FAQs
How many passengers can ride the train?
1
Our standard train has two carriages. Each carriage can carry an average of 5 passengers, making a total for each train of 10 passengers. This is a guide, as it depends on the size of the passengers. With younger children, we can carry more, with larger adults, it may be slightly less.
How long is the track and how long does a ride take?
2
We have up to 550 feet (or 167 meters) of track. The length of track able to be set up depends upon the layout of your site and the room available. With all of our track deployed, a full ride cycle (loading, short safety briefing, train ride up the line, train ride down the line, unloading) takes approximately 7 minutes. If unable to deploy all our track, the train can complete multiple “laps” of the line to ensure a suitable ride length.
Can you make a loop, circle or oval with your track?
3
No. Due to size limitations, our train operates an “out and back” layout, where the train loads at one end of the line, travels to the far end of the line, then reverses direction and travels back to the station.
How much room does the track need, and what type of ground?
4
It is difficult to answer this question clearly, as each site is different. The track and train can run easily through gaps down to 1.5 meters. The track can be laid on any surface including concrete, bitumen, grass, dirt, gravel etc, but the site must be level and free from large dips and rises. Small undulations can be compensated for, however this is very much assessed on a case by case basis. If you are unsure, give us a call and we will happily work with you to come up with a track layout that makes the most of your site.
Is there a minimum age for riders?
5
No! There is no set minimum age for riders on the train. However, some of our younger passengers will require an adult rider to accompany them on their journey to make sure they stay safe. This requirement is assessed individually by our train crew at the time of loading the train. The good news is that adults can ride the train too, and a young child is a great “excuse” for a ride on a tiny train!
Can adults ride the train, and is there a weight limit?
6
Adults can absolutely ride the train! We encourage our adult riders to have as much fun as our younger riders. Indeed, some of the biggest kids on the train are our trains ‘adult’ crew! There is no weight limit.
Generally speaking, no. The train can usually only haul its full load of 2 carriages on a flat track. However, it is possible for the train to traverse slight hills as long as the beginning and end of the track are on flat ground. This allows for the safe stopping of the train, and for the train to easily start off from stationary. *Important note: even a very slight rise is considered a steep hill for a train, thanks to its metal wheels on metal rails. If your site has no perfectly level ground please do not despair, we may be able to offer a smaller train with less carriages, or arrange our track to create the flattest route possible on your site. This is strictly assessed on a case by case basis, so please contact us if you wish to discuss options for your site.
7
Can the train go up hills?
Do you have insurance and a risk assesment?
8
Yes. Evidence of insurance and our risk assessment document will be supplied upon confirmation of a booking.
No. If barriers or a fence is required, this is the responsibility of the hirer. We can, however, provide a bunting line for decoration and route marking for our multiple day hires.
9
Do you provide barriers?
What site access is required to facilitate set up and pack down?
10
We will need clear, unobstructed access to the site for a large van and a large dual axle flat top trailer. The steam engine can not be lifted by hand and must be unloaded via our ramp from the trailer directly onto the track.
How long does set up and pack down take?
11
From the time of arrival on site, the train can generally be ready to operate in 3 hours. From the cessation of running, the train can generally be packed down and our vehicle ready to vacate the site in approximately 2.5 hours.
Can the train operate in all weathers?
12
Yes. The train can operate in all weathers, including rain and snow. However, please note that our carriages do not have a roof so riders will get wet! In some damp track conditions, traction on the rails can be effected which may temporarily reduce the passenger carrying capacity of the train. In such a circumstance it may be necessary to reduce the train to one carriage to ensure operation can continue safely. The second carriage can be reinstated once track conditions improve.