Veteran railwayman Steve Harper climbed down from the cabin of his loco after a 44 -year career as a train driver but has climbed back on board to drive a real veteran of the tracks, an immaculately restored 1920s vintage Rail Motor.
It’s a labour of love and for volunteer Steve and his co-driver, fellow volunteer Matt Stennett, who rolled through Narrabri on Rail Motor No 7 on Monday, en-route to Bellata to pick up a tour party and then on to Armidale.
Both are members of the Paterson Rail Motor Society, near Dungog.
The sight of a veteran CPH class Rail Motor – often referred to as the ‘tin hares’ – would have re-kindled memories for many a local train traveller.
The Rail Motor was once a familiar sight on the branch lines of the North West, carrying passengers from Narrabri, out west to Walgett and all points in between.
Each carriage has its own 6-cylinder petrol engine with a 4-speed manual gearbox and the Rail Motor cruises at 80kmh.
The heritage Rail Motor is nowadays kept busy carrying tourists and groups around the countryside to race meetings and outings.
Passengers travel in comfort with a licenced bar, food service and most mod cons.
“We are always booked out,” said Steve.
All monies raised go back to the Patterson Rail Motor Society.
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