Mable weighs as much as 5 rhinos. Photo / Supplied
Imagine being charged by five rhinos - in Whanganui. The town's vintage tram, Mable, weighs about as much as that, and has to be properly controlled. For that, the Tramways Trust needs help.
Right now, we're looking for more rhino wranglers (oops, tram volunteers) so that the Whanganui Tramways can
run for more days this summer.
The Trust is working with Whanganui's giant waterhorse (a hippo? Oops - 'Waimarie') this coming summer to develop a stronger connection between the two and allow more people to ride in two forms of vintage transport on the same visit.
If you think you could wrangle a rhino (drive a tram), tell the wrangler (driver) when it's safe to go, or sell tickets and talk history, contact us. Bush telegraph won't do. Use modern means – telephone or email – or old-fashioned visits to the barn (tram that is) in person.
We need volunteers over 18 years of age willing to share around three hours with us once or twice a month. There are three roles, generally shared by a team of three each time. They are:
Drivers - 18 yrs + who can pass a DL9 medical (Passenger Service Vehicle) and complete the standard of training required.
Conductors - Assist with tram operation and passenger safety. (We keep the charging rhinos at bay).
Shed person/wildlife guide – this role includes meeting and greeting visitors, selling tickets, explaining how the tram works, talking about Whanganui's tram history, and explaining why we have a collection of monkeys living in our Brisbane Tram.
