$195 per hour (minimum 2 hours)

Hello,
Thank you for your interest in having my attraction available for your special event.  First of all, let me say that I am living proof that childhood dreams CAN come true, even if they take 40 years to do so.  I am the proud owner of a miniature riding railroad. The train is a classic, antique amusement ride.  It is a 12" gauge model G12 built in 1947 by MTC, the Miniature Train & RR Company.  Throughout the late 40's, 50’s and 60’s, MTC trains were THE most popular miniature railroads of their time.  Compared to the hundreds that were built, very few G12’s remain today and all of the one’s that I have come across, were late productions out of the latter MTC factory in Rensaeleer, ID. and later owned and produced by Allen Herschell Co.  The special, unique fact about my particular G-12 is that it is the #141 (with matching serial #’s on “all” cars) , the 40th one produced from MTC&RR’s original factory in Addison, IL.  This rare G-12 was known as an “Addison Steamliner” as is so imprinted on each of the serial # plates.  Although most amusement parks, kiddielands, zoos, and practically every drive-in movie theater had the next size up, the G16 for permanent installations (like the one available for riders at the Museum of Transportation in St. Louis County), my G12 is easily portable.

I own and operate a part time company called Rails Of Fun.  I have my train available on weekends for corporate and public events, festivals, picnics, parties, etc. that are within a 50 mile radius of St. Louis, Mo.  If you are going to sponsor the train in order to offer FREE rides to your patrons, just as the Skyview Drive-In and Oliver C. Joseph do for their customers, my fee is $195.00 per hour (2 hour minimum)  If it is to be a 2-3 day/evening weekend event, I am willing to work out a discounted fee.  If the train is not sponsored but it is a large event open to the public, with an expected attendance of 1000 children or more per day, I can have the train available at no cost to you and charge $2.00 per ride.  If the event is outside of our operating area, there are additional accommodations and travel costs to consider. 

There are some requirements for the safe operation of my train.  It has a gasoline powered motor, so it is for outdoor use only, unless the event is inside a large facility such as a dome or arena that makes allowances for such equipment.  A flat and, most importantly, a LEVEL area of ground measuring a minimum of 36’ x 72’ is needed for a 30' x 60' oval layout. The ideal size is approximately 40' x 90'.  The space includes my temporary fencing. I can set up on grass, gravel, or asphalt/concrete.  The space must be easily accessible for truck and trailer.  I also require at least one, dual outlet 20 amp electrical service.  I have up to 480 ft of track that I can use to make different size circle, square, or oval. It takes at least 4-5 hrs to set up (including fencing) and the same for tear down for a large event open to the public.  If it is a party on private property, I use approximately 240 ft of track and takes 1-2 hrs for set up and tear down.

Please note that some municipalities and counties require inspections and/or permits to operate the train, others do not.  You must give me at least 45 - 60 days notice so I can make the proper arrangements.  For weekend events in St. Louis County, I must set up on Friday so I can obtain the required inspection & permit.  Otherwise, the county charges me $260.00 for an inspection if I can only set up on Sat. or Sun., the cost of which I would have to add to my fee.

The train was designed and built for children, although, I have allowed “adult kiddies” to ride, depending on the size and weight factors of course.  In fact, the parents have been more fascinated by it than the kids because it brings back childhood memories for them.  I have 3 passenger cars carrying 4 children in each.  The trips last 4 - 6 minutes depending on which layout I use.  Naturally, I operate weather permitting.  The train has running lights so I can operate in the evening as well.

I do carry the necessary liability protection and would have your organization added to that coverage for each job.  I have a copy of my certificate of insurance available upon request.

For references, the following are some annual public events we have done in the past:

Oliver C. Joseph Chrysler/Dodge in Belleville, IL. - Contact Brad Joseph,
(618) 233-8140 or (888) 421-3706.  I have had my train at their annual Halloween Festival in 2000 and 2001.  I am sure he would give you some positive feedback.

Steve Bloomer - owner of the Skyview Drive-In Theater in Belleville, IL.,
(618) 277-7811.  My train was there on 3 different occasions in 1999, including the week of July 8th for the drive-in’s 50th Anniversary.  I was also there again in 2000, July 8, 9, and 10th for the 51st Anniversary.

Allen Wandling - manager of Belle-Clair Exposition at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds in Belleville, IL., (618) 235-0666 or (618) 233-0052.  I was there in 1999 and 2000 for the Great American Train Show and the Mississippi Valley N Scalers Train Show.

Greg Rhomberg – owner of Antique Warehouse; www.antiquewhs.com; 314-581-6500. My train has been at Greg’s annual fall open house the past two years; 2004 & 2005; and always been a big hit with the kids and adults!

Thank you very much for your time and possible consideration to have Rails Of Fun available for the patrons at your event.  I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sincerely,

Jeff "the train guy" Uhlemeyer
Rails Of Fun
Phone: (314) 631-4798