August 2002
#349
August 2002
#349
The Board has appointed Ray Leivers to the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of the Puffing Billy Railway.
The selection was the unanimous first choice of the panel of non-staff Board members established to select the CEO.
Ray is currently CEO of the Falls Creek Resort Management Board and was previously (Dec 1996 - Feb 2002) General Manager of Phillip Island Nature Park (PINP). Prior to that he held a number of senior positions within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Ray led PINP through the period of expansion from operating just the Penguin Parade to also operating the Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island as well as managing other public reserves on the island. This included working with a number of conservation groups, "friends of" groups, service clubs, history, society and arts groups in the planning and delivery of projects.
Ray will commence with the railway on Monday 16th September for a week of orientation and introductions. He will then return from 27th October to assume the CEO role.
Thanks to all who included a donation, large or small, with their PBPS membership renewal, or separately in the dying days of the financial year. These included two substantial contributions to specific PBPS projects: the Signal-box fund and towards G42.
Congratulations to all involved in the preparations and presentation of our 40th anniversary celebrations on 7th July, and to the other two dozen plus who gave up the opportunity to join in the celebrations so that the regular services could be maintained.
Highlights of the day included:
The G42 donations above were especially welcome, as we have recently received advice that our application lodged last October to the Commonwealth for $98,000 towards this project had not been successful. Whilst it felt good to know we'd made the short-list of 95 projects in February, missing out on the final list of 29 grant recipients presents us with a challenge. If we cannot secure alternative funding we will be forced to cutback the level of work on the project by early 2003. Fortunately the mid-year generosity of members means that the crunch time is now not going to come in 2002.
Any cutback would push the completion date out into 2004 or even further as once the momentum is lost it will be hard to crank-up the effort again.
G42 in turn is the key to re-launching our "Luncheon Special" service as an every-day operation, which we hope to be able to do from April 2004. Our research tells us that such a move can radically transform the viability of the Luncheon Special and generate significant funding for some of our other projects.
Significant progress on several other Society projects is also dependent on first completing G42 including: the 10-year overhaul to return the Climax to service and under-frames and running gear for carriage bodies 1NBC and 1NB which are currently being rebuilt. The possibility of starting work on the NGG16 is also unlikely before G42 and the Climax jobs are fully funded and physically completed.
We welcome Streets Ice Cream to our list of sponsors. In a five year "Bronze" package we will receive cash, product discounts and promotional support in exchange for exclusive merchandising rights on the railway. Expect to see the Paddle Pop Lion wandering around from time to time!
We also welcome Valvoline oils and lubricants to our "Bronze" sponsorship club.
On 3rd July, the State Minister for Employment (who just happens to also be "our" Minister, the Minister for Tourism) announced that we would be one of 42 CJP projects commencing shortly. Our project will employ 12 people on an award wage for a 16-week period and include relevant accredited skills training in addition to of-site activity. The people will be spread over many areas of the railway including both workshops, both offices and on the cleaning executive.
The state government's CJP scheme is entirely separate from and in addition to 'Back on Track', our Commonwealth-funded work for the dole scheme.
Just after press-time for Monthly News last month, the Minister for Transport (our other Minister) announced that the ETRB was the successful tenderer to repair four timber bridges for Victrack on the South Gippsland line. We don't receive the entire $500,000 that is the reported project cost (as Victrack will be providing all major materials) but it will still be a significant boost to our financial position as well as helping us maintain our specialist skill base. The work, to be completed over the next 6 months, dovetails nicely with our existing works program, with some Castlemaine project management work tapering off this month and the loco workshop track fan re-lay planned for early 2003.
Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman
Chairman@pbr.org.au
John Thompson, PBPS President
There have been several recent instances where the last person leaving Belgrave station building has failed to set the security alarm, usually after a meeting. Each time this occurs, the security firm charges us when they come to investigate in the wee hours. Setting the alarm is doubly important because not only does it provide active protection, but also warns you if a door elsewhere in the building is not properly closed.
Please also note that additional buildings on the railway have received alarm systems, including the "Climax Shed" at Belgrave and "Nursery" at Emerald. For Mechanical Engineering staff, your supervisor or roster officer can advise you if are included on the list of people able to activate/deactivate the new systems, and the applicable procedures.
Lastly, would all concerned please make sure that yard gates are locked overnight, including the plateau gates near the Belgrave Booking Office.
Graeme Breydon
Please Note: The Night Trains are not operating for 16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th of August as we are undertaking some refurbishment of the kitchen area, which will greatly improve conditions for those people who work on Night Trains.
Observant readers will notice that some sections are missing from this issue of Monthly News. The explanation is simple, no copy - no section. (This is a subtle hint to those submitting reports for Monthly News - Ed.)
Work is to be commenced shortly on repair of bridges between Korumburra and Leongatha. A vacancy exists for up to three casual bridge workers for approximately 2-3 months. To be considered, people will need to have at least some of the following qualifications:
Working hours will be 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday on the job.
Applications close on Friday 2nd August at 4.00 pm and should be addressed to:
Limited stocks of Red and Green flags are available for Guards to purchase. These are priced at $10 a set (1 x Red, 1 x Green).
Guards who bring the Night Train set down for Night Train running please ensure that you secure the double gates and side gate once you have completed the move. Friday's Luncheon Train Guard is also asked to ensure that the Lyell Compound is securely locked before departure if there is a Night Train that night as you will not be shunting the set back into No.5 Road.
M1/02 - Continuity Testing of Automatic Air Brake
The above circular was issued on 12/07/02. Please ensure that you read this explanation notice and discuss the procedure with the driver of your train before attempting to complete the continuity test.
Rob Emmerson,
Operations Supervisor
2NBH has had the height of one of the running boards altered to assist passengers. If you have any comments, please refer them, via IDR, to Manager of Passenger Operations, David Eaton.
The current conductors' bags are beginning to show their age, and are going to be replaced. We have located a suitable bag, and are taking the opportunity to make some available to conductors to purchase for themselves. The product is similar to the current bag, is of black vinyl and contains ample pockets for leaflets, ticket books etc. These bags are available at a special price of $20 each. Bags will are expected to be available around the end of August.
The new fares will take affect Monday 29th July 2002. The fares are based on an increase of around 4% based on CPI and an increase for the rising cost of insurance.
It is essential that the Booking Office window remains open for at least 15 minutes after the departure of the train to assist with late passenger enquires. If there are 2 Booking Clerks on duty then please alternate breaks so the booking office window remains open at all times.
Please remind the Guard that brings the Night Train set down to the platform to go back up to the compound and lock both the double gates and the side gate.
Thank you to Roo Richards for returning to the fold after the M/N's request for help. Peter Walker can also be seen some night train evenings sporting the latest style in 'hand trollys'. This now brings our Night Train SM list to five!!! All other Belgrave SM/IOC are welcome to ring the Roster Clerk to assist especially when in a normal month there are 6 to 8 night trains. In the busy Christmas season there will be 20 Night Trains that will require a Station Master.
This will be a cheap exercise book. For instance the use of the log can be for simple messages relayed from the day SM to the Night SM. The log will be kept inside the operations report folder, as this is the most obvious place for the next person on duty to see. This has been tried before and the diary has grown legs and walked out of the office so this time we will try the simple approach.
The wheel chair at Lakeside has had new inner tubes and valves fitted. The other chair is under repair and will eventually be transferred to Gembrook station. The tyre pump is on the wall in the crew room at Lakeside.
Belgrave: All conductors are to be in their carriage with the door closed by the time the SM has come to a halt. If the SM has stopped on the platform to give the all clear you should not be standing on the platform. The SM will then give the 'all clear' signal to the Guard who will then have a clear sight line to the Driver or relaying guard.
Menzies Creek, Emerald, Lakeside: All conductors are to be in their carriage with the door closed by the time the signalman in the absence of an SM has given the 'all clear' to the guard. When there is no signalman or SM on duty then the only person to be standing on the platform is the Lakeside Head Conductor who will ensure that all passengers are on board before giving the all clear to the guard. The Head Conductors door will be the only remaining one open. This becomes a clear indication to the Guard that the conductors and passengers are on board and can then wait for the 'all clear' signal from the Head Conductor.
Gembrook: All conditions apply as above, however, some local arrangements are in place with the shop staff assisting when there is not an SM. The Head Conductor will give the 'all clear' signal to the Guard from the platform if Bob Farr is not on duty at SM
Remember that at Emerald there is a PA system on the platform outside the Signal Box if an announcement needs to be made. The PA box is opened with an 'M' key.
Head Conductors, please communicate with the guard and driver before departing Belgrave so they know who you are. Talk to them about any special passenger requirements for forward stations. Check with the guard or signalman in the absence of the SM that all safeworking is complete before making departure announcements at Menzies Creek, Lakeside and Gembrook. At Emerald the guard may require to deliver safeworking notices so make local arrangements with your guard.
Refreshment and Souvenirs at Belgrave shop are in the process of moving into the 21st Century by installing POS (Point of Sale) scanning technology, similar to that used in most shops and stores. The reason for this is to enable the tracking of stock, control as to when to reorder, and most importantly the matching of money received against what is sold to enable correct profit and GST to be assessed.
The new system was purchased from "Intouch Technology", an Australian Company, and consists of two sales units and a back office administration unit. The sales units consist of a Touch Screen, Barcode scanner, receipt printer and a cash drawer. By the time you read this it is hoped to have one of the sales units working on the end of the refreshment counter (where the spare pie warmer is located) away from the customer space for you to practice with. The biggest exercise to get the system fully working is to record into the administration unit every item we sell in the shop. This consists of over 1000 items and with the detailing of each item eg windcheaters by four colours and six sizes (required for re-order purposed) the number of items will possibly exceed 2000. As of this report all the food items and all of the Thomas products have been recorded but not tested. I am continuing working at inputting items and will be at Belgrave most Mondays and Fridays if anyone wishes to look at the overall system.
Frank Clark,
Point of Sale Coordinator.
6A Mugs are now in stock and complete the range of mugs already available of all the other Na's - priced at just $16.00 each.
Narrow Gauge Binders are now in stock again - priced at $18.00 each.
Don't forget to ask for your members/volunteers discount when purchasing items through any of the Shops - but have your members or volunteers card ready.
Please Note: The Night Trains are not operating for 16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th of August due to the refurbishment of the kitchen facilities at The Packing Shed.
We welcome Faye Boyd and Peter Marshall as our new Train Hosts working on the Lunch Train. Faye is new to the railway and Peter is a current volunteer. Please introduce yourself to them when you are next on the railway.
Would all Guards please remember that we have a portable generator located in the lunch/night train van. This is to be used when requested by the Train Hosts particularly when the lighting is not as good as it should be. Occasionally, some Guards have forgotten to place the batteries on charge from the night before which reduces the output and gives very poor light in the carriages.
Instructions for the use of the generator are located in the van.
Recently, we have had a few instances where eggs have been thrown by persons unknown at the Night Train. When this type of incident occurs it is important that we note the exact location e.g. pole number on the IDR and if possible contact the police (000) by using a mobile phone or the SM at Belgrave to advise them. If we are able to contact the Police as soon as this type of incident occurs, they may be able to apprehend the culprits.
Don't forget to give Keryn a ring to assist her in filling vacancies.
Larry James
32 Rolling Stock axles ready to have wheel pressed on.
Applications are sought from interested persons for the position of Roster Officer for Firemen. Written applications should be submitted to Hugh Markwick
The oil store has been cleaned up and those persons who use it are requested to place lids & rubbish in the container provided. Thank you.
To Neil & Karl - From your workmates:- Hope that you are feeling better and will be back at work soon.
We have been successful in tendering for the repair of four timber bridges between Korumburra and Leongatha. Work will commence in late July and is expected to take about four months. We plan to have two bridge gangs in action, one gang of principally paid employees and one of mainly volunteers.
To manage the project we have engaged the services of Colin Cowling. Colin is an experienced bridge engineer with a background in road and rail bridges and his knowledge and experience should complement those of our regular gang of bridge workers.
We are now recruiting for a four man paid bridge gang, the team who will do much of the more technical parts of the job and for a volunteer gang who will work on some of the more interesting parts of the job such as the decking and track. This latter team will provide avenues for volunteers both during the week and at weekends. If you have some timber working skills or would like to develop some please contact John Shaw on 5968 6268 during business hours.
Back with the manufacturers but due from the manufacturers any day now.
Re-building of the track on the Emerald Bank is now finished and the result is excellent. Work has now started on the section between Beaconsfield Road and Lakeside with lifting and replacement of sleepers underway between the Packing Shed and 'Superman Corner'.
Our "Back on Track" team has virtually completed our heritage upgrade at Emerald including gates, cattle grids, pathways and signs. This project was funded by Parks Victoria and the result is receiving much favourable comment from both our own people and locals.
Our next Volunteer Track Day will be on 20th July. 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. Our sleeper replacing machine will be out for a run and we are hoping to set some sort of record for sleeper replacement that day. Please let Roster Officer Norm know if you can attend
We were pleased to host the members who travelled to Emerald on July 7th. Most were impressed with observing the wig wag which has been meticulously restored by Jim Lucas. It presented a unique opportunity to see this vintage piece of signalling apparatus operating close up. Other attractions included the timber signal mast restoration being undertaken by our esteemed past president.
The bi-monthly S&T Branch meeting will be held at Kings Rd, Emerald on Saturday, August 10th. This meeting will commence at 9.30 a.m. SHARP.
As attendance at recent branch meetings has been fairly poor, we would encourage all S&T members to make the effort and re-acquaint themselves with the branch's operations.
The regular Signals work day will follow this meeting
Also Sat 24th - Aerial Lines Day - Commence at the Depot at 10.00 a.m.
Both systems are now working well (Menzies Creek [Unit 5] was adjusted recently) and NK3 has now been fitted with a "new" system controller to enable its use beyond Emerald.
As soon an additional unit is available, we will convert Kilvington Drive to the "new" system.
Trolley drivers will have noticed that the "new" system remotes are already programmed for this location.
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 Graham Knight for the Gembrook Potato bag, complete with earthy smells and to Graeme Breydon for providing Great Train Race artefacts.
Hugh Markwick
This was held on Sunday 7th July 2002 and proved to be a great day for all who participated in so many ways. First of all, we must thank all those members of the railway who ran Puffing Billy on the day and kept the usual services operating. This is often the hardest thing to do, as we all like to take part and enjoy our various festivals when these occur. But the professionalism and dedication of our volunteers and members always comes to the fore on these occasions and the 40th was no exception. So to all our train crews and workers on the day, a hearty vote of thanks for all your work. We could not have done it with out your help.
Secondly and perhaps, most importantly, the re-union of our pioneers who toiled and built the railway in the 1960's was a great success and we met up with members who had travelled from as far a field as Sydney, Adelaide, and elsewhere for the day. Many friendships were renewed and tales of our youth told. The surprises of the day were the operation of the TACL at the Museum, the display of oil engines from our local club, The Emerald and District Historical Machinery Club, the "tug" at the Nursery and the operation of the Wig Wag signal, the only operational one of its type in Victoria. It was a great day.
Yes, the TACL is now fully operational and is to be handed back to the Museum for operation as part of our exhibits after many years of dedicated and determined restoration by the T.A.C.L. Tractor Group. The tractor was built in 1928 by the Tractor Appliance Company Ltd, a subsidiary of Malcolm Moore. It had operated on the Tyers Valley tramway with the Climax before being abandoned at the State Sawmill at Erica. To see the TACL running please come to the Museum for our quarterly steaming days.
The next running day will take place on Saturday 7th September 2002.
Please note that following our usual custom the Museum will be closed on Wednesdays over the winter and early spring. Many may not be aware that our Wednesday Curator, Ken Bradley, has been ill but is now recovering well. However, we still need additional curators to allow our staff to have their annual leave without worrying about how we can fill the vacancies, which have to be covered by Fred Vacant. Please think about becoming a curator even once every three months. The duties are very light and you meet many interesting visitors.
John Frost
The next G42 Meeting will be on Wednesday 21st August, 2002 at Belgrave commencing at 7.00pm *Please note change of date.
Alan Gardner will give a progress report on G42's restoration and possible completion date. Also to be discussed are preparations for this years Santa Specials. All Welcome - Non regular Committee members please contact Bruce or Peter so that sufficient seating can be arranged.
"VR Steam Depots, Part 2" by Train Hobby is available at $29.00 over the counter or $33.00 posted anywhere in Australia. "Country Branch Lines of NSW" is due soon.
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.
There are now less than 300 copies of this book left. Remember, there are no plans to reprint this book, so 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 carshops in the Thomson building near the playground, our next opening is scheduled for Saturday 3rd August, 2002 and then Saturday 7th September, 2002 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be arranged by phoning Bruce West or Peter Medlin to arrange a suitable time. Thank you to the Neil Ingram for his recent donation of books to the G42 Shop.
The collection box figure for June, 2002 was $ 4.65. 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 before if we are to see G42's restoration completed in 2004. 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.
Thank you to those who have been and continue to be regular donors towards the restoration of G42. L.M. Adams, M. Aitken, R.J. Atkinson, E.H. Austin, C.V. Awdry, R. Barker, N.J. Barry, J. Beckett, S. Bond, H. Brohier, A.H.D. Budd, K. Bussey, M. Canavan, N. Carabine, K. Clark, R.N. Cochran, B.M. Cook, S. Cox, P.L. Cuffley, H.J. Dance, R. Dawson, P. DeGaris, R. Dejager, J.E. Donohoe, H. Duguesclin, P.W. Etherington, M.R Farnsworth, J.B. Firth, L.R. Foun, The Friendship Club, R. Grant, A. Grigg, R.E. Hall, K. Hartley, J.A. Hearsch, R.J. Hopkins, J.R. Houghton, J. Hughes, F.J. Hussey, E.B. Jochimsen, J. Kendall, W.J. Kerferd, J. Knight, D. Lam, C. Ledbury, G. Lee, C. Leggett, S. Leverett, A. Linden, R. Marson, G. Michael, I.T. Naylor, P. Neve, I.P. Newman, R. Norman, R.S.V. Oaten, I. O'Brien, T.F. Olssan, D. O'Neill, H.D. Parioseen, J. Parker, P. Parks, J.B. Paul, M. Penny, P. Priestly, P.J.O. Ralph, P. Rattle, B.W. & D. Rogers, C.D. Rogers, D.A. Sargent, K.N. Shand, C.C. Sheils, J.A. Sheridan, P.A. Stowell, R. Stephenson, P.A. Sutherland, G. Thomas, R. Tummons, P.N. Walker, B.J. Webber, B.J. West, E.H. Weston, B. Whitehead, R.M. Whitehouse, B. Worthington, R. Young.
Bruce West
Tickets are still available for this event. Contact Jeff Goodwin (9873-0420) or purchase tickets ($5 incl. cheese & wine) on the night.
Again, we will be the hosts of Daimler Chrysler in their excellent theatre at Lexia Place, Mulgrave 3170 (Melways Ref. 70 K11). Lexia Place is off Dunlop Road, and Daimler Chrysler is located at the very end of Lexia Place, on the left hand side. Ample car parking is available. Come along and enjoy an interesting and relaxing evening with your Puffing Billy colleagues.
| Date | Day | Event | Host/Contact | Brochure issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| June | Financial Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2001 | 2001/02 | 2000/01 | |
| Train kilometres for the month/year | 3,020 | 3,447 | 48,632 | 48,284 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 3,140 | 3,703 | 48,637 | 50,184 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 61 | 166 | 2,650 | 3,589 |
| NA locomotive days for month/year | 72 | 87 | 1,032 | 1,069 |
| Carriage kilometres for month/year | 21,625 | 26,238 | 383,206 | 379,224 |
| Carriage Days for month/year | 675 | 724 | 9,701 | 9,429 |
| Highest kms operated loco | 1,019 | 1,288 | 13,902 | 14,366 |
| Highest kms operated pass vehicle | 1,328 | 1,460 | 16,512 | 19,146 |
| Highest kms operated wagon | 47 | 3 | 349 | 287 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 75% | 57% | 66% | 47% |
| Scheduled trips run | 157 | 212 | 2,533 | 2,769 |
Locomotive distances for the year --
| 12A | 13,902kms | (301 days) |
|---|---|---|
| 14A | 12,453kms | (253 days) |
| 7A | 10,568kms | (224 days) |
| 8A | 5,543kms | (132 days) |
| 6A | 5,485kms | (122 days) |
| DH59 | 1,253kms | (45 days) |
| D21 | 1,233kms | (39 days) |
| NRT 1 | 164kms | (15 days). |
Top 5 carriages were 24 NB 16,512kms, 5NBD 16,361kms, 52 NBH 16,108kms, 23NBH 15,548kms and 21NBH 15,123kms. 146NQR ran the least distance (987kms), just bettered by 220NQR (1,438kms).
13 goods vehicles ran during the financial year. The two Walhalla Goldfields Railway ballast wagons had the highest distance of 349 kilometres each over 15 days.
There were 102 Night Trains for the year. 414 one-way trips with more than one engine. There were 53 days where four or more engines were in steam.
Bob Wilson