6.1                Location.

The Paton Express Project is located at Ixopo which is at the junction  of the Pietermaritzburg, to Kokstad road and the Park Rynie , Highflats to Donnybrook road.

The headquarters are situated at Allwoodburn near the Ixopo golf course incorporating a station building, platform, locomotive shed and coach staging yard.

The 600mm ( 2’ ) gauge line leaves Allwoodburn rising steadily in a southerly direction.

After curving below the Ixopo High School the line wends it’s way through the farmland                          

reaching  Stainton Halt, which has a passing loop.

Nearing the highest point in the line the road over rail bridge on the Ixopo to Umzimkulu road is passed.

The line then continues to descend reaching Carisbrook Halt, with it’s platform and passing loop.

Continuing to descend the line crosses the tarred Ixopo to Umzimkulu road reaching the present terminus, Ncalu Halt.

A loop line facilitates engine movements.

6.2                Client Support.

Telephonic (including cellular phone), fax and e-mail facilities are available. On running days the station staff, train manager / staff  and driver / fireman will be available and fully conversant with operations so as to answer questions effectively.

Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that persons who are capable and knowledgeable about Zulu culture and crafts are available to assist in the marketing of the various services offered.

6.3                Service Plan.

A database will be maintained to record operational data, customer details and other information relevant to the operation of the project.

Contact will be maintained with customers who have used the project services in order to encourage them and their friends / contacts to visit the project in the future.

6.4                Train Services.

Train services will operate to fixed schedules arranged so as to meet both operational requirements and also the needs of the service providers at the respective halts.

6.5                Maintenance.

Locomotive and rolling stock maintenance will be carried out on a programmed basis by experienced staff assisted by volunteers.

Permanent way maintenance will be approached in a similar way.

The maintenance of fencing and the control of vegetation will be carried out with the assistance of local landowners.

The small number of wood and iron buildings together with the water tanks at Allwoodburn and Ncalu will receive ongoing programmed maintenance.

6.6                 Safety Standards.

All activities and operations will conform to the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993.

6.7                Quality.

The quality of services offered is critical to the success of the project and a quality policy supported with the associated action programs will be developed and implemented.

6.8                Job  Responsibilities.

The PCNGR Director J. Pereira will be responsible for the management and operation of the project. He will be assisted locally by the Ixopo branch.

He will be supported by the PCNGR Chairman, fellow directors and members.as well as the Railway Society of South Africa - RSSA.

6.9                Insurance.

The necessary insurance will be negotiated to ensure that the project’s specific requirements are met. The Public Liability Insurance is covered by the umbrella body – the RSSA.