HOW TO CHARTER A TRAIN

LACHLAN VALLEY RAILWAY SOCIETY

HOW TO CHARTER A TRAIN

LVR has loco hauled 1930’s vintage carriages and 1920’s vintage railmotors available for hire. Chartering a train is an ideal way to celebrate that special occasion, whether it is birthdays, weddings, social club outings, race trains or Christmas functions. We can cater for them all, a single railmotor can accommodate up to 40 passengers and 80 passengers with two.

Railmotors 24 & 12 are pictured at Bathurst on a charity charter in June 2002.

If your group numbers more than 80, then our heritage carriages can accommodate 64 passengers per car, up to a maximum of 320 for 5 cars. A take away buffet and/or dining car can be provided at additional cost. A liquor license is also available. The society is accredited to operate in most areas of NSW, with the majority of our operations based in the Central West & South West regions. Our heritage carriages are currently hauled by 47 class diesels; with steam loco 3237 being available from early 2008, for limited distance charters from Cowra.

Diesel loco 4703 hauling the Outback train at Parkes in September 2002.

FOUR EASY STEPS TO CHARTERING A TRAIN:

STEP 1: Due to timetabling regulations we need at least 8 weeks notice prior to your event. Select a starting point and a destination, just make sure that these locations are on a railway line and have a platform. Select a potential date/s and times of departure and return. Compile a simple itinerary of what you want to do en route and at your destination. We can assist you with selection of venues for eating, drinking, entertainment and accommodation during stop overs. Count the number of passengers in your group, if less than 80 passengers then railmotors are the most cost effective option. If over 80 passengers then two or more of our heritage carriages are most suitable for your requirements. Then call the LVR Charters Officer on 0432 478 056, or email inquiries@lvr.com.au

STEP 2: During the initial consultation we can assist you with the selection of suitable carriages and motive power for your charter. We can give you a tentative itinerary and price quotation over the phone, fax or return e-mail. If you are satisfied with the quote, we can then forward a hard copy quotation booking form via post, fax or e-mail. We will also enclose a terms & conditions form, please read it carefully and sign and return the acknowledgement, if you agree with all the terms therein. At this point your booking is in the “Inquiry” state, where the date/s is reserved for you, whilst we await your deposit.

STEP 3: A deposit is required 8 weeks prior to your event, or within 7 days of booking, if inside the 8 weeks period. The standard deposit rates are $300.00 for railmotors, $500.00 for diesel hauled trains and $1,000.00 for steam hauled trains. Once the deposit is paid, then the booking becomes “Confirmed”. We submit the timetable to the rail authority and begin preparing the locomotives and carriages for your journey.

STEP 4: We will contact you one week prior to operation to confirm all aspects of the timetable, itinerary and any special requirements you may have. Once this is done, then it is simply a matter of turning up on the day and enjoying the ride. You are welcome to B.YO. Food and drinks on railmotor services and loco hauled carriages, where there is no alcohol service provided. However, on licensed trains no B.Y.O. alcohol is allowed, due to Responsible Service of Alcohol policy.

EXAMPLE A: Single railmotor carrying 35 people from Cowra to Carcoar and return, cost $950.00. Stop over suggestions are heritage walk, lunch at local pub.

EXAMPLE B: Two railmotors carrying 70 people from Cowra to Bathurst and return, cost $2,100.00. Stop over suggestions are visit Mount Panorama Motor Museum, Ben Chifley Home, Pubs, Restaurants and Clubs.

EXAMPLE C: Diesel loco hauling 4 carriages from Cowra to Cootamundra and return, cost $4,750.00. Stop over suggestions are Wattle Festival, Bradman Museum, Pubs, Restaurants and Clubs.

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