February 2002#343
February 2002
#343
Please note: These pages are provided by me, Bill Russell as a service to the Puffing Billy Railway & the E.T.R.B.
If you find a problem with them please contact me first. No other person has the ability to alter these pages.
If you want to be notified when Monthly News changes send me an e-mail. My e-mail address is bill.russell@optusnet.com.au .
Visitors for the six months to 31 st December 2001 totalled 122,007, almost 4% above budget. The budget was 117,563 passengers for the 6 months and 250,800 for the full financial year to 30 June 2002. The full-year budget reflects last financial year's total of 256,091 less the impact of one-off Centenary special events.
For the month of December we carried 29,548 passengers. Poor weather, including Boxing Day, put a very slight dent on general public figures (16,630 against a forecast of 17,383) but this was offset by above-budget attendance and revenue for tour operators, charters and night trains.
Passenger figures for the January 6-train running period were slightly down (15,245 actual passengers carried up to and on 13th January versus 16,200 budgeted passengers). However, the dip is clearly associated with four specific poor weather days (either too hot or too wet).
All volunteers and staff are invited to an 'open forum' meeting at 7.30pm, Wednesday 13 th February at the Upwey Community Hall, Burwood Highway (corner of Mast Gully Road).
Chris LeMarshall of Linqage International will present his recommended structure for the management of the railway along with the proposed divisional and branch structure. This meeting (and similar staff meetings to be held the same day) is the final stage in the consultative process prior to the preparation of detailed job descriptions and the presentation of the final report to the Board.
The Railway receives significant support from the local community from individuals and groups such as Rotary and the local Fire Brigades. In turn, we try to support the local community. As part of our community support program the railway provides annual financial donations to enable Emerald Secondary College to award scholarships. The two categories and their winners for this year are:
A month earlier we also provided free "Thomas" tickets to the Emerald Community house playgroup and to some of our immediate neighbours along the line. We also make annual donations to the various fire brigades as part of the support program.
During 2001 the members of our speakers panel addressed 63 groups, with a total of 5,000 participants. As a direct result we received bookings for 750 riders on the Luncheon Special with a value of $18,000, representing over 10% of patrons on this premium product. Well-done team!
We would like to think that we are a group which focuses on minimising the negative consequences of events, but is that so? Dedicated staff (paid and unpaid) can sometime be so focused on saving time or money for the organisation that the risk denial can cloud their judgement. It is dangerous to walk across our bridges, climb on top of locomotives or rolling stock, or perform many common tasks around the railway (including using tools - even hand tools) without the proper equipment or clothing. Next time you contemplate one of these acts, or observe a mate about to do so, please stop and think about what could go wrong. If there is a safer way of doing the job then use it, or suggest that your mate do so, even it is slows things down. If we need more or different equipment to do the job safely, then let us know (preferably via on Incident or Defect Report rather than just verbally) so that we can risk-proof the task.
The management team is committed to eliminating a culture of danger and replacing it with one that reinforces the protection of persons from irrecoverable injury or death. We invite all front-line workers help us achieve this.
This year's event is planned for Saturday 13 th April and will be held in the Museum compound at Menzies Creek. The event is organised jointly by the Society and the Board as a 'thank you' gesture in recognition of the contribution to Puffing Billy by our volunteers, including many members of the Board's staff who are involved as volunteers outside their normal working hours.
Similar events in the past have been marred by numbers of 'freeloaders' who have just turned up and caused a few genuine volunteers to miss out on their fair share of the culinary delights on offer.
Please assist by not extending an invitation to anyone to participate, unless they are known to be a genuine, active volunteer.
A flyer with booking form will be included with the March issue of 'Monthly News' and tickets will be issued only to bona fide staff and volunteers who actually work on or for the railway, plus their spouse/partners and their own dependent children. Admission to the event will be by pre-booked ticket only (at no cost) and will be subject to security arrangements that are intended to deter 'gatecrashers'.
Meanwhile, members of the Board, Executive and Management team are brushing up on their BBQ skills for the event!
Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman
John Thompson, PBPS President
A new Back on Track scheme is scheduled to begin this month and a supervisor is required Mon-Thurs 7.30am - 4.00pm. This position would also entail supervision of those serving Community Based Orders with the Department of Corrections on Sundays 8.30am-5.00pm. It is essential that applicants have a current Light Rigid Drivers Licence, ETRB Safeworking and Trolley Driver Certifications and a Workplace First Aid Level 2 are also highly desirable. Please send written applications to Manager Civil Engineering, Puffing Billy Railway, PO Box 451, Belgrave 3160 by Monday 11th February. For further inquiries contact John Shaw on (john.shaw@pbr.org.au)
The Emerald Tourist Railway Board is seeking a casual person to coordinate, manage and operate the 2002 Great Train Race to be held on Sunday, April 28, 2002.
The person should have experience in event management together with knowledge of the railway's operation and good communication and computer skills. The person will be accountable to and report to the Marketing Manager.
The position will be for a fixed period of approximately three months (thirteen weeks) working for an average of sixteen hours per week over the period. The number of hours worked per week will vary in relation to the preparation and staging of the event and will involve some weekend work, particularly on the weekend of the race.
A Position Description is available by contacting Glenda Rae at the Belgrave office and any enquiries should be directed to David Eaton or email david.eaton@pbr.org.au
Only written applications will be accepted and they should reach us by Thursday, February 7th, 2002 and should be forwarded to the email address above or mailed to:-
We are endeavouring to keep a better track of all lost property found on the railway. If any items of value are handed in, could all details be recorded on a Lost Property Report. (They are in a file in the shelving behind the SM's desk.) The completed report should accompany the item and be delivered upstairs to be securely stored.
If the top office is not open ie (weekends), small items can be placed in the Lost Property Box located in the Booking Office at Belgrave and larger items eg video cameras etc should be given to the Duty Manager who, in turn, will place them upstairs.
Many Thanks Jean Clowes, Reservations
The gardens at Belgrave are flourishing with all the rain we have had. Thankfully, in areas where we concentrated our efforts with continual winter weeding and applications of mulch, most areas are under control. Volunteers work on the Zig-Zag Gardens every Tuesday, approx 10am till Lunchtime and then finish when it suits. We would welcome more helpers, especially as Autumn pruning is approaching. If another day would be more suitable, please advise, as we can be flexible!
Contact: Merle Mathisen,
and Jill Lockwood,
If coming for the first time, please contact one of the above to ensure that there has not been any changes to the date). We are also looking for a number of Epimedium plants (Bishop's Hat), for planting at Gembrook. Can you help?
The government has advertised the Seniors Festival from the 9th March until the 22nd March inclusive, however Puffing Billy has elected to honour a discount from the 12 th March until the 22 nd March due to Victoria's Labour Day holiday being Monday the 11 th March.
Would all staff and volunteers involved with bookings and dealing with the public familiarise themselves with fare discount notices that will be displayed closer to the date in the Station Masters' offices and Booking Offices. Any queries please ring Glenda
Glenda Rae
Reservations Officer
Thank you to all those who sent me well wishes and all who assisted me during the few times I was Traffic Controller over the holiday period.
In both instances, the therapeutic assistance has been immeasurable.
Thanks again,
Peter Walker.
Signalman are continuing to release Lever 9 when opening this station. Lever 9 is to remain locked at all times unless there is a problem with the School Road crossing, and then a IDR must be completed for the attention of the Manager S&T stating the problems with the crossing and the need to isolate.
Levers 8 & 9 must be locked in the normal position when the frame is open and the third locking sleeve will be applied to either lever 1 or 2 for down arrivals or 13 or 14 for up arrivals. As only one lever can be reversed for the move, then it is that lever is locked. All other levers are secured in the frame via internal interlocking.
Signals. S&T have adjusted signal wires associated with most Home Signals to compensate for the stretch due to the warmer weather. Signals at Menzies Creek do not have to be pulled past the second notch to accomplish the correct signal position for proceed. Taking the lever to the third notch, stretches the cable and takes the signal past its correct aspect.
Could you please refrain from settling the EFTPOS machines during the day. The bank automatically settles these machines at 6 p.m. each evening and when settled otherwise creates immense problems. Please note also that pressing the clear button will cancel the previous transaction.
Thanks for your co operation in this matter, any queries please phone Donna
Donna Faulkner, Finance.
Night Train prices changed from 1st January. The new prices are;
Children's prices are half price on the above amounts up to and including age 11.
For those people who may be asked other payment information when on duty, the following may be of assistance to you. When a booking is made, we expect a $20-00 deposit to be paid per person with the final balance being paid no later than 14 days in advance of the function. During the 14-day period, if a person cancels we generally keep the deposit. If numbers change during the last week i.e. 7 days prior to the function, we do not refund any part of the ticket price.
If you thought that Christmas has finished, think again. We are now gearing up for Christmas in June and July.
On these Night Trains (Friday and Saturday nights) we usually have Santa greet our passengers before departure at Belgrave and towards the end of the night Santa dispenses small bags of chocolates to our passengers at the Packing Shed.
So that I can start planning for these two months, I would be interested in hearing from anyone who would be interested in performing the duties of Santa. The Railway has a costume available and of course a meal is supplied during the evening.
Interested people should please contact Larry James
Larry James
Just another reminder that you need to book accommodation in Moondarra, regardless of whether you have stayed there before or not. You should contact Rob Emmerson on 9757 0709 at least 3 days prior to your intended stay or if less than that, with Sue Ham. You are expected to assist in keeping Moondarra clean and tidy by performing one of the cleaning tasks. Please Note that persons who stay in Moondarra without prior approval will be banned from using the facility.
Please note that clearing blocked drains and clearing flangeways through level crossings is an important part of a Track Patroller's duties. Some of our team either ignore these items or simply report them. Unless they are beyond your capacity to rectify, please do so.
Work will re-start on the Emerald Bank in February.
Slashing, raking and burning have been completed and now we are monitoring the results in case we have to do some areas again.
Our Roster Officer, Norm Mauger, returned on 27 th January.
Dan O'Connor once again filled in for an absent Roster Officer. Thanks for a job well done Dan.
At the time of writing there was still no sign of the fire danger season being declared in our area. However, it won't take a lot of warm weather to dry everything out and bring on a declaration. Once the season is declared, Fire Patrols will run behind every train. In the meantime, if you have some time available please let Norm know. We particularly need volunteers for fire patrol assistants.
Whoops! Last Trolley Wheels advertised an incorrect date for training. In the event we were able to contact most people and tell them of our mistake and so successful were we that we had a record attendance. Thanks to all that came along.
Spraying blackberries and other noxious weed commenced in early January. If you can help please call Tom Kilner
Our road-rail vehicle is nearing completion at Australian Tipping Systems in Ringwood and should be delivered by the time you receive this. Please Note that no one is to use it unless they have received training in its use.
Our new 4WD truck should have arrived by the time you read this.
Our next Volunteer Track Day will be on 16 th February. The usual sumptuous BBQ lunch will be provided. Work will be on the Emerald Bank and transport will be provided from Belgrave at 8.00 am and again at 9.00 am. Please let Roster Officer Norm know if you can attend .
Works should be progressing by the time you read this. We aim to complete this project in the near future.
Our first direct key operated switch has been installed on the picket fence at Belgrave adjacent to the Intermediate Crossover. This switch was installed to assist train crews by providing an additional control point for Signal L 1379 at the Old Monbulk Rd crossing. Operational details were covered by the 'A' circular issued with it's introduction. (A.01/2002)
The bi-monthly S&T Branch meeting will be held at Kings Rd, Emerald on Saturday Feb 9th. This meeting will commence at 9.30 a.m. SHARP.
The usual Saturday Work days will be held during February.
Sat 9 th - Signals commencing after the S&T meeting and Sat 23 rd - Aerial Lines Day - Commence at the Depot at 10.00 a.m.
Work on the upgrading of the intermediate crossover has commenced on site. The current stage of works consists of providing a new 2 lever ground frame, replacement of the foundation timbers for the cranks and installation of plunger locks on both turnouts. Relocation of the levers will also be required in order to maintain the necessary clearances.
Andrew Wheatland
The first regular steaming of our small engines is on track and will be on Saturday 2 nd March 2002. All members and volunteers welcome.
We are starting to design the shed that we need using the former Kilmore gang shed as the basis for the shed. We have to take into account the restricted area and our ever-friendly termites. The floor will be placed on a frame constructed of scrap steel rails. Our two trolleys are still being worked on as the carburettors have been leaking and are being machined to make a proper fit to the body of the engine.
We are looking for a replacement boiler; preferably, a vertical boiler to replace the George and George boiler that is now life expired. Does anyone know of such a suitable boiler? If so please let us know so that we can follow it up.
John Frost
Could this be a big year for G42? It's time to see this long running project finished. Your fundraising committee is up to the challenge to see G42 finished. Are you up to the challenge? To make G42 happen we need to make it a big year by ensuring we have enough funds to see G42 steam into life by the end of the year. Who knows what we will achieve!
This Society book is selling well and is a "must have" for your book collection. So, if you didn't get a copy for Christmas why not buy yours through Belgrave shop at $35.95 or order through the mail with an additional cost of $5.95 posted anywhere in Australia. Send your order to G42 Sales, PO Box 451, Belgrave 3160 with your cheque payable to "PBPS G42 Fund".
Still available in Belgrave Shop are books on Flat Top (1st Series) T Classes, New South Wales Stations, Victorian Railways Stations, plus others. All are priced at $29.00 each and are available from the Belgrave Shop or direct from G42. Mail Orders welcome. Remember we can mail anywhere in Australia for $4.00 extra per book. Write to G42 Sales PO Box 451, Belgrave, 3160 with your requirements.
Selling pre loved books, magazines and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald Car Shops in the Thomson building near the playground, our next opening days are Saturday 2nd February and Saturday 2nd March, 2002 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be made by phoning Bruce West or Peter Medlin to arrange a suitable time.
Thank you to Keith Hartley, Don Horsburgh, Tim Morgan and Bruce West for their recent donations to the G42 Shop.
Due to the Christmas break the December figure is not available, but will be included in the March edition. Thank you very much to all the volunteers and staff who have ensure that the RED G42 collection boxes are put out.
Due to the Christmas break the December figure is not available, but will be included in the March edition.
Thank you to those who have been, and continue to be, regular donors towards the restoration of G42.
Bruce West
The fourth of these very popular events is coming soon. Join us for a rare opportunity to travel on a train calling at all stations to Gembrook and having your dinner as we progress. We will be following the same basic formula as before, but there will be some changes this year. An afternoon departure from Belgrave ensures a leisurely evenings entertainment. For further details please see the flyer enclosed with this magazine, or contact Jeff Goodwin
What better way to while away a summer Sunday than crossing the Bay on a beautiful old steamship. Leaving Melbourne in the morning, this is an all day event and offers morning and afternoon tea served on board ship, included in the price. For lunch you have the choice of bringing a picnic to enjoy at Portarlington or you may elect to visit one of the cafes, restaurants or pubs there before setting out for an evening return to Melbourne. Accommodation for this event is strictly limited to 50 people and demand is expected to be high, so book early!
Following the success of last year's event, the 2002 Volunteers & Staff BBQ will again be held in the afternoon, in the museum compound at Menzies Creek. It is expected that all the attractions of last year (band, steam locos, trolley rides) will again be available. This event is open to the Volunteers and Staff of Puffing Billy and to their immediate families only. Admission will be strictly by ticket only.
By train to Sovereign Hill (May 2002).
A day at Scienceworks including a peek behind the scenes there (June 2002).
More old films and slides of Puffing Billy as it used to be (July 2002).
Watch this space for developments!
Please note that Puffing Billy Social Committee events are available only to PBPS members, Volunteers, PBR Staff and their families.
Jeff Goodwin
Due to production difficulties December's statistics are not available. We hope to have them for March's Monthly News.
Bob Wilson