July 2002
#348
July 2002
#348
Those of you who are Preservation Society members will have recently received your subscription renewal notices for 2002/2003. As a renewing member you will:
A strong membership base is important for the railway not only for the financial and volunteer resources that it provides, but also for our profile and standing in the community and in political circles. Our ability to state that we have over a thousand members is an important tool when dealing with government at all levels. It is for this reason that the ETRB supports the PBPS by making society membership a pre-requisite for certain volunteer positions such as safeworkers, Station Masters and OICs.
We look forward to your continuing support. Please renew promptly, as chasing up late renewals involves extra cost and effort and may result in you not being eligible to vote at the Annual General Meeting.
On 13th June we hosted an official visit by the Minister for Tourism, the Hon. John Pandazopoulos MP, which he'd requested a week earlier. The Minister met at Belgrave for an hour with the Chairman and senior managers to discuss: the current business outlook, our capital funding needs, the results of the management review, issues concerning the railway reservation and our experience with insurance renewals.
He praised the organisation for it's continued success in the light of the current difficult economic circumstances and provided a number of pointers as to ways in which we may be able to obtain government assistance to address some of our problems.
The Minister will be visiting again, with his family, for our 40th anniversary celebrations on 7th July.
Our advertisements for the vacancy generated over eighty enquiries, which resulted in more than thirty formal applications being received. At the time of writing, a shortlist of just over half a dozen potentially suitable candidates are in the process of being interviewed.
We all know Puffing Billy was one of four "experimental" narrow gauge lines, both in terms of initial construction and subsequent development. The VR introduced new technology on those lines, such as articulated locomotives, auto couplers, and upper quadrant automatic signalling; whilst in the preservation era we implemented train-to-base radio ahead of the broad-gauge system. Our latest commercial venture continues this leading-edge tradition. The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), manager of the interstate rail system, has called tenders for a Communications-based Safeworking System (CBSS). One of the bidders has, in turn, engaged our services for a series of trials and demonstrations of their system on our line. Diesel loco DH59 is being fitted with a set of satellite telephones and computer panels. The loco will operate a series of charter trains to demonstrate the NEC CBSS solution whilst actually running under our traditional staff and ticket system. There are numerous advantages of using DH59 rather than a standard gauge loco, including that our loco isn't likely to be on the wrong side of the continent when needed for a demo!
In the event that NEC win the ARTC bid we may be able to earn more income from a more extensive series of trials.
Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman
Chairman@pbr.org.au
John Thompson, PBPS President
There are only a handful of Head Conductors/Conductors working on Sundays on the railway. With 12 regular trains operating in a normal month of Sundays times 3 Conductors, we have a serious shortfall of approximately 5 Head Conductors and 20 Conductors. If you are qualified to work as a Conductor or Head Conductor but are now in another position on the railway but would like to assist Passenger Operations in its hour of need please contact Reg Williams on 9574 0392 to roster yourself on a Sunday. Alternatively, you may know some one outside the railway that would like to become a volunteer especially in the Passenger Operations area. Please contact Human Resources Manager, Sue Ham to arrange an induction session
A number of items of second hand uniform are available to volunteers who either do not currently own a uniform, or who need to replace items which have worn out (or which you may have grown out of!).
There is no charge for these items. The only condition is that you make a donation to a worthy PBR cause (e.g. G42 or Belgrave Signalbox etc.).
Finally, a reminder to anyone out there who has any items of uniform clothing which are surplus to requirements, please return them to me at Belgrave. There is always a demand for uniform clothing.
Jeff Goodwin
The 28th of July is National Tree Day.
Beautification continues for Puffing Billy fence line, Station Rd Gembrook. Another weeding and planting day has been planned for Sunday 28th July. Start at 10am. Meet at house No.11, Station Rd. Gembrook. Please bring your own tools. BBQ in the JAC Russell Park at 12 Noon. Contact: Merle Mathisen.. e-mail kandmgem@bigpond.com
A vacancy exists for the above position. Duties include food preparation, table set up, beverage and food service to passengers on the Luncheon Special.
The successful applicant will have good communication skills with a high standard of grooming and basic food hygiene (HACCP) training.
Hours and days are negotiable. A Position Description is available by contacting Larry James at Belgrave office
Apply in writing to:
Our thoughts are with John Frost who is about to undergo an operation. This may restrict his activities for a while.
It seems that most Guards are using the new Train Running Statement forms properly but some engine numbers are not being shown in the column at the right hand side of the relevant train schedule.
Please do notuse any copies of the old Guards Running Statement that you may still have.
The recent reprint pages of the Supplementary Instructions updated the instructions for the use of these forms. These forms are to remain with a particular consist during the day and are not to be carried by Guards from one set to another when swapping car-sets with another Guard.
Following discussion at the June Traffic Branch meeting, it was decided not to change the current Guards' rosters for Timetable D.
However in order to facilitate the drop-on engine move for No.29, the Guard that has worked No 11/16 is asked to stay on duty as Signalman, Belgrave until the departure of No.29. This allows the incoming Guard on No.22 to merely change ends in the short time before No.29 departs.
In order to keep track of current A circulars, a summary list is now being maintained. Updated copies of this list are placed on the relevant Notice Boards around the railway when a new A circular is issued.
As a result of some recent IDRs, all safeworkers are reminded of the following.
At Lakeside, the Down Home Signal is to be placed to Proceed by the Guard/Signalman at the end of the day irrespective of the expected direction of travel of the next day's Track Patrol. This procedure was changed with the recent re-issue of the Local Instructions for Lakeside to make the operation of the Station more uniform and so hopefully eliminate the possibility of forgetting about a Night Train. This rule now also applies at Menzies Creek.
After having despatched a Train on a Staff Ticket, the entry "SLA" must be made beside the departure details for the Train to indicate that the Staff has been locked away in accordance with the instructions. This entry provides a reminder to any other person of the circumstances especially when the Station is being worked under Guard in Charge conditions.
Night Train Guards are reminded that they must ensure that the Hand Locking Bar on the "TR" points is locked in the closed position after the engine has passed through these points towards the servicing area. You should also check that all Scotch Blocks are locked across the roads and that the hand locking bar on the points to the Climax shed is locked in the closed position.
Guards at Gembrook are reminded that they must ensure that the Annett key is padlocked to the lug on the duplicate lock on the signal lever after the engine has cleared the pit road and attached to its train.
When sending an ACRE message by fax, the current time is to be written on the face of the Staff Ticket and this time is to be recorded as the time the ACRE was sent & received. This is to ensure the same time is recorded in both TR Books and will avoid problems caused by the internal clocks on the faxes at each end showing different times. This procedure is now incorporated in the Supplementary Instructions.
To transmit a ticket by fax, please remember to place the Ticket face down in the machine. If it's face up, the machine's transmission reports will say it has been successful but of course the receiving end will only print a blank sheet.
To provide better service to passengers, Guards must arrange for the car set for No 16 to be shunted to the Down end of Lakeside platform as soon as possible after the departure of the Gembrook train. This move is to precede any move to detach cars for stabling in the siding as set out in other published instructions.
An IDR is to be submitted in each case where this was not able to be done for any reason.
Last but by no means least, congratulations to the participants in this course who have all passed the theory component and should now be out & about doing their practical training/exams.
Greg Michael
Traffic Superintendent
When operating the gates please ensure that they are clear of passengers and aim to operate in conjunction with the shunting move and not too far in advance.
Bob Cochrane will be away and unable to deal with emergency roster changes from 3rd to 20 th July and 7th to 27 th August. In between these two periods Bob will be the main Roster Clerk for the August and September rosters however Graeme Stapley will be Bob's back up during his absence. When Bob is not available please contact Graeme Stapley at home in the evenings. If you need to change your roster at the last minute contact the SM Belgrave, or Deb Woodward on or Rob Emmerson .
Rob Emmerson
Operations Supervisor
There are currently only 3 Night SM's. The Night SM duties start at 6pm and finishes just after midnight on most Friday and Saturday evenings. It is not a difficult job but is a very necessary role to ensure a pleasant evening for both our passengers and volunteers alike. Please call Peter Kemp, SM's Roster Clerk for further inquires.
Our next Conductor Training day is to be held on Saturday 13th July 2002 at 1pm in the Belgrave Conference Room. Please contact Reg Williams, Conductor Training Supervisor to book your place.
Belgrave SM's, please ensure that when a wallet arrives from Gembrook marked 'Kings Rd. Emerald' add the wallet with its contents to the normal daily paperwork. When a wallet is marked 'SM Gembrook' please return it to Gembrook on the next available train.
This position has been ably held by Laurie Bunn for some years and has facilitated the conversion of manual ticket sales to computer ticket sales in the Belgrave Booking Office. Due to the increasing demand of the Speakers Group, of which Laurie is the convener, this training position is now handed over to Adam Wickens who is currently managing the training of all Booking Clerks in the new computer system. Adam will now look after all components of booking clerk training through out the railway. The Passenger Operations Committee thanks Laurie for his past dedication to the job and also welcomes Adam to his new role.
We are in need of replacing the conductor bags that have been used on a daily basis for Conductor Ticket Sales for a number of years. If anyone has any contacts that may assist in the purchase of a quantity of similar bags please contact Jeff Goodwin, Uniform Co-Ordinator
.The annual presentation for certificates for Passenger Operations staff (SM's, Head Conductors, Conductors and Booking Clerks) will be held at the Nobelius Packing Shed, Saturday afternoon, 24th August 2002. Personal invitations will be issued shortly but in the mean time if you have done any Pass Ops training in the last 12 months mark this date on your calendar.
When operating the gates please ensure that they are clear of passengers and aim to operate in conjunction with the shunting move and not too far in advance.
Deb. Woodward
Operations Assistant
As you may be aware, one of the regular complimentary vouchers that we receive are from the 'Entertainment' books. Each year the vouchers (valid for one complimentary standard fare when another of equal or greater value is purchased) have validity up until June 1.
PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE VOUCHERS YOU ARE RECEIVING ARE VALID UNTIL JUNE 1, 2003.
Traditionally the design of the vouchers changes each year, but this year's vouchers are exactly the same as the 2001/2 vouchers. If you have any further inquiries please do not hesitate to call Bryan (ext. 790)
Bryan Cullis
Reservations/Promotions Officer
Training in the new Electronic Ticketing System, is now in full swing with a number of Booking Clerks reaching the final stages, with encouraging results. If you have not already done so, please roster yourself in the Booking Office, so that you can start training and become familiar with the new system. For those Booking Clerks who are nearly through their training, a small assessment, will be conducted shortly. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me on adam.wickens@pbr.org.au (work) or kwickens@bigpond.com.au (home) or failing that, leave a message with Deborah Woodward.
Adam Wickens
Booking Clerk Training Officer
A new video on Loco 6A has arrived, produced by member & volunteer Jon Newton. The Video is selling for $35.95. Volunteers and Members, remember that you will receive a 20% discount on presentation of your Membership or Volunteer Workers Card.
When operating the passenger gates please ensure that they are clear of passengers and aim to operate them in conjunction with the shunting move and not too far in advance of the actual move.
We are generally operating around 8 Night Trains each month or over 100 in each year. This necessitates many volunteers to act as Train Hosts either on the train or at the Packing Shed.
We always need more volunteers in this customer service role. If you are interested in acting as a Train Host, our roster officer Keryn Fisher would be delighted to hear from you. We would give you on the job training together with training notes to assist you in this role. It is a great way to meet people and have some fun.
In last Monthly News we mentioned about the serving of full bottles of wine and beer on the tables. What was omitted was the word NOT. i.e. we do not place full bottles of beer or wine on tables and this supports our role with the Responsible Serving of Alcohol.
The Board recently approved expenditure for work to commence at the Packing Shed. This work includes a commercial dishwasher and a stainless steel bench together with a new floor in the kitchen area. Work is due to commence on Monday 12th August and should be completed in 2 weeks. During that time, Night Trains will not operate to the Packing Shed.
Larry James
We would like to congratulate John McDonald , who has won the draw for the Night Train Prize.
We would like to thank all the volunteers and staff who have sent back their acknowledgement. We ask anyone who still has the acknowledgement to return it to Wilma Ratcliffe at Puffing Billy Railway, Belgrave
Susan Ham
The next workday will be on Tuesday 9th July 2002. Wear appropriate clothing. The day starts at Belgrave at 9:00 am and ends there at 3:00 pm.
Please ring by Friday 5th July if you would like to come. We can only fit you in if we have enough adult supervisors.
John Conway
No report this month.
The following people now hold Medium Rigid or Light Rigid driving licences and are permitted to drive the Board's 6 tonne truck and the 5 tonne tip-truck: Adam Black, Andrew Marshall, Ernest White, Simon Kilner, Andrew Wheatland, Ian Newman, Deb Lyons and Alan Gardner. They are also eligible to drive the Board's bus after obtaining a Driver's Certificate from the Victorian Taxi Directorate.
Drivers of E.T.R.B. vehicles are reminded that they must fill in the vehicle's log book every time they use either of the trucks, the bus (Hi-Ace) or the Buildings' Rodeo Utility. This will also apply to the road/rail vehicle when it comes on line.
Both days commence at Depot at 10.00 a.m. please.
We will have the S&T Depot at Emerald open for inspection during the celebrations. So come and check up on our current projects.
We were pleased to complete the remote control of all flashing light equipped level crossings during June. (But not as pleased as the track patrollers by all reports.)
The current stage will see Kilvington Drive transferred to the new system as soon as possible. (Its new controller is undergoing final tests). When that occurs, all crossings beyond Emerald will be on the new system.
We thank all concerned for their patience during the construction and installation program.
New batteries were purchased recently and are progressively being fitted as the older units fail to provide satisfactory service.
Andrew Wheatland
No report this month.
Hugh Markwick
Bookings are coming in well for the festival and by the time you read these notes you should have received your passport for the day. If not, please call in at the administration tent near the museum entrance on Menzies Creek Station on Sunday 7 July 2002. If you have not booked, please still come along on the day, as passports will still be on sale at Menzies Creek. A great day is guaranteed and the chance to renew friendships of very long standing and to meet with some of our pioneers.
We had our quarterly steam day in June and actually pulled out our 2 two foot six inch gauge engines and ran them down to the mainline for photographic purposes. NRT1 came down from Emerald to do the shunt. This was the first time in over 12 years that these engines had moved out from under the shelter. The Orenstein & Koppel engine was the stiffer of the two engines to move but the oiling and greasing paid off and both engines came out into the light of day.
We first moved the TACL and stowed it in the white van spur line to keep the mainline clear for the main event. Then we hauled the O&K out, took it down the main line, and stored it against the buffer. Then back to pull out the Shay. This was placed adjacent to the main line and made a great photograph opportunity as the service trains passed. Going up the hill was a real struggle for NRT and we had to liberate some sand from a passing train. A good day was had by all.
Please note that following our usual custom, the Museum will be closed on Wednesdays over the winter.
John Frost
The next G42 Meeting will be on Wednesday 21st August 2002 at Belgrave commencing at 7.00pm, * Please note change of date.
"VR Steam Depots Part 2" and "Country Branch Lines of NSW" by Train Hobby. Both will be $29.00 or $33.00 each posted anywhere in Australia.
This book has been well received and is selling well. Available for $35.95 from Belgrave Shop or $35.95 plus $5.95 postage and handling through G42 Sales. I am still trying to locate Andrew C Ward so I can post his book to him. So if you know his address, please give me a call.
There are now less than 250 copies of this book left. Just remember there are no plans to reprint this book. Buy one now before they are all gone. Available for $35.95 from Belgrave Shop or $35.95 plus $5.95 postage and handling through G42 Sales.
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 6 th July 2002 and Saturday 3 rd August 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 the Maurie Myles estate and Ben Reid for the recent donations to the G42 Shop.
The collection box figure for May 2002 was $ 166.90. 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. J.B. Bell, Dr. A.S. Bodey, C. Brooks, R.C. Brooks, B. Broughton, J.W. Chitty, M. Clarke, F.M. Clayton, J. Cook, L.R. Crow, F.R. Everett, D.J. Grantham, C.J. Holliday, D. Hurrell, W.J. Kinsley, D.B. Hruger, P. Manuelle, H. May, J.F. Millar, Narrow Gauge Convention, N. Patrick, R.G. Perkins, A. Reynolds, L. Rickard, J.A. Robinson, I.A.G. Roos, R.J. Sanderson, G. Seehusen, P. Shepard, R.L.S. Topp, J.C. Tunks, A.E. Watson, P.D. Wescott, R.J. Wilson, A.P. Wymond, D. Young.
Thank you to those who have been and continue to be regular donors towards the restoration of G42.
Bruce West
| Date | Day | Event | Host/Contact | Brochure issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 14 | Sat | B's Birthday bash to Boort | John Conway | June |
| Aug 10 | Sat | Film night | Philip Leslie | July |
| Sep 21 | Sat | Walhalla Wanderings | Philip Leslie | July |
| Oct 12 | Sat | Bowties at Cotswold House | Sue Ham/Philip Leslie | August |
| Nov 24 | Sun | Train to wherever...Echuca | Philip Leslie | August |
| Dec 31 | Tue | New Year's Eve Train | Jeff Goodwin | September |
| MAY | 2002 | 2001 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,243 | 3,534 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 3,093 | 3,358 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 314 | 591 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 75 | 80 |
| Carriage kilometres | 21,656 | 27,378 |
| Carriage Days for month | 686 | 761 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,164 | 1,219 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,222 | 1,605 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 105 | 48 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 68% | 55% |
| Scheduled trips run | 148 | 217 |
Bob Wilson