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REPLICA STEAM ENGINE TRACKLESS TRAINS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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RENTAL QUESTIONS                   SALES QUESTIONS
  • CAN CARS AND LOCOMOTIVES BE ORDERED SEPARATELY?
We recomend using our cars but you can order just the locomotive.  You may also add cars later.
  • WHAT TYPE OF TRAILER CAN BE USED?
An enclosed trailer is recommended but a flatbed type can be used.  If your are going to use a trailer, let us help you configure the size before you purchase a new one.  Trailers can also be obtained here and delivered with the entire train. 
  • DO YOU USE THE SMALLER SINGLE BOLT TIRES?
No.  The ball bearings are too small and the tires simply don't last because they are nothing more than hand truck wheels.  8" rims and 16.5" tires is what we use on all the cars.  Instead of the single nut type rim, that wear out the bearings as fast as the cheap tires, we use a heavy duty high speed four or five lug hub with larger tapered roller bearings (rated at 2,000lbs each).  The spindles are 1" (rated 1,000lbs each) and could be pulled down the freeway... although we don't recommend it.  If you like, you can get hub caps at any golf cart center.  Also, we use load type C tires which carry the highest rating available.
  • HOW IS THE TRAIN DRIVEN?
Drivers always approach any incline straight on and never at an angle or go sideways on a slope.  Trains must be driven safely without jerky stops and starts.  Don't do fast circles...  it's a kiddie ride.
  • WHY NOT USE A SINGLE AXLE ON THE PASSENGER CARS?
The larger single axle cars manufactured by others are not stable.  Cars using more than one bench seat leads to only half of the weight being supported which could be overturned or they teeter-totter requiring some type of back up caster to prevent a nose dive.  Our coal car and caboose are safe because all of the weight of the single bench seat is directly over the axle.  The passenger cars are best using four tires and front end steering.  Our steering is not a wagon type turning axle but automotive type spindles turning from tie rods connected to the tongue.  This offers the best stability, safety and turning.
  • HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A NEW TRAIN?
Orders are taken on a first come - first served basis.  A delivery date will be confirmed when ordering a train.  The trains are made individually by hand to ensure quality. 
  • WHY NOT MAKE WOODEN CARS OR FIBERGLASS SHELLS?
Although it would be a quicker process, both have flaws.  Plywood is too heavy and exterior wood shrinks and expands too much with the weather.  This will result in cracking or warping and we want to be as light weight as possible.  We use steel frames with sheet metal sidings and roofs.  It is easier to replace a panel or touch up paint as compared to filling or gel coating a fiberglass shell.
  • HOW LONG IS THE LIFE OF THE ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE?

The battery pack will last 15,000-25,000 miles or four years before replacement.  The two electric motors will last many years.  The inexpensive brushes will need to be replaced after about 5,000 hours of use.  The inexpensive bearings will need to be replaced after about 10,000 hours of run time. 

RENTAL QUESTIONS
  • CAN I ASK A FAVOR?  CAN I DOWNLOAD ONE OF YOUR PICTURES FOR OUR INVITATION?      "The train is so cool!  I really want the kids to get a sense of what's in store for this party".
Definitely!  We have a very simple policy.  Any of our customers may use any image they want.  We simply ask that if they get a good picture, please send us a copy so that we can use it too.  PS thank you for the compliment.  

  • CAN ANYBODY RIDE THE TRAIN?
Yes, but there should be a size requirement for tiny kids.  For instance, if they are under 33" tall a parent or guardian must ride with them.
  • HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH PASSENGERS THAT DON'T FOLLOW DIRECTIONS?

Anyone that is unsafe or rude to others will be asked to disembark the train and will no longer get train rides.

  • CAN THE TRAIN RUN ANYWHERE?
Check your local ordinances if you are using a park or public area.  Hills are unacceptable, trackless trains require fairly flat terrain on a hard surface,  Grass is fine and slight inclines are OK too. 

  • HOW DO I MAKE A RESERVATION?
Call us on the phone so we can get the information we need.  We will then hold the date tentatively for a week to give you time to mail or PayPal the $100 deposit required to confirm your reservation.  Once you have decided we suggest that you call as early as you can to make sure you are not disappointed that your date is already booked. 
  • IS A TIP REQUIRED?
If you were delighted with your train experience and the service of your personal engineer... your gratuity is very appreciated.  The engineer will keep 100% of the tip.  We are not a shifty restaurant and we won't ad it on for a party over five ;)



 

Copyright . Andy Renner. All rights reserved.