There's a glimmer of light at the end of the Wilderness Railway tunnel with the Federal Government's promise to stump up six million dollars to repair the rail infrastructure of the West Coast tourist rail service.
But there's a catch. A new operator has to be found by the end of April.
It's widely agreed that any new operator will need the support of a volunteer network and Tasmanian steam train enthusiasts are looking to other successful models like Puffing Billy which operates in the Dandenong Ranges outside Melbourne.
CEO of Puffing Billy Railway, John Robinson explains how Puffing Billy has survived for so long.