout is still a good fit, the electrical box is tested in the template to make sure - measure twice, cut once!

Before cutting out the wall section to fit the electrical box, it is important to drill pilot holes to enable the jigsaw blade to be fed through the wall to cut out the section.

Cuts made in the wall.

Remove the cut out bits and youre left with a hole.

Yep, the electrical box fits the cut out.

Electrical box mounted properly in the wall and the circuit breaker bar screwed in to check clearances.

Test the final fit of the cover of the electrical box.

One of the other tasks in installing the electrical box is modifications required to be made to one of the fire extinguisher boxes in the lower part of the vestibule wall. Here is the box pre-modification.

Fire Extinguisher box undone from the wall - all a bit discheveled.

Modified box refitted.

Wall reinstalled and ready to accept the next bits and pieces for progressing the task.

Until next time, happy privateering...

Back in FAMiliar Territory (yes I know, awful pun)

2009-10-26T03:02:00.000-07:00

The weekend of 23-25 October 2009 was an eventful time for Privateer Oldmate, who ventured up north for the warmer climate and attendance at an engagement party of a friend of Mrs P. Oldmate. During this time, the opportunity was taken to check out the progress and restoration efforts of our good mate on FAM2386.

(As a side, the weekend also yielded new experiences for Privateer Oldmate of flying through thunderstorms, an aborted landing into Canberra on the return on Qantas Jet 737-400 VH-TJE, 'flaming' jet engines on the climb out of the aborted landing, a diversion to Melbourne and a return eventually into Canberra around 11pm on Sunday night...)

Anyway, rant over, lets look at some piccies. The focus of this series is on the plant and equipment on the car.

Here we start with an overshot of the end of the car resident at Swanbank Railway Museum.

Our good mate has been busy with the pressure cleaning to remove all the grease, grime and build up of general scum - looking good

Here we have a shot of the king castings of the FAM, which are associated with Commonwealth Type Bogies

Here the aircondition plant heat exchangers are mounted sub-floor.

More subfloor equipment - the triple valve and water filler valve.

An unusual feature still fitted to the FAM, but long since removed from most NSW aurora cars in operation is the water chiller unit for icy cold drinking water. Not sure how game you'd be to drink water out of the water tanks...

Small battery box.

Made under license from Budd in the USA!

The other end of the FAM.

Hot water for the showers comes from the one big water calorifier fitted sub floor. Again, subtle difference between the FAM and the aurora cars, which are fitted with two smaller calorifiers.

Another job for our FAM team is the airconditioning system, which is missing a few parts. Here we see the compressor motor has gone AWOL at some stage...

The important junction box on the "Sydney" end of the car.

Inside the car, unusual a/c controls and measuring equipment - I guess it was modern for the early '70s.

Another look at the main power board.

This is an unusual temperature measurer, kind of like a sketchograph (anyone born before 1977 will get the reference) combined with a 1950's high school science class.

The old a/c control equipment cupboard has been stripped bare

The car also has many wiring boards that have been slightly butchered, yet another fun and wonderful aspect to be resolved.

Obligatory corridor shot!

General shot of the gutted area that was being made into a crew area.

Here the walls were removed and a general shot of the area where they have been taken out

Did I mention that a/c equipment had been removed - where is the heat exchanger in the roof? Just gone...

Yep, definitely gone

and a general shot of the ducts that lead into the bedrooms (so, just to confirm, no a/c plant in the roof)

The FAMs, like the Indian Pacific Cars, once upon had a 'desto roll' to lable the cars A, B, C etc etc, but has since been removed and plated over. Here we see the internals of the old desto box.

... and the flap closed

Another wiring board to be fixed in the corridor.

When the car was being converted during the period of 1990-1991, the SRA blokes prepared a list of things to be done in each room - 18 years on, the list is still there, still to be finished!

So, just to confirm what car it is - FAM2386

... and yep, its a sleeping car.

Happy Privateering until next time.

Let the sparks fly, its another wiring project! ... Just for something different, some attention for BAM1748.

2009-10-17T23:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday 17 October saw work commence on fitting the power conduit to BAM1748. Having learned the techniques and necessary tips to fitting the conduit from fitting up BAM1741 previously, the process was certainly quicker this time round.

Two weeks prior, preliminary work of welding on the brackets and mounting blocks were completed. Here we see the mounting plate welded on BAM1748 on the Canberra end of the car.

This shot also shows the mounting blocks pre-welded on the side of the car and painted up ready to accept the conduit.

One important technique to mounting the power conduit is to always start from one end and progress to the other. In this shot, we see the power receptacle bolted up to the mounting plate and the junction box resting on a supporting stand, after the necessary mounting holes have been marked out for drilling and tapping.

With the junction box now mounted, the next step is to lift the conduit resting on the ground up to the mounting blocks, feed in the end of the wiring loom into the junction box and then simultaneously bolt up enough clamps to hold on the conduit.

Here we see after a successful mounting of the conduit, the "Sydney End" of the wiring loom hangs out of the conduit awaiting fitting of the junction box. The junction box to be fitted is pictured sitting on the ground awaiting measuring of the holes in the side of the car, once again, for drilling and tapping out.

Not all that amazing, but here is an "action shot" of the tap hanging out the side of the car in the middle of a thread cutting session for one of the mounting bolt holes for the Junction Box.

The junction box on the Sydney End now mounted on.

General overview shot of BAM1748 sitting in the afternoon sun with its freshly mounted power conduit.

More updates as work progresses!

Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury Getaway

2009-10-12T23:48:00.000-07:00

The Weekend of the 9-11 October 2009 saw the ARHS-ACT undertake a weekend tour to Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury River.

In addition to the ARHS passengers travelling in the society portion of the train, joining this tour was a small group of Privateers travelling in BAM1741 that was carriage attached to the Sydney end of the train.

With the cold weather in the Mountains, also what better time to test 1741 new 'conveniences' having just been fitted out with mains power facilities! The completion of this project meant that the travellers had hot water and in-car heating for the cool nights.

Another first on this weekend was also the hire by the ARHS of engines 4473 and 4501 from the Goodmate's at Goodwin Alco and 3801 Limited.

Here we see an upfront and personal shot of 4473 through the vestibule of 1741.

Long train with a shot of the back prior to departure out of Canberra yard.

Prior to departure, we see 4501 and 4473 sitting on the consist having just finished shunting.

Another shot from the other side with the sun illuminating the fresh paint of class leader 4501 sitting down in Canberra prior to departure.

Early on in the weekend, we see 4501 idling at Tarago awaiting safeworking instructions.

It is compulsory to stay awake until the train reaches Goulburn whenever we have a Friday night departure! (Even if it just about zero degrees on the platform)

Ah yeah, definitely looks like Goulburn Railway station in the wee hours of late Friday night/early Saturday morning!

Here we see 4501 once again at Goulburn...

... and another money shot of the class leader.

... and is typical of all heritage operations, there is the need to stay on top of the paperwork (even enroute)

Happy faces all round on the Friday night!

First thing at Saturday morning, we see BAM1741 hanging off the end of the train at Leura.

Another shot of the lounge/sleeping car on the train having just arrived.

Whilst travelling on the train, the opportunity to visit the local sights was undertaken. Here we see the Leura Street Markets with all sorts of nic nacks, stalls, foods etc etc

The opportunity to visit the Jenolan Caves was also undertaken. Here we see one of the open caves on a self-guided tour.

The self guided tour takes all visitors to up to the top of the open cave nearly 55m metres high.

Having arrived back from a full day of touring, we see BAM1741 sitting on the train at Katoomba on the up-platform waiting for the ARHS Railroad Restaurant Train run for the Blue Mountains Locals.

Engine 4501 sitting on top of the consist awaiting to not so much haul, but rather brake (with dynamic braking) down the Mountain into Penrith.

Another shot of 1741 sitting on the Up platform at Katoomba

Having just safely guided the ARHS train down to Penrith we see 4473 and 4501 sitting at Penrith.

In preparation of running around the train the locomotives are uncoupled from BAM1741.

A general view of the Penrith Station at night - on the left, the ARHS Train and on the right, a Cityrail Up All Stop service to Central.

The travelling group are relaxing once again in the nice warmth inside the car, never mind how cold it is outside enroute back up to Katoomba - and even joined by one of the crew who has signed off having fulfilled his day's duties.

Overnight saw the train depart Katoomba at around 11:30ish and make a beeline towards the Up Refuge at Hawkesbury River Station Yard for an early morning arrival.

Here the ARHS train has been shunted onto the platform for the passengers to alight to go for a cruise of the river. Photo looking South.

Another shot of the car at Hawkesbury River looking North.

One of the passengers having an enjoyable weekend up in the pleasant environs of the Hawkesbury River.

Prior to Departure, the train was shunted from the Up Refuge, back onto the Up Main, and we see it shunting back into the platform to allow the passengers to board.

Late on Sunday afternoon, we see an internal shot of BAM1741 as it sits on the end of the train at Goulburn.

On such a warm sunny afternoon, what better way to pass the time by putting up the feet and having a relaxing sleep in the nice surrounds.

BAM1741 hanging off the end of the train at Goulburn

... and a closing of shot of a "Dulux Overhauled" 80 class attached to an RL class diesel in Platfrom 3 at Goulburn.

Happy Privateering until next update!

Back in Black ... Bogies that is!

2009-09-20T01:54:00.001-07:00

Sunday 20 September saw Privateer Oldmate diligently applying the first coat of black enamel to the bogie frames.

The bogies are now ready to be righted up the correct way up for further painting and re-assembly.

... and we can see the Project 6029 team taking a relaxing moment at the end of the day...

Powering Up BAM1741 - Wiring Progress

2009-09-19T02:44:00.000-07:00

In the last little while, work has progressed on fitting up BAM1741 with HEP bylines to enable power to be put into the car. This has been in aid of getting hot water back on the car, and to enable heating facilities to be installed.

So far, the car has been wired up along the side, with mains power into the car. There have been several power outlets installed, with more to come. Externally some finalisation work is required to tidy up the job, like some black paint over the grey urethane on the junction boxes.

Here is the Power Socket fitted to the Canberra End of the Carriage.

and the junction box at the same end

The profile of the conduit along the side of the car

The junction box at the Sydney end of the car

and the Sydney end power socket

Here the end of the car has been modified to accomodate the power line in the vestibule power cabinet

This is what holds the conduit to the car. These are new mounting brackets welded on the side, and the new clasps have been fabricated out of old 50mm water pipe.

Inside the vestibule, and behind the wall, we see the mains power cable and the modified fire extinguisher cupboard (needed to be made smaller to accomodate the other mods)

... and this is the fire extinguisher box in the vestibule - just like a bought one!

Thanks to some shopping at L&H in Fyshwick we see the new power board and circuit breakers

Another view of the power board

Newly fitted power board in the bar area - really handy to have for all the mod cons!

Also, some power sockets fitted at ground level in the bar area, good for heaters and vacuum cleaners.

Power sockets have been progressively refitted to the bedroom areas.

Here is one such new installation.

Once upon a time, the NSWGR had a belt driven 220v generator fitted to the BAM cars to power sockets fitted to each sleeping room for electric shavers. These generators had been removed years ago by the SRA prior to the ARHS acquiring the cars, and in the case of 1741, the old sockets had been removed and plated over, as seen below.

Some floor sockets have been installed too - these will be handy for floor heating options.

and an example of what was there before - nothing!

With all this electrical work going on, with the walls removed, the opportunity was taken to re-install marker lamps on the Sydney end of the car (removed by the ARHS years ago, for who knows what only reason...)

More posts as work progresses.

MHG Bogies - Continued Fun For All...

2009-09-19T02:19:00.000-07:00

Work continues on overhauling the bogies on MHG 11674.

Here are the bogies all needle gunned and prepped ready for painting.

... and here are the bogies after receiving a coat of grey etch primer ...

... next job is to paint on the black enamel and returning them correct side up.

Interested in Travelling Privateer Style??? - Sat 26 Sept - Bowral/Mittagong

2009-08-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

As part of the reason for creating this blog, it is also intended to keep those interested in future trips to be kept informed about planned operations.

On Saturday 26 September, the ARHS-ACT is operating a train to Bowral/Mittagong for the Tulip Time Festival.

For those looking to head out for a fun day travelling in the premium class lounge car BAM1741 - this is one of the first opportunities of it being availed for the general public to ride!

Interested passengers can directly book with the ARHS to travel in this car as a complete package for the day to the Tulips Festival, Details as follows:-

http://www.trains.org.au/index.php?view=details&id=33%3ACanberra+%2F+Queanbeyan+%E2%80%93+Bowral&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=19

Looking forward to continued support with the Privateers outings!

Rollingstock History of the Privateers Part IV

2009-08-04T02:59:00.000-07:00

Being a worldly group of Privateers, we are not only confined to the NSW regions... Former NSWGR stainless sleeping car FAM2386 is under restoration by one of our colleagues up in sunny Bris-vegas.

FAM2386 is a former "Brisbane Limited" car that also operated on the "Gold Coast Motorail" service. These trains were overnight trains between Sydney and Brisbane and Northern NSW prior to the introduction of the XPT services in the early 80's.

Rather than re-tell the story, below is the "411" from the owner which tells the story of the "FAM Project" more accurately than I can.....

*********

Well I hear you all say, “What is the FAM project”. No it is not my hip way of saying the family project, although it is becoming a family project as such.

The FAM is actually FAM 2386 a stainless steel air conditioned sleeper carriage from NSW which has been recently obtained to restore.

For two years now I have been on the lookout for a stainless steel sleeper carriage to restore as my own private carriage. A couple of opportunities came up but nothing eventuated. In September 2007 I was made aware that FAM2386 was coming up for tender by Railcorp.

In April 2008 the tender document was released and much to my surprise the Office of Rail Heritage (ORH) in NSW was asking for tenders for the carriage but at no cost. The Office of Rail Heritage was asking for submissions to give the carriage away, amongst 83 other separate items, and it would be awarded to the person or group who could give it the best heritage outcome.

Not thinking I would have a chance in hell, I thought what the heck I will give it a go. Considering I was going to be tendering against the preservation groups, I really didn’t think I was going to get a look in sideways especially a Queenslander getting a look in. None the less I set about writing a submission answering the 12 key selection criteria and backed it up with letters of support and other documentation required and submitted it by the 5ht June deadline. The document turned out to be half an inch thick.

Months went by and no one really knew when ORH was going to make their decision. On 6th November 2008 I got a phone call from the ORH and was asked “Did you tender for FAM2386?” ... slowly I said, “Yes.” I then prepared myself for the “Unfortunately you were not successful in your application.” The reply was simple, “It’s yours.” I was absolutely stunned and went deadly silent whilst I was standing in the waiting room of the relaxation centre. The officer from ORH then said twice, “Are you still there?” Still in shock I replied. My remark was that I was told one week before hand unofficially that I would not be successful. The ORH advised that he didn’t know who told me that misinformation but the carriage was truly mine.

A tremendous feel came over me and the mind started 100 to the dozen as now I had 8 weeks to get the beast out of Sydney and back to Brisbane. With Christmas just around the corner it was going to be a huge task.

FAM2386 was built in 1970 by the Granville Workshops on licence from Budd Cars in Philadelphia. It spent most of its life on the Gold Coast Motor Rail but also occasionally when to Melbourne. In 1988 it was retired from service and was to be converted in 1991 to the Broadmeadow Breakdown Van. This project commenced with 3 rooms being removed and a kitchen started at one end. A stainless steel range hood and kitchen bench were installed but the project ceased soon after. The carriage was then moved to Eveleigh Carriage Workshops to be stored under cover with many other items of Rollingstock owned by ORH. It stayed here until Wednesday the 3rd December when it was shifted to Chullora ready to be transported.

(Laminate interior in the bedroom)

(Partially constructed kitchen area by SRA)

(Gutted bedroom area for crew)

(Another shot of the "kitchen")

(The FAM in storage in Carriage Works, Eveleigh)

In the meantime, I had to organise cranes, our good 'Oldmate' Mario from Australian Train Movers, an additional semi trailer, transfer documents, various permits, dogs and chains to secure the load, wide load signs and everything else you could think of.

In addition to this we had to store the car in 'borrowed space' from QPSR and lay a new road for the carriage to be stored on. In 5 Days and between 6 people we laid 97m of track with 75 pound rail - an impressive effort from the team! Even more impressive that the rail had to be dug in to ground level.

The morning of the 3rd of December soon arrived and hopefully with everything in place our journey begun. First thing was to pick up the truck that I was to drive to Sydney. I hire a Volvo FH12 and 40’ steel flat deck trailer from Rentco but with all the finest plans in place something was bound to go wrong. None of the trailer lights worked so that delayed us by an hour. It was then back to home to load up the rest of the gear and get underway. The first part of our journey was to the old Melaleuca Station at Chinderah just south of Tweed Heads where we had to back load two carriages for Mario. What was to take 1-2 hours actually took 4 hours. The crane was 1 hour late and when we had loaded the two carriages we had to reposition them and then the challenge was to chain them down.

We eventually got away at 4pm and made a mad dash south to get as far as we could before I ran out of driving hours and energy. We actually made it to Kempsey that evening at about 8pm. Parking the truck in the motel was an interesting.

The next morning was an early rise but once again we were held up as some talented individual parked the truck in and we didn’t know who it belonged to. After some nervous manoeuvring we were then underway.

It was a great run down to Sydney until we hit that famous Sydney traffic. Trusting a GPS in a 40’ truck is nerve racking when you don’t have any clue about the area you are driving in little loan knowing where you are heading. All we had was some scratchy notes from Mario and a desire to get off the road. We arrived at Mario’s at about 1pm to be greeted by his lovely wife (and the true organiser) Nora. Following lunch we viewed Mario’s collection and unchained the carriages on my truck before retiring to a local motel to wait for my good friend and engineer to arrive. Naturally a few ales and a good meal were had to wash away the road dust.

It was an early start on Friday 5th December to unload the two carriages from my truck, load the jinker to move the carriage and a section car. Our journey this morning was to take us to Chullora to load the carriage at 1pm.

Upon arrival at Chullora we discovered that FAM2386 had been put into a siding that we could not get the cranes anywhere near and the clock was ticking with our crane on site. A quick phone call to the ORH was then made. The ORH organised a loco to come and shift the carriage to where it was supposed to be. Much to our surprise the loco was dispatched and was on site within 15 minutes. Meanwhile we secured the items in the carriage to prevent movement during transport. At this point in time a sudden sense of surrealism set it along with some disbelief that this was now actually my carriage and everything I had dreamt of.

(Just about on the road)

(Bogies on the move)

(Crane action)

(More crane action)

(FAM sitting at Chullora)

The crane we ordered was a 50T slewing crane but they actually sent an 110T crane. What an awesome sight. It was built in 2007 at a cost of $1.7M and had its own support truck.

It took about an hour to set up the crane and prepare the carriage for the lift. We had to get under and knock out the cotter pins for the bogie pins, disconnect the brake lines and ensure there were no loose items. Trust me, crawling under axels and getting into a place where you had never been before was a challenge. We lifted one end at a time. Lifting the lighter end first we slewed the carriage across onto the prime mover turntable. Several adjustments were made until Mario was completely satisfied. His fussiness shows what a professional he is. Now the first bogie could be lifted onto my truck.

The other end was then lifted onto Mario’s jinker and then secured into place. Mario had this process down pat. The only thing we had to cut off was one toilet outlet and not one hole had to be blown in the frame to tie the carriage down. The whole tie down and then placing the wide load signs on both trucks took the best part of 1.5 hours and the whole process took 4.5 hours. Not as quick as I had planned.

Feeling quite drained from a very hot day and working flat out it was time for a quick shower and then dinner with another one of the Privateers. An early night was certainly on the cards for me.

We were up at 1.30am to be picked up and taken to the rail yards again for a 2.30am departure. We had 3 escort vehicles. Two for the carriage itself and 1 for my truck as we were all wide loads and in Sydney CBD you can only move wide loads between midnight and 5am.

We had a quick sprint up to Wyong truck stop for breakfast and to wait for day break. It was here that we could get rid of two escorts. The rest of the day was casually driving up the coast with several compulsory stops.

It was quite amusing to watch people’s faces as we drove up the coast. You could just about read their lips. Being in the second truck you got to see their reactions. Even more amusing were the comments across the radio like, “Now that’s a real road train”, and “That’s the only way NSW can keep their trains on time.”

We arrived at Tweed Heads at 5.30pm when we were curfewed. Finding accommodation at the Gold would normally seem easy but rest assured we couldn’t find anything with shouting distance of where we had to park the trucks. With two sleepers in the truck and a sleeper carriage, accommodation was right where we needed it. We had a quick bite to eat and an early night.

A 4.30am start on Sunday saw us continue to our journey to QPSR’s depot at Box Flat and we had to be off the road by 7.30am. Upon arrival at the site the very heavy rain the night before made the road very slippery and unloading the following day looked unlikely. Not exactly what we had planned on. Plan A was in place and we had to quickly come up with Plan B, C, D and E. A meeting with the crane company and we reverted back to Plan A with the additional need for swamp pads to stop the crane sinking in the soft ground.

The rest of the day was spent planning for the unloading of FAM2386 and the modification of 2 QR bogies to sit the carriage on. Thanks to our oldmates the 2 bogies were quickly modified.

(What a standard gauge car on NG looks like - Perhaps a tribute the old CR days of the Narrow Gauge Ghan...)

Monday 8th December saw us unload FAM2386 on the head shunt at QPSR. With some quick ground preparation with a bob cat, we positioned the two trucks to first unload the bogies with a 25T Franna and then a 65T all terrain slewing crane. Some juggling was required to manoeuvre the items but after 4.5 hours FAM2386 was unloaded and safely on QR bogies. It then took the best part of an hour to shunt FAM2386 into the compound.

Several weeks later another shunt took place to shift the carriage into the newly constructed road to its final restoration place.

It is planned that the restoration project will take approximately 2-3 years so stay tuned for further chapters in the restoration of FAM2386.

(This is what a clean end looks like - shiny things)

(This is what it started like...)

Trips of the Past - Part II - Canberra, Sydney and Katoomba NYE 2007/08

2009-08-03T02:17:00.000-07:00

Generally speaking, the NYE trip run by the ARHS from Canberra to Sydney is a staple trip for the privateers. All years since the ARHS commenced running this service except for 08/09, where no privateers were present, but 1748 went for a crew van), the privateers have made the effort to travel on this train.

The train generally departs Canberra at 10am on NYE, makes its way through the Southern Highlands and South Sydney with an arrival into Central, Sydney around 4:30ish in the afternoon. The return trip back is on New Year's Day departing Central at 2am with an arrival into Canberra around 10:30am - (This year, 09/10 the ARHS is once again planning on running this trip, http://www.trains.org.au/)

On the 2007/08 New Years Trip, the Privateers had arranged for a side trip to Katoomba in the evening as well as the attached trip to Sydney.

The train operated by the ARHS to Sydney was 17 cars including the two privateers. This trip was the first time that the ARHS had utilised locomotives operated by our supporters at Southern Shorthaul Railroad - the trip to Sydney and the Katoomba side trip was hauled by former NSWGR locomotives 44204 and FL220 (ex 42220) and on the return former Commonwealth Railways locomotive GM10 (built in 1952) and former Victorian Railways locomotive S317.

All photos once again go to the credit of the highly talented Domenik Giemza and his uber-cool photographic equipment.

44204 and 42220 sit on the train (well outside of the platform in Canberra - it was never built for 17 cars) prior to departure.

Enroute between Canberra and Bungendore, this photo shows the length of the NYE special - it was well patronised with 130 odd passengers!

Entering Sydney metropolitan area, its all too exciting to not have a look and see where things are at.

This photo shows the gutted shower and conducter's compartment in BAM1748, which has been made in a well serviced bar - its a hot summer's day after all, refreshing ale anyone?

This photo is a good shot of the removed four sleeping rooms in BAM1741. We can see the polished timber finish and leather lounges.

So guys, where are we? Cant be too far from Sydney... (also a good view of BAM1748 lounge area)

This looks like the alternative to classy travel - Cityrail's finest T-set on an up Waterfall service passing through St Peters vicinity... wonder what the pax on the Cityrail service thought???

Too cool for school in those sunnies, and overtaken by the Waterfall service!... Still were not in any hurry.

Sitting at Central prior to the little side-trip to Katoomba.

Enroute, and engrossed in conversation, New Years Cheers celebrated by all!

We've just arrived at Katoomba on NYE, and its 8:31pm and 14 seconds (not to be precise or anything like that...)

Gotta run around to go back down again - just for the record, 35 degress in Sydney, 21 up at Katoomba - nice and refreshing!

... Well, it is important to keep in contact with friends, especially in making plans for later - but hey, why leave a well stocked bar! (for the record, good photo of the bar area in BAM1741)

Did anyone say hangover... meh, must just be the morning fog of the Southern Highlands - we see environmentally friendly GM10 and S317 taking the train through to Canberra returning our 'all celebrated out' passengers back home to Canberra.

By the time next year comes around, we would have forgetten what happened last year and will be ready to do it again (or maybe lets give it two years!)...

Trips of the Past - Part I - Tarago by Steam 17 August 2007

2009-08-03T01:16:00.000-07:00

So beyond the fun of getting dirty and messy doing the restoration of the various vehicles, occassionally, the privateers get out to enjoy their masterpieces!

There have been many trips in the past, but to get started with a taste of what happens on a 'privateers' trip, a couple of trip summaries are provided here to wet the whistle of any prospective privateers...

The report summarises a trip on Saturday 17 August 2007 which was a steam engine hauled trip from Canberra to Tarago in NSW using BAM1741 and 1748. As with any trip to Tarago a 'must visit' is the Historic Loaded Dog Hotel...

All photos are credited to Domenik Giemza

In the cold Friday Evening before the trip, 3016 sits simmering away awaiting the following day's duties!

Our fireman contemplating life is smiling on the inside!

3016 with private cars shunts out the goods shed siding at Bungendore.

3016 Shunting into the Bungendore platform with the private cars.

3016 is working enroute between Bungendore and Tarago - not a heavy load, but important cargo!

The compulsory visit to the Loaded Dog Hotel whenever in Tarago township! One of the best pubs in Southern New South Wales. Always well worth stopping in for a relaxing pint, and a great meal - excellent food and service, huge meals!

... and walking back to the Station, what do we see on the horizon!

Smiles all round - a great relaxing day to a brilliant destination in awesome company!

Rollingstock History of the Privateers Part III

2009-08-02T00:44:00.000-07:00

MHG11674 is the next item of rollingstock within the greater community of private carriage owners to come online - most likely within the next 18 months ~ 2 years.

Historically, the MHG is one of 200 such vans operated by the NSWGR in the period of the early 1950's to the mid 1980's, when the use of guards vans were withdrawn by the State Rail Authority. For more info on this class of van, see:- http://www.trains.org.au/index.php?Itemid=118

The history of this van in its operating days is largely unknown. Apart from its build date in 1952 and being originally painted black (technically gun metal grey), the only modifications made to this van have been the 'closing in' of the old side guards doors and modifications to allow access to the passenger saloon from the guards area.

At some stage in the 1970's, the van was repainted in the standard Tuscan Terror red colour scheme. It is believed that the vehicle was reclassified in the early 1980's to the modern coding classification of "NVMF".

Without rollingstock record cars to confirm accurately, it is believed the van was withdrawn in the mid 1980's and stored at Parkes, NSW. The van was amongst a large string of freight vehicles, including flat tops, water gins and other MHG brake vans purchased by the ARHS and taken possession in 1999.

The van had no use with the ARHS and was never planned on ever being utilised for any particular purpose - the ARHS had sold similar vans from the batch acquired in 1999 for the use of "static" farm storage sheds.

The current owner made an offer of purchase of the van from the ARHS in 2007, and has since commenced restoring the vehicle. The vehicle was purchased 'as is, where is' where it had been previously heavily vandalised, water damaged, no windows, rust patches etc etc prior to its recovery by the ARHS in 1999.

Restoration has commenced in earnest and the follwing photos provide a very brief snap shot of works undertaken since this process commenced. It is anticipated that this calendar year (2009 - something about the best laid plans of men and mice...) that the vehicle will be mechanically ready for a test trip, although not fitted out.

The works undertaken thus far have involved securing the van, repairing the roof, replacing doors, fitting of windows, rust repairs and the bogie overhaul has also commenced...

Bogies prior to strip down and overhaul

Old internal roof removed for replacement and wall removed for preparation.

New baggage doors fitted.

New doors and prior to roof restoration

More again...

Repaired end walls

Bogies stripped down, needle gunned and new horn cheek wear plates fitted

Horn guides pre-needle gunning (not pretty!)

The bogies of a 1000 pieces!

More wall removals for fixing roof and rust correction!

The old guards chair... Not very comfortable.

Where the passengers will sit (eventually)

Rust removal from the end wall.

Some original photos from when the van was first purchased!

Onwards and upwards, as they say!

Rollingstock History of the Privateers Part II

2009-08-02T00:14:00.001-07:00

The second of the 'privateers' carriages, BAM1741, ironically came to 'being so' after its owner had travelled on a few of the trips using 1748 and loved the idea to have a complementing carriage for the first BAM to provide more lounge and sleeping space for the 'privateer group' when travelling. Also, by having a car, even if the vehicle isnt operating on a train, its owner still has the luxury of a home away from home in a nice setting too.

1741, like 1748, was acquired by the ARHS in the late 1980's following cessation of the NSW Mail Train services. Unlike 1748, however, 1741 had actually operated with the ARHS on a number of overnight and long distant trains.

As the ARHS came to modernise its sleeping car fleet through the strategic acquisition of airconditioned NAM and LAN Aurora Rollingstock carriages, combined with the fact that 1741 was the 4th best conditioned BAM sleeping car in the fleet, it rarely was finding any use on the ARHS trains.

The last known operation of BAM1741 within the ARHS ownership was in May 2005 on a Canberra to Sydney 'Showtime' overnight service for passengers to see The Lion King stage performance in Sydney at this time. (Ironically, also the last time the ARHS used a timber bodied TAM sleeping car - TAM906 - but that's another story for another time)

In late 2005 an offer was made to the ARHS to purchase 1741, which was accepted.

The first run of 1741 in private ownership was in April 2006 to Coolamon in NSW. The car was operated in an as-is state acquired from the ARHS. This trip was undertaken with the ARHS 7315 & 7319 to enable a workshop visit at Junee for 7315. Other carriages in this trip were BAM1748, RFN1739, PHG12720, TA501 and NAM2341 (first run of this carriage after restoration by the ARHS after being in storage with Steamrail in Victoria for nearly 12 years)

After this trip, its owner got 'stuck in' to make the modifications as desired. This car had four sleeping rooms in the middle of the car removed to form a large lounge area with bar, which now comfortably accomodates 15 people in beautiful polished timber surroundings (unlike the original vinyl and laminate interior). The conducters compartment and one shower has been gutted to form a private bedroom, which accomodates a proper "three quarter" bed for the owner's comfort.

Like 1748, works being currently undertaken on this car including fitting of 415v bylines to re-active a hot water service (the former gas system has been removed), and also enable the 240v power points to be activated for use by passengers (such as to charge phones, run laptops etc etc). The fitting of power lines will also enable airconditioning to be installed that will provide greater comfort for the travelling passengers.

To avoid duplication, pictures of this car (both internal and external) are included in trip reports to be posted.

Rollingstock History of the Privateers Part I

2009-08-01T23:42:00.000-07:00

The first of the 'privateers' carriages, BAM1748, began as a result of its owner's inspiration after a visit to the US in the late 90's.

During this trip, the owner had visited several of the American Association of Private Railcar Carriage Owners members' and their respective own private cars (and even travelled on a couple) and thought, why cant this occur in Australia? - there are several items of rollingstock and there are a few groups who can run such carriages too...

So loaded with lots of good ideas, an offer was made for the carriage BAM1748 from the ARHS-ACT, which was accepted and work commenced.

Historically, BAM1748 started its life as a N class open plan situp car for the NSWGR in the 1940's. During the 1970's in an attempt to modernise the fleet and provide more sleeping berths on Mail Trains, 6 of the N class sit up cars were selected for conversion to a basic twinette sleeping car. There were six BAM sleeping cars in total (Road numbers 1738, 1741, 1743, 1745, 1748, 2189). For more information on the basics of these cars see:- http://www.trains.org.au/index.php?Itemid=69

BAM1748 (as were all the BAMs, except 1745) was acquired by the ARHS in the late 1980's following cessation of the NSW Mail Train services. 1748 never entered service with the ARHS, and had sat on 'rotten row' for sometime prior to its owner commencing restoration works on it. During this period, the vehicle continued to deteriorate from water damage and provided a home for Kingston based pigeons too.

Over the period of nearly three years, its owner had undertaken a restoration program to get the vehicle back into operation. The vehicle has been re-roofed, and five of the seven sleeping berths restored to original condition for overnight accomodation. The other two sleeping berths, one of the shower cubicles and the conducters compartment have all been removed and modified to accomodate a lounge area that can comfortably accomodate 12 people. For those that remember the TV shot Hot Property on the seven network - the restoration of this car was given its own segment on one episode back a few years ago!

Future works on this car including fitting of 415v bylines to re-active a hot water service (the former gas system has been removed), and also enable the 240v power points to be activated for use by passengers (such as to charge phones, run laptops etc etc). The fitting of power lines will also enable airconditioning to be installed that will provide greater comfort for the travelling passengers.

To avoid duplication, pictures of this car (both internal and external) are included in trip reports to be posted.

... From small (sort of largish and rotten row things), big things grow...

2009-07-30T03:51:00.000-07:00

This blog has been setup for the musings, discussions, plans, trips, fun, action and excitement of the greater collective of the 'privateer movement'.

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.