The popular "Tshwane Xplorer" ROUND TRIP 

This Womens' Day public holiday, join us on an afternoon steam train trip around the nation's capital. This 2.5 hour vintage train ride also goes briefly out into the countryside whilst you relax, sit back and get an entirely different perspective of our diverse and interesting city. On the way, this trip on the national rail network passes through Pretoria Station and through a very large marshalling yard, so railway enthusiasts and the curious will get a rare inside glimpse inside the real world of railway operations. Also spot several city landmarks from the train: the Unisa buildings, Loftus Versfeld stadium, Union Building, Tukkies, Affies, etc (** see note).

Braai fires will be available at our station from about 11:00 and there is plenty of safe and secure parking. So, bring your picnic baskets, relax and braai with us before the train departs. Or else enjoy a late lunch while on the go! You may take your picnic lunch and drinks aboard the train. No cooler box? Hot and cold refreshments are available on the train before and throughout the trip.

Also come early and browse the souvenirs and other interesting railway memorabilia that are available in our shop at the station. Give the kids something remember this by, forever! Get thems their own special FOTR Trip Certificates at the shop and have them specially autographed by the driver and train crew!

** Please note that our advertised route is subject to last-minute change if engineering occupations require. Due to occasional weekend Gautrain work on the section between Pretoria Station and Hatfield, this track might be closed. If this should be the case, we regret that the southern "city" loop may have to be shortened or substituted.

Photographers... Join Friends of the Rail for our second winter steam photographic event, and experience the power and majesty of steam on a winter’s morning!

We meet at the FOTR Capital Park depot (NOT our Hermanstad Station) on Sunday 9 August, the Womens' Day public holiday, at 06h00. Enjoy coffee and rusks as one of our superb steam locomotives brews up alongside. At sunrise we will begin the photography, with great steam and smoke effects on offer. The locomotive will be positioned in various locations and you will be able to photograph the human activity around her too while she is serviced by the crew, who will be dressed in traditional railway footplate attire.

Opportunities like this are becoming rarer by the day, so grab this chance while you can. The fee for the morning shoot is R150, payable in advance to guarantee participation. To ensure uncrowded participation and safety, places are strictly limited so book now to avoid disappointment!

Bookings may be made by phoning Arno at our sales office on 012-548-4090 or 082-293-4616.

We Dare you to "Do it Differently" this Year!

Take your company or social club on a "year-end" trip by Vintage Steam Train

A Year-end corporate award or social function on a vintage steam train is certainly very special and definately different. We promise that your group will really enjoy the experience and remember it well into 2011. So, let Friends of the Rail take your Customers, your Staff and Families on an old-fashioned fun outing on our tain to Cullinan and back. They all deserve it!

You can book a special meal at any of several venues and restaurants, or simply set up a braai or picnic. Interesting and fun activities, like a diamond mine tour, 9 holes of golf, horse riding, game viewing, kids games, etc, are also available.

Depending on your numbers and needs, you have the choice of reserving seats on one of our specially-scheduled corporate trains, of reserving a private coach all to yourselves, or for the ultimate exclusive experience, of chartering your very own exclusive private train where you get to choose a date and time that suits you.

These year-end trains are very popular and available dates sell out quickly. Contact Arno or Billy at our Marketing Office now to organise your function and book your place. Phone: 082 293 4616 or 012 548 4090   Email: sales@friendsoftherail.com

Click here to download detailed information: Year-end Functions 2010

We extend our very grateful thanks to the many donors from around the world who have already helped with funds to repair 3117. Without that help we would not get this off the ground. We still will need lots more and every little bit will count. So, if you are able to help in any way, please read the appeal article for details. We need not only money, but also plenty of materials and lots of labour. 

To date (July 21, 2010) we have received or been pledged:

Number of donors: 32

Amount donated (in round numbers):

In US$:  $3515.00 (approx R27065.00)

In Rands: R1720.00

Total:  R28785.00

"Until my unfortunate accident on Sunday 20 June 2010, I was a beautiful ex-SA Railways Class 15F locomotive. Now I am badly damaged and in need extensive repairs to put me back on track. My owners, Friends of the Rail, are a non-profit organisation, so every contribution made (either in cash or in kind) to help repair me will make a big difference."

We at FOTR earnestly appeal for your help (financial and/or material) to repair No 3117. The picture, left, taken just after 3117's return to the depot, tells the story.

Please click here to learn more about the appeal and to make your donation...