June 2002#347
June 2002
#347
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 .
The search for a suitable Chief Executive Officer has commenced, with the publication of an advertisement in The Age and on www.seek.com.au in mid-May. The text of the ad is included in this issue of Monthly News (see back page). The position description has also been placed on the Belgrave station noticeboard for information. Our friends at Linqage International have agreed to provide, without charge, secretarial services to process applications but are not involved in the selection process. A sub-committee of non-staff Board members is handling this.
Enclosed with this edition of Monthly News is a brochure explaining the new laws relating to drug and alcohol usage by rail safety workers commencing on 30th June 2002. Further information will be publicised via notice boards and Monthly News over the next month or two.
Whilst the information is primarily intended for rail safety workers (ie. those persons directly involved in the operation and maintenance of rolling stock, signals and track) we urge all staff and volunteers to make themselves familiar with the new laws.
The new alcohol and drug controls affect all rail safety workers in an organisation accredited to operate trains or trams in Victoria. A rail safety worker may be an employee, contractor, sub contractor or volunteer. On the Puffing Billy Railway these new controls will affect:
Congratulations to all involved in the 21st Great Train Race on 28th April and associated activities. We had a record 2,315 entries, well up on last year's 2,003, and the average of 1,759 for the past 5 years. Puffing Billy's time of 56'44" was an improvement on last year's time of 58'14". This year's winner, Craig Semple, is a member of the Glenhuntly Athletics Club, which always assists us with time recording. The 22nd race has been scheduled for Sunday 4th May 2003.... and the inaugural kids "Race against Thomas" at Gembrook, being organised by the local Rotary club, is set for Sunday 20th October 2002.
Our Friday after-work gathering in the meeting room at Belgrave has become something of a regular social function over recent years. Staff and volunteers from all areas get together in an informal atmosphere to celebrate the end of another working week, usually commencing at around 5.30 p.m. There are a few 'regulars', some people appear less often, others attend only occasionally. It's always a different crowd. There is certainly no regular 'clique.' The only pre-requisites to attend are:
The 'Happy Hour' is a great opportunity to mix with and get to know people in other areas, to discuss matters of mutual interest and to feel that you are part of the big 'Puffing Billy Family'.
Various members of the Board, Management and Society Executive usually attend. We are pleased to get to know people who may be new recruits or whom we may not see very often, and to discuss current PB issues while enjoying a drop of 'red' with the odd nibble or two
Considerable planning has been undertaken, over the past 6 months, on the impact of G42 entering traffic. It will allow us to operate the "Luncheon Special" seven days a week, which will enable this product to be included in international tour programs rather than being restricted to the local market. In turn, running G42 will require expansion of running shed storage and revision to locomotive servicing facilities. It has been determined that the best way to meet these and other pressing needs is to build an extension to the Loco workshops and make alterations to the existing running shed. Relevant branch committees have all provided input to the requirements statement and preliminary design.
This is a $400,000+ project that is far beyond our capability to fund internally over just two years. However, the planning committee and board have agreed that early stages must commence, committing about $95,000 of our own money, whilst external funding for the balance of the project is being sought. Most design work and test borings for foundations have already been completed and other preliminary works will be undertaken later this year. The track work component has been scheduled for 1st quarter in 2003.
Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman
John Thompson, PBPS President
A vacancy exists for a railway ganger (or trainee) in the Board's Way and Works Division.
The person will be required to supervise work teams consisting of volunteers, persons serving Community Based Orders and members of our 'Back on Track' scheme, in maintenance of the Railway's track and grounds. To be considered people will need to have at least some of the following qualifications::
The person selected will be required to work regular weekend work as part of their 38 hour week roster. Position descriptions are available by contacting John Shaw or Deb Lyons Applications close on Friday 14st June at 4.00 pm and should be addressed to:
In an effort to improve the visual outlook of Puffing Billy passengers and local residents of Gembrook and for environmental reasons, Station Rd residents, Puffing Billy volunteers and members of the Gembrook Tourism Group organised a 'working bee' along the Puffing Billy fence line on March 3rd 2002, Clean up Australia day. You might say, we are part of an informal group calling ourselves 'Friends of the Puffing Billy Corridor'! On the day, we removed weed vegetation, Cotoneaster, Holly, Blackberry, Spanish Heath, Broom, etc. Since March there have also been a few more 'working bees'. We have begun planting indigenous vegetation and will continue through autumn and early winter. (Grant approved last year)
Would you like to help? This is all part of the preparation for a Special Event to be held along Station Rd Gembrook later in the year, involving Thomas, Danielle and Dexter. Did anyone mention the word 'fun run'? Just think of all the fresh air and exercise you will be getting! Contact. Merle Mathisen , e-mail: kandmgem@bigpond.com
Approval must be sought from the editor John Shaw john.shaw@pbr.org.au before dumping a box of inserts at Wilma's desk especially if they are not folded! The closing date for M/N's is usually the 15th of each month and therefore the content of the flyer needs to checked and authorised before it is processed. Once approval is given then ring the office and book the copier and the paper required. The flyer then needs to cut to the A5 size or folded to A5 size. Once all this has been done then you can leave them with Wilma. This gives Wilma time to organise the M/N's mail out team and a day to copy, envelope and post all in time for you to receive and read before the 1st working day of the next month. An electronic version of the insert (Word or Pdf format) is also required for distribution (by Rob Emmerson) to those who receive Monthly News the modern way!
You are invited to help with the "Great Railway Book Sale," which will be held on Sunday 15th September. A meeting will be held, commencing at 7.00pm on Wednesday 3rd July, in the Belgrave Conference Room, to organise this event The sale will consist of the railway, tram and bus books from the Nicholas estate. If you would like to help on the day or need further information, please contact Peter Medlin
Bruce West
In the Station Master office there is "Replacement Name Tag" request form and an "Advise of a Change of Address" form. These are kept in blue folders to the right of the manuals.
Wilma Ratcliffe, wilma.ratcliffe@pbr.org.au
There has been an increasing tendency to omit submitting an IDR if it is perceived that another person is at fault. The E.T.R.B. Rail Safety Accreditation Manual states:
Under the terms listed above the railway must be aware of all incidents which not only did result in injury but also could have resulted in injury to, or placed in danger, either passengers, staff or property. This note aims to dispel the idea that we must avoid "dobbing someone in". It may well be that the person concerned is unaware of the possible consequences of his or her actions and counseling from the Manager or their representative who will act on the report may well prevent a similar incident re-occurring.
The team that produces Monthly News would like to thank all this month's contributors. This month all copy was in by the dead line. Well done to all concerned. It is really appreciated.
Bill Russell.
Congratulations to Anthony Simmons and Viola Begar who are to marry in Germany on 27 th June 2002. Viola was an involvement volunteer who spent some time at Puffing Billy. They will return to Australia on the 7 th July for a church wedding on 27 th July in Cheltenham.
Anthony is following in his parents footsteps by meeting his bride at Puffing Billy.
We deeply regret to advise that Jeremy Johnstone recently passed away. A service was held at St Stephens Anglican Church, North Balwyn attended by many Puffing Billy friends and colleagues as well as workmates from Science Works and members from the Mooroolbark Live Steamers. Jeremy was a volunteer in the Locomotive Workshops as well as a fireman on the locomotives. He will be fondly remembered for his cheery smile and his positive and professional attitude to everything he tackled. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family during this tragic time.
Condolences are also offered to Adrian Rose on the recent death of his father.
No report this month.
Grahame Gardner has completed nearly a double 2-year term and is now handing over what has been an extremely well managed Guards/Signalman roster to Bob Cochrane. As a new roster clerk it does take time to establish a rapport with everyone so please be patient and give Bob lots of support. The hand over applies as of now therefore any changes for June onwards need to be arranged with Bob. Remember that July and August rosters have already commenced planning so ring (or email) today to add your name to the roster. Remember monthly news closing date is the 15th of each month. Please try and plan ahead but keep in mind that until September school holidays we have reduced safeworking requirements for all safeworking duties.
A very big thank you from Traffic Branch to Grahame for his dedication to the job. His railway duties will still be as a safeworker and Supervisor Guards/Signalman, minute's secretary to the Management Committee and assistant to Alan in the Belgrave Workshops.
All the items listed below are as result of IDR's received and action taken by the Traffic Branch.
Please keep yourself safe and free from injury when working on the railway. You have a duty of care to yourself, passengers and the railway to come on duty physically fit and mentally alert to deal with all aspects of the days operations.
"All personnel employed or utilised by the Board must exercise care in the performance of their duties to prevent accidents to themselves and others, and must spare no opportunity to warn those who neglect to take proper care.
Any unnecessary exposure of self or others to danger on the part of any person will be treated as an offence against the Rules and Instructions"
There has been IDR's received reporting interference by non-authorised persons with point levers at both Belgrave and Menzies Creek during operating hours. At Menzies Creek, under Guard-in-Charge conditions the points are always padlocked. However, when a Signalman is on duty (and as inconvenient as it is) this process of padlocking must still be done. Belgrave is more difficult especially if you have just set the yard for an Up shunting move and you are the only guard on duty. Please aim to be alert during weekend and school holiday periods.
If you approach one of these individuals interfering with the points at any location on the railway then tactfully request them to leave the premises in accordance with G.I 1.13.1.
The new (blank) form is available for collection in the Safeworking room at Belgrave. If you wish to pre-prepare for your day then you may email for an electronic copy. This is only for the purpose of adding the proper times etc. No other alterations are to be made to the form. However, future 6 train running operations will have the train numbers and proper times pre printed on the TRS to assist with the transfer of the TRS to the next Guard. The design change also included an additional column for the loco movements. The accurate record keeping of the loco's is equally as important as the consist movements as the statistics gathered are used for maintenance and other important statistics. The 'Locomotive Crew' is on the reverse side and has space for 4 crews.
Signalman and guards are reminded that when Emerald is open as a temporary staff station and the Stop Boards are out you have to remember to bring them back and store in the Safeworking room when Emerald is then closed.
It has come to our attention that timetable delays have been caused when the Safeworking message to release the next up train from Menzies Creek has not been sent promptly. Prior discussion with your Driver or SM may alleviate this so as the Safeworking message can be sent ASAP upon arrival of your train. The Safeworking fax machines allow such expediency as long as the Guard ensures the action plan is in place. All Safeworking messages must be sent as soon as possible.
It is important that the Guard has his white flag clearance from the SM before departing the train. Remember that the SM may be selling tickets for your train or waiting for passengers in the shop. He will then give you a clearance once the passengers are aboard. If there is not an SM on duty the Head Conductor will give you the clearance to depart. Communicate with Passenger Operations staff or Refresh. staff is good idea before departing your train.
If you find a faulty or damaged S1 Lock and you would like it replaced then please:
Rob Emmerson
Ian Ford is handing over the roster to Nina Wenzel as of now. If you wish to fill a vacancy or change a day please ring or email Nina. All her contact details are listed above. Nina is a fairly new Booking Clerk herself so please give her as much assistance and support as you can.
Our very sincere thanks go to Ian for his work as roster officer over the last year or so.
David Eaton
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 Rob Emmerson for the provision of tickets.
Hugh Markwick
Another fun night was held on Friday 10th May where our Trivia Host, Ted Horton, entertained us with all types of questions with a number of prizes awarded to people with the right answers.
A number of volunteers came along and had a great night. Thanks Ted for your hosting of the evening. We may run another Trivia night next year.
After quite some as roster officer, Nola Garner has requested that we find a replacement.
Our new roster officer is Keryn Fisher. Most people on the Night Train will know Keryn.
In the meantime, thank you Nola for your efforts as roster officer.
Our mid year Christmas Dinner trains are nearly upon us. To date we only have 2 Santa's available to perform the task of "Ho Ho Ho" at the beginning of the night and handing out bags of chocolates at the end of the night. If you are interested in wearing a Santa costume please phone Larry to register your name.
Larry James
The April workday was spent around the top part of Belgrave yard. Wood was shifted and split for engine light-up. The Scotch Blocks in Nos.3, 4 and 5 roads were painted, as were the handrails and the trolley line fouling point board. Herb Warren took the gang for the usual dash to the Landslide for wood. This time however, they had a load of rocks to unload along the way.
Our next workday will be Tuesday 9 th July.
John Conway
Paul Battle has left our employ after 12 years spent in both the locomotive workshops and the track gang. We wish him well in his future endeavours.
Due from the manufacturers any day now.
Re-building of the track on the Emerald bank is now within a few weeks of completion. Ballasting and tamping are almost complete. Work on re-gauging has also been done between Menzies Creek and Clematis where a few rough joints spoiled an otherwise good section of track.
The re-painting of Belgrave station is now almost complete.
Our Back on Track team has almost finished the fencing around Emerald station. Signs are being prepared for the area and footpaths are about to be laid.
Our next Volunteer Track Day will be on 15th June. The usual sumptuous BBQ lunch will be provided. Work will be near the Packing Shed 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.
John Shaw
Work continues on the refurbishment of NA suspension links.
TACL&mbsp; A half link is being fitted to the drive chain.
On 7 th June 1982, Ron Picking joined the Railway as a driver and moved up through the ranks to become Senior Driver. Ron is known for his willingness to help aspiring drivers and firemen as they endeavour to master the skills required to qualify in their field. Ron has participated in selection panels for drivers and firemen and is renowned for his interest in football, especially the mighty Bombers.
Ron, many thanks for your 20 years of service to the Railway and your helping hand when required.
Hugh Markwick
Sat 8 th - Bi-Monthly Meeting (9.30 a.m. - Kings Rd) followed by Signals Work day.
Sat 22 nd - Aerial Lines Day - Depot at 10.00 a.m.
The 2 lever Ground Frame was installed on Saturday May 11th and the signal works day this month will also concentrate on this project.
The Wig Wag unit has been "run" in the depot and is fast approaching the day when it will be able to be outshopped. It is anticipated that on-site works will commence when we complete the Intermediate Crossover works.
The tendering for portions of the Castlemaine - Maldon Railway, Signalling Rehabilitation Works is currently under consideration. Thanks to the 3 persons who indicated a willingness to become involved if and when the projects proceed on-site.
Whilst still in its infancy, this project currently has in excess of $1,700 accrued and with the approach of the end of the financial year, I would like to take this opportunity to remind all readers that now is the best time to make those tax deductible donations.
Acknowledgement of donations over $10.00 will occur periodically and thanks to P. McCallum for his recent donation. All donations are greatly appreciated and will further secure the progress of this project.
Andrew Wheatland
Enclosed in this issue of Monthly News your invitation to attend the festivities to celebrate our reopening to Menzies Creek in 1962. Please note that only limited numbers of tickets will be available for sale at Menzies Creek on the day due to our need to adequately cater for lunch. Your early response will be appreciated.
The next steaming of the small engines will be on the weekend of 1st/2nd June 2002. We have also arranged for NRT1 to attend the Museum on Saturday 1 st June to shunt the Shay engine out into the open for photographs. Opening of the Museum
Please note that following our usual custom, the Museum will be closed on Wednesdays over the winter.
We welcomed the last Conductors Course to the Museum and all members were given a personal tour and explanation of our historic exhibits. Many conductors were unaware of the collection and enjoyed the tour.
Our temporary water main gave us some surprises and the Manager a drenching when we were looking for a loop in the piping at the rear of the Museum. We certainly found the old main the hard way by much digging.
John Frost
The next G42 Meeting will be on Wednesday 7th August, 2002 at Belgrave commencing at 7.00pm
Just a reminder that all donations over $2.00 to G42's restoration are tax deductible (within Australia).
G42 fundraising would like to thank the following publishers of fine Australian Railway books for their continued support of our fund raising efforts:
A. F. Rail Publications, Puffing Preservation Society, Train Hobby Publications
This book was released in late May and all mail orders despatched. It is now available for $35.95 from Belgrave Shop or $35.95 plus $5.95 postage and handling through G42 Sales.
Bruce West has received mail orders for the above book from Andrew Edward and Lois V. Torley. Could these two people advise Bruce of their address so that the books can be mailed.
"Victorian Railways - The Way It Was" by AF Rail. This beautiful book arrived in mid April and is selling fast. $79.95 posted anywhere in Australia.
"More Trams and Streetscapes of Metropolitan Melbourne 1950s-1960s" by Train Hobby $29.00 or $33.00 posted anywhere in Australia. This book is a follow up to Part 1 which is still available.
All three books are available from Belgrave Shop or direct from G42 Sales, PO Box 451, Belgrave, 3160.
"VR Steam Depots Part 2" and "Country Branch lines of NSW", both books by Train Hobby. Both will be $29.00 or $33.00 each posted anywhere in Australia.
There are now less than 300 copies of this book left. Just remember there are no plans to reprint this book. Buy one now before they are all gone.
G42 Fundraising is proud to support Australian publishers of railway books.
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 1st June, 2002 and Saturday 6th July, 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 Carl Barnard and Gavin Clarke for their recent donations to the G42 Shop.
The collection box figure for April, 2002 was $2.65. 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 whether small or large are greatly appreciated and will help complete G42's restoration. Lindsay Bounds, Peter Donald, Ashley Greaves & Philip Leslie.
Thank you to those who have been and continue to be regular donors towards the restoration of G42.
Bruce West
A trip in celebration of the 50 years of the B-class diesel. See brochure for more details
A film night to remember! We will see the last of the London trams, the original Tasmanian Abt Railway, the Rocky Mountaineer and behind the scenes at the Orient Express.
September Bow Tie at Glen Harrow
October A Wander through Walhalla
November Train to Wherever
Tuesday 31 st Dec New Year's Eve Special| APRIL | 2002 | 2001 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,157 | 4,067 |
| Loco kilometres: steam | 4,310 | 4,241 |
| Loco kilometres: diesel | 287 | 291 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 94 | 87 |
| Carriage kilometres | 35,826 | 34,013 |
| Carriage Days for month | 843 | 824 |
| Highest kms operated: loco | 1,301 | 1,435 |
| Highest kms operated: pass vehicle | 1,496 | 1,584 |
| Highest kms operated: wagon | 60 | 24 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 71% | 48% |
| Scheduled trips run | 216 * | 229* |
*Excludes Great Train Race Day
Bob Wilson
The Puffing Billy steam railway, owned and operated by the Emerald Tourist Railway Board, is a significant heritage icon and currently one of Victoria's top regional tourism attractions with annual patronage of over 250,000. Volunteer input is critical to the success of the organisation. A pool of 670 active volunteers supplemented by a F.T.E paid staff of 45 operates the railway every day of the year.
The CEO effectively manages all aspects of the organisation in a manner that sustains consistently high levels of customer, employee and volunteer satisfaction. The CEO will need to point to success in:
For a copy of the position description or a confidential discussion contact Chris Le Marshall