May 2002
#346
May 2002
#346
The Board has now considered and accepted the final recommendations of the Puffing Billy Management Review conducted by Linqage International with only minor variations. These include some title changes, and retention of separate branches for "Permanent Way" and "Signals & Communications" but with improved linkage being provided by inclusion of both in the Infrastructure Division. This report completes Linqage International's contract with the Board.
Copies of a summary of the report, and of the ETRB-approved Upper Level Management Structure diagram and detailed structure diagrams for each division will be displayed widely throughout the railway.
The Board is keen to move rapidly with implementation of the new structure. To this end, it has engaged Graeme Breydon on a part-time basis over the next few months (in addition to his voluntary roles) to implement the first stage including the recruitment and induction of a CEO. It is expected that the Board will then require the CEO to implement most of the other changes over the following 18 months or thereabouts.
Our passenger numbers continue to be strong:
Gembrook revenues for the 9 months to March 2002 are running 18% higher than the same period last financial year, helped significantly by the improved bus access at Lakeside, and the Gembrook tourism group's brochure describing attractions and facilities at the destination. Gembrook travel represents 6.5% of day-train fare revenue.
Some areas and products have required fine-tuning including "Thomas" where we initially scheduled 14 days in Feb-May 2002 but subsequently cancelled 3 days to more closely match the booking demand. The 11 remaining days are still a significant increase on the 8 days run in the same months during 2001.
This Act, which commenced operation on 1 January 2002 has nothing to do with train whistles, or a well known community radio program! The purpose of the Act is to encourage and facilitate the making of disclosures of improper conduct by public officers and by public bodies (including the Emerald Tourist Railway Board). The ETRB is committed to the aims and objectives of the Act and supports the making of disclosures that reveal:
Further detail about the Act and procedures established for reporting disclosures, and protecting people who make such disclosures from reprisals, are displayed on staff and volunteer noticeboards throughout the railway. Russell Bowen (ext 615) has been designated as the protected disclosure coordinator. Note the Act applies to the ETRB as a public body, but not to the Puffing Billy Preservation Society.
During our recent rail safety compliance audit by the Department of Infrastructure (DOI), a number of safeworkers were asked to produce their copies of the WTT, Rules and General Instructions for inspection. In one case the latest amendments had not been incorporated, resulting in a comment (observation) in their final report. The DOI is entitled to make such surprise checks at any time. Please don't let us down by not carrying up-to-date manuals if you are the next to be picked.
John Thompson, PBPS President
Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman
gbreydon@vic.net.au
The annual BBQ for PBR staff and volunteers was again held in the Museum compound at Menzies Creek and was attended by some 280 people. This year the catering was provided by an outside contractor and a top quality repast was enjoyed by all.
Our organising sub-committee are to be thanked for their efforts, although they failed miserably in respect of the dreary weather that somewhat dampened the proceedings.
The jazz band did their best to counter the bleakness of the afternoon by providing enjoyable musical entertainment in less than ideal conditions.
Murphy's law was in full force during the event, when the number of little things going wrong culminated in the failure of our PA system! Board Chairman Graeme Breydon was cut off in his prime and then made an unsuccessful attempt to bellow at the crowd over the noise of the rain. Society President John Thompson endeavoured to move around the gathering to talk with as many people as he could before the special train departed for Belgrave later in the evening.
Of course, the annual BBQ is put on by the Society/Board, both as a social event and as a 'Thank You' gesture in recognition of the efforts of our small army of staff and volunteers who are actively involved in the running of the Railway. It is customary for our President and Chairman to address the gathering to express their appreciation to everyone for their continued support, but on this occasion they were thwarted, partly by the failure of the PA system and partly by the crowd being dispersed around the Museum compound, taking shelter wherever they could.
So, to all staff and volunteers, a heartfelt 'THANK YOU ALL' four your continued support and dedicated involvement in keeping our little trains running!
John Thompson
Graeme Breydon
After a gap of a year, Puffing Billy is currently in a position to subsidise the purchase of the three-piece Heritage Uniform, supplied by Berensen Tailors. Eight (8) uniforms are available, and expressions of interest are invited from volunteers in the uniformed grades. Priority will be given, in the order shown, to people in the following positions:- Safeworkers (Guards/Signalmen), Station Masters, Head Conductors and Conductors.
The full cost of a uniform is $561. As previously, successful applicants will be asked to contribute $121 towards the cost, this being the value of the trousers; Puffing Billy will cover the remaining $440.
Expressions of interest please to Jeff Goodwin, PO Box 69, Mitcham 3132, by 15th May 2002. Be quick - first in, best dressed !!
Station masters and Night train Supervisors can ring Mount Dandy Bus Lines to arrange for Night Train Patrons to catch the Night Rider Bus at 12.15am from our station forecourt to take them into the city via Ferntree Gully. This will cost them $6.00 per person. Ring John of Mount Dandy Buslines on 0408 203 089. This will become a regular service shortly after a trial period.
Bowens Timber and Building Supplies, 352 Dorset Rd, Croydon have supplied a sizeable amount of timber for Gembrook Engine Shed. They also have made an offer to all members and volunteers an opportunity to join Bowens Homemaker Club. This club is free of charge to members and volunteers and entitles the bearer of one of their membership cards various discounts off their range of products. This offer is only available at the above store.
We regret to advise that long-time Society member and highly esteemed locomotive engineman Norm DePomeroy passed away on Saturday 6th April 2002 after a long battle with poor health.
Norm was a regular Driver in our earlier years after re-opening in 1962 and, among other achievements, was the Driver of the last P.B. train operated by the V.R. on the day of handover to the then new E.T.R.B. in October 1977.
He was a consummate professional as well as maintaining a passionate interest in railway history and in collecting railway memorabilia. The rail preservation movement generally is the poorer for his passing.
The influenza season is upon us again and the Board is offering free flu vaccinations to staff and volunteers in the hope this will offer some protection against exposure from daily contact with the public. Dr Steven Kaye will be attending Moondarra between 10am and 11am on Thursday 16th May for those that would like to receive this seasons vaccination. Could you please advise Sue Ham by May 8th either by the return slip (available from SM's Office, Belgrave) or by email (sue.ham@pbr.org.au) NOTE: People who have allergies to eggs and feathers may react to the vaccine, so please check with your GP first.
If you are reading this before race weekend, we still need more volunteers:
All Puffing Billy activities benefit from hard work by volunteers who do jobs out of the public eye and the Great Train Race is no exception. For the past several weeks Wilma Ratcliffe and Alison Crawford have been performing all the entry form processing and responding to telephone and Internet enquiries, and members of the O'Connor family have been busy mailing out run numbers. With about 1,500 pre-race registrations, that's a lot of work, and it's not over yet. There will be about 500 on-the-day entries to process before results can be entered and certificates printed and mailed.
Graeme Breydon
The updated pages of the General Instructions and Working Timetable have been produced and will be mailed out to all Safeworkers. If you do not receive your copy either by mail or by collecting from Belgrave, please let either myself or Deb Woodward know so that we can send your copy to you. If you are rostered for duty in the first week of May, your copy will be available for collection from the Station-masters Office.
Rob Emmerson
Traffic Branch Staff's attention is drawn to the notice about uniforms in the General News section.
Please remember to lock the gates (front and side) of the Night Train Compound around No.5 Road when there is a Night Train operating as there have been a few incidences of the gates being left open. Fortunately this has not resulted in any damage or break-in to the remaining NAL so far. Your assistance in this matter will ensure that this doesn't happen.
Passenger Operations Staff attention is drawn to the notice about uniforms in the General News section.
Les Fenwick has agreed to have a training afternoon at Menzies Creek to train Conductors in the method of taking our Lunch Train patrons through the Museum. The day will be held on Saturday 11th May, followed by afternoon tea in the Aura Tearooms. Please register your interest by calling Deborah Woodward by no later than Friday 10th May.
Ian Ford has decided that he wishes to hand over the rostering of Booking Clerks to someone else, effective immediately. If you think you have the time to take on this important role, please contact Deborah Woodward
Please Note that it is the responsibility of the Head Conductor to open the toilets at Emerald on the first Down train and then please close the toilets on the last regular Up train. (not the Night Train.)
Conductors are reminded to refer to their Group Booking Sheet for details of groups and are asked to lock carriages for groups and also assist in de-training these groups at the appropriate location. Tour Leaders are not often understanding of the difference between one station and another. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
No report this month.
No report this month.
No report this month.
Work continues on the refurbishment of NA suspension links.
A replacement program continues.
Hugh Markwick
Our new road/rail vehicle has been tested on the railway on three occasions now. Unfortunately it was unable to meet its traction specifications due to a high level of resistance in the front wheel assembly. This meant it was unable to climb a 1 in 30 grade in wet conditions. It has been returned to the manufacturer for modifications and should be back with us in a few weeks.
Re-building of the track on the Emerald bank is now within a few weeks of completion. Work is currently concentrated in Pinnocks Cutting where the ballast has been removed down to the bottom of the sleepers and a large number of sleepers replaced. Once all the sleepers needing replacement have been done, ballasting and tamping are all that remains.
The Packing Shed has undergone a major facelift with the replacement of many weatherboards, re-glazing the lower floor windows (with galvanised steel) and a complete re-paint. This project has been partially funded by Heritage Victoria.
Belgrave station (now 11 years old) has undergone a complete re-paint as has the toilet block and all the other buildings on the platform. The result is excellent.
A new foot bridge has been constructed at Cockatoo Creek and the beam across Monbulk Creek is being fitted with hand rails. These creek crossings are intended for use by Puffing Billy workers to avoid the need for crossing the rail bridges which are not intended for foot traffic. They are not intended for use by trespassers and their presence does not imply any rights for unauthorised people to walk along the railway.
Our Back on Track team has been working on finishing the fencing around Emerald station. As well as fences, the project includes gates, picnic tables, signs and pathways and is intended to be completed by the end of this month. Most of this work has been funded by a Parks Victoria grant. Emerald station area is looking much better now. Later this year we hope to do some major restoration of the station buildings.
We reported the replacement of our Mitsubishi 4WD tipper in March and since then we have spent some time preparing the old one for sale. The truck is a 4.5 tonne (Gross Vehicle Mass) tip truck with drop sides and two way tail gate. Driving it only requires a car licence. It is in good mechanical condition and the body work is reasonable. $18,000 ONO.
If you are a qualified trolley driver and haven't had a chance to drive one for a while there are many opportunities available, including the early morning track patrol. For track patrols contact Tom Kilner at 7.30-8.00 am Mon - Sat. If you would like to re-familiarise yourself outside train running hours contact John Shaw during office hours.
Our next Volunteer Track Day will be on 18th May. 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
Sat 11 th - Signals work day.
Sat 25 th - Aerial Lines Day
Both days commence at the Depot at 10.00 a.m.
Work on this project is proceeding. The base for the 2 lever frame and the associated retaining wall been completed. Thanks to the W&W staff for the timber renewals - this will enable the improved locking equipment to be installed. The Signals work day is programmed to advance this project towards early completion.
The Wig Wag unit is approaching the final stages of it's overhaul. The production of insulated joints etc., necessary for the automatic control circuits, is proceeding well.
Those present at the branch meeting in April decided to look further into the possibility of tendering for portions of the Castlemaine - Maldon Railway, Signalling Rehabilitation Works.
The site inspection, scheduled for April 23rd, should be completed by the time this reaches you and we then propose to organise the large signalling rehabilitation work into several smaller, more manageable job units. The April meeting agreed that this was the best option to avoid the risk of overcommitting our limited resources.
Any members who feel inclined to assist in taking on or assisting with one or more of these small tasks should speak with either myself or Kevin.
The major tasks are the installation of a set of flashing lights, interlocking works at Maldon Junction, interlocking works at Castlemaine 'A' box and Signal building & erection.
How many of these tasks we consider quoting for, is entirely dependant upon the offers of assistance received. The financial reward for our railway, and hopefully S&T related projects in particular, is potentially quite substantial.
As such, I encourage you to consider if there are areas in which you may like to assist.
Andrew Wheatland
Work continues on gathering material for the collection, so if anyone has any suitable records or memorabilia we would be pleased to hear from you.
Thank you to Wilma Ratcliffe for the Great Train Race tickets. We have received a copy of the 45rpm record of Whistles in the Hills. Chas and Doris Bevan have donated copies of the civil drawings for the "new" engine shed at Belgrave in 1970.
Hugh Markwick
Attached as the last page of this issue of Monthly News is an advertisement for the 40th Anniversary celebration that will take place at Menzies Creek on Sunday 7th July 2002. An application form will be enclosed in the June issue of Monthly News. This issue is forwarded to all Puffing Billy members and volunteers.
There will be a number of things on display that have never been seen before by the average member or volunteer. So place this day in your diary, come along, celebrate the day with us, and meet all the pioneers that built the railway back in the 60s.
The next steaming of the small engines will be on the weekend of 1/2 June 2002.
The old water main has proved to be unrepairable, as no sooner has a fresh splice been made, the old pipe fractures in a new place. So a new temporary water main has been installed and a new permanent supply will be installed shortly.
The annual volunteers barbeque was again held at the Museum in mid April on a mild and wet day. The low cloud cover provided us with light rain. Lighting at the Museum was much better this year and we plan to install permanent outside lighting to remove the panic on the day of the barbeque of having to install additional lights. All reports to date show that those people who braved the elements, enjoyed the day.
John Frost
Just released Photographer Profile Series of Ron Lennard, American Interlude, 1955. Due for release in mid May is "More of Melbourne Trams and Streetscapes" and "Country Branchlines of New South Wales" Part 1 is due to arrive late May. These will be $ 29.00 and available from Belgrave Shop or direct from G42. Mail Orders welcome. Remember we can mail anywhere in Australia plus $4.00 extra per book. Write to G42 Sales PO Box 451, Belgrave, 3160 with your requirements.
Still available but selling fast - "Steam Locomotive Depots Of New South Wales", Part 1; "Steam Locomotive Depots Of Victoria", Part 1 and "Flat Top (1st Series) T Class", plus others. Available from Belgrave Shop or direct from G42. Mail Orders welcome. Remember we can mail anywhere in Australia for $29.00 each plus $4.00 extra per book. Write to G42 Sales PO Box 451, Belgrave, 3160 with your requirements.
This book is selling well, buy one now before they are gone. There were only a limited number printed and there won't be a re-run.
Selling pre-loved books, magazines and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald car shops in the Thomson building near the playground, our next opening is Saturday 4th May, 2002 and Saturday 1st June, 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 Bob Cochrane for his recent donations to the G42 Shop.
The collection box figure for March 2002 was $89.65. Thank you very much to all the volunteers and staff who have ensured that the RED G42 collection boxes were put out.
With work on the boiler continuing, your donation is needed more than ever to see this last hurdle in G42's restoration completed.
The following donations of $10.00 or over have been received recently. All donations, whether small or large are greatly appreciated and will help complete G42's restoration. J.A. Allen, G. Fitzgerald, Peter Foun, A.S. Greaves, G.K. Lankford, H. Markwick, B. Pariosien, David Sheppee, Peter Stowell, B. Whitehead, L. Wymond.
Some of the donations listed above may be from as early as October 2001, and we apologise for any delays with your acknowledgement appearing. Thank you to those who have been and continue to be regular donors towards the restoration of G42.
Bruce West
| May, 11 th | Trip to Sovereign Hill Ballarat |
| June | Scienceworks Museum Newport |
| July | Bow Tie Night, TBC |
| August | Film / Slide Night |
| October | Trip to Walhalla |
| November 16th | Ride to Echuca Wharf behind Great Northern Rail S317, or Steamrail trip to Beechworth |
The actual dates and further details will be confirmed in the near future and also by the usual mailout.
| March | 2002 | 2001 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,374 | 4,398 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 4,699 | 4,637 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 190 | 280 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 96 | 93 |
| Carriage kilometres | 37,739 | 35,438 |
| Carriage Days for month | 920 | 884 |
| Highest kms operated loco | 1,241 | 1510 |
| Highest kms operated pass vehicle | 1,596 | 1,702 |
| Highest kms operated wagon | 32 | 56 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 61% | 29% |
| Scheduled trips run | 246 | 242 |
Thanks to Guards who picked up on my request for help on 6 train days. Sadly though, you were few in number, but it helped.
The Railway had its first total fire ban day for the year on March 18th. D21 had the railway to itself as DH59 was still out of action. Only two trips ran for the day, one to Menzies Creek in the morning, followed by a Lunch Train trip to Lakeside. When was the last time that only two planned trips were run on a weekday?
Locomotive 6A returned to service again on March 22nd.
Bob Wilson
It is now over 44 years since the Puffing Billy Preservation Society started work to rebuild a section of the former Ferntree Gully to Gembrook railway from Belgrave to Lakeside.
Once the last train ran from Ferntree Gully on Sunday, 23rd February 1958, we started out to plan the return of "That Little Train". This was the first time that a government railway had been saved for preservation anywhere in the world and the first time that a railway in Australia had been constructed by volunteers.
We had been assisting with the running of Puffing Billy and we never dreamt in our wildest dreams that we ever be able to run beyond Lakeside. In our naivety, we started the rebuilding work from both ends of the railway at once. Work was started at Lakeside and at Belgrave and we believed that we would be finished within twelve months. Some twelve months! We came down to earth with a thud when we realized that we had years of work ahead of us and we consolidated our efforts on the Belgrave to Menzies Creek section and the rolling stock and infrastructure.
We had great help from the Australian Army in our task and the first train to Menzies Creek was a ballast train on Saturday 9th June 1962 and the official reopening was held on Saturday 28th July 1962.
Anyway, come along on Sunday 7th July 2002 and help us celebrate the 40th Anniversary of our reopening, the first time a volunteer group had reopened a railway in Australia.
An application form for the celebration will be included in the June issue of Monthly news, which is sent to all Volunteers and members. Details of the re-enactment train will be included together with information on all the fun of the day.