1. Next trip
Spoornet does not take any chances regarding the Veldfire-risk and at present Friends of the Rail is struggling to get permission to even run the Tshwane Xplorers - trip, which run inside the Pretoria complex. Unfortunately we were not able to save our Fathers Day Tshwane Xplorer, but fortunately we received Spoornet's permission to run a Fountains Train on 24 June (the first weekend of the school holidays).
Unlimited rides on the miniature steam train, free entrance and braaifires provided. Pack your picnic basket with some nice goodies, meat for the braai, enough to drink and join us on the trip to the Fountains Resort in Pretoria. Train departs from the FOTR Capital Park Depot at 10h00 and the return journey will start at 15h00. Adults R100 Children 2-12 years R50.
2. Year-end Functions
We will be running corporate trains from 1 November to 16 December on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Private coaches available from R5000, whole train charters from R20000 and individual packages from R200 (Including train ride and lunch). The Friday trains will run during office hours and will be ideal for an office party. We are filling up quickly and action is needed to avoid disappointment. Please forward this information to the person in charge of your Christmas party arrangements.
3. Fundraiser
Friends of the Rail are there to serve the community. Does your school, church or NGO needs to raise funds? Will you be able to get at least 70 people (one coach) or 350 people (whole train) to join you on one of our trips?
Train fare - scheduled trips:
Tshwane Xplorer: Adult R120 Children 7-12 years R80 Children 2-6 years R50
Cullinan: Adult R120 Children 7-12 years R80 Children 2-6 years R50
Bela Bela (Warmbaths): Adult R165 Children 7-12 years R115 Children 2-6 years R70
Potential Income - 175 Adults 175 Children 7-12 years:
Tshwane Xplorer = 175 x R120 + 175 x R80 = R35000 (R7000 per coach)
Cullinan = 175 x R130 + 175 x R90 = R38500 (R7700 per coach)
Bela Bela = 175 x R165 + 175 x R115 = R49000 (R9800 per coach)
Potential profit:
Tshwane Xplorer = R35000 - Our cost of R20000 = R15000 (Profit per coach - R3000)
Cullinan = R38500 - Our cost of R20000 = R18500 (Profit per coach - R3700)
Bela Bela = R49000 - Our cost of R25000 = R24000 (Profit per coach - R4800)
4. New website
Friends of the Rail have a new website. Please visit it regularly to check changes to our programme. The steam enthusiasts can register to be part of our forum-community. Just type in www.friendsoftherail.com and enjoy it.
Steam greetings from Arno and Billy Victor. Contact details: 012 548 4090 or