September 2002
#350
September 2002
#350
Throughout the 1990s we were all focused on returning the little train to Gembrook, and then on digesting the operational changes that resulted from achieving that goal on 18th October 1998.
The PBR now faces a new century without a single simple goal to drive planning and action. We are carrying record numbers of passengers, with higher expectations, in a more competitive tourist market. Our existing facilities, operating arrangements and human resources are reaching practical limits and are inadequate for the expected demands of coming years.
To develop a shared vision, PBR planning committee members (comprising the Board, PBPS Executive Committee members and other senior staff) worked together throughout the second half of 2001. The product is our draft strategic plan " Puffing Billy Railway - the next ten years (2002-2011) " Copies of this plan have been placed on display on the railway for the information of interested volunteers and staff.
The plan confirms and updates a number of important philosophical principles:
From these principles flow over 170 identified actions or projects impacting how all branches of the railway operate. However, some additional projects that have been discussed have been omitted from the plan as not likely to be achievable within the ten year planning horizon. Even so, the strategic plan includes capital works totalling $12.8 million (at current prices) over ten years, and estimates a funding shortfall of $6.4 million based on present ETRB/PBPS funding capacity. Consequently a high priority for the Board and management team throughout 2002 has been seeking of additional funding, both internally and externally.
With the appointment of Ray Leivers as CEO confirmed, the Board is now proceeding with two further steps in the management re-structure.
Alan Gardner has been appointed Manager Workshops. The New Workshops branch, which he heads, is responsible for construction, restoration and maintenance of carriages & locomotives. Until the proposed position of Divisional Manager Infrastructure is implemented he will report directly to the CEO.
Following from the re-structure above, Don Marshall will become Manager Train Operations. This position also reports directly to the CEO. The Train Operations branch encompasses his existing responsibilities for drivers, firemen, guards, signalmen and train control / safeworking (previously Loco Running Branch and Traffic Branch).
A key focus for the new branch over the next few months will be the implementation of the self-managed team pilot for Drivers as proposed in the Linqage International report.
Don will also continue to oversee Rail Safety Accreditation, OH&S and some specified aspects of Risk Management (such as Emergency Procedures and First Aid) until they are re-structured. Each of these areas is becoming increasingly important and are expected to absorb significant senior management resources over 2002/2003.
The already-scheduled Traffic and Mechanical Branch meetings for August and September will continue. The managers concerned will announce new branch meeting arrangements by October so that processes are fully bedded down by October/November in time for the summer busy season.
All interested volunteers and paid staff are invited to an information meeting to be held Date: Wednesday 18th September 2002, commencing 7.45pm
John Thompson, President PBPS editor@pbr.org.au
Graeme Breydon, Chairman ETRB chairman@pbr.org.au
The final round of Level 2 First Aid courses (2 day course) has been booked for this year. The courses will be held in Belgrave on the following dates: Saturdays 9th and 16th of November and Monday and Tuesday the 18th and 19th of November. Further courses will not be available until April 2003. A reminder that the Board policy states that: All staff and drivers are required to obtain and maintain Level 2 certification. All safe-workers and head conductors are also strongly encouraged to sit the course. All new applications for Driver, Fireman or Safeworkers will also be required to obtain and maintain their qualification. To put your name down for one of these courses please contact Deb Lyons in the Kings Rd office. (deb.lyons@pbr.org.au , 5968 6268 or 9757 0613). There are limited places available so please be quick. If you would like to obtain your certification but cannot attend either of these courses you can arrange personally with St John or the Red Cross to attend one of their classes. Please obtain your Divisional Managers authorisation before sitting outside courses to ensure the reimbursement of your costs.
Don't forget the Book Fair on Sunday 15th September at the Masonic Hall, Bayview Road, Belgrave. Open from 10.00am to 4.30pm. Over 2000 books, many that are rare and long out of print. For the detailed catalogue go to www.puffingbilly.com.au/fan
If you can assist on the day contact Graeme Breydon. See you there.
The Traffic Committee invites interested volunteers to call with expressions of interest to attend the next Introduction to Safeworking session(s). Unfortunately the committee is unable to advise the date(s) as the training sessions will be organised around other special events on the railway that have not been finalised. However, it is hoped that there will be more than one Saturday allocated in November.
The prerequisite to apply for the 2003 Safeworking Course No.23 is to attend an Introduction session either this year or to have attended a previous year. Hopefully dates for both the Introduction to Safeworking sessions and next years Safeworking Course will be advertised in the October Monthly News. Additional information will also be given regarding the application procedure for the safeworking course No.23.
In the meantime please call Deb Woodward, Ops & Admin Officer or deb.woodward@pbr.org.au if you wish to be notified the dates of the Introduction to Safeworking session(s). If you have already expressed an interest there is no need to call again.
When you make coffee or tea from the machine please record on the side of the machine how many drinks you have made for yourself or fellow volunteers and staff. If all volunteers and staff could please use the cups provided in the top two drawers in the shop or bring their own cup. Washing and drying equipment is located in the sink area in the hallway. Please return the washed and dried cups to the drawer.
Sue Ham
We were saddened to hear of the death of PBPS Member Syd Cleland recently. Syd was involved in Refresh. Services for many years, although he had not been on the railway for some time due to his ill health. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Dan O'Connor
Secretary PBPS
This circular was recently issued covering the use of the wedge lock in the small point lever on No.1 Road at Menzies Creek. Please familiarise yourselves with the instructions.
This circular was recently issued detailing changes, summarised below, to the locking arrangements on the Intermediate Crossover at Belgrave. Please peruse a copy of this circular when next at Belgrave.
The Annett lock has been moved from beside No.1 Rd points to the rear of the 2 lever frame. Plunger locks are now fitted to both ends of the crossover but can only secure the points for their normal position, ie straight ahead along either No.1 or No.2 Roads. The blue locking lever must still be padlocked when the Annett key is removed from the frame for additional security.
As a result of some recent IDRs, safeworkers are reminded of the following.
Could Night Train Guards please ensure that on arrival back at Belgrave:
The red "Staff Locked Away" boxes are only to be used to secure the Staff when it is required to be locked away awaiting an ACRE message. Once the ACRE message has been received, the Staff is to be moved to another secure location, eg cupboards housing staff exchange boxes or a lockable drawer. (Supplementary Instructions P 30)
Please ensure that the Portable Air Brake Apparatus is returned to the cupboard at Belgrave at the end of the day rather than being left in a van or other vehicle. This will enable it to be found if required for another set.
Safeworkers are reminded that certain small trolly trailers, denoted in the Working Time Table as "Rail mounted Tools or Tool Carriers", are able to be on-tracked in a Staff section when not in possession of a Staff or Ticket and must be protected against train movements as an obstruction. Any movement within Yard Limits must still be authorised by the Signalman.
The Local Instructions for Lakeside state that the normal position of the Down Home "Departure" Signal is Proceed. This means that the Signal may be left at Proceed unless there is a reason for placing it to Stop whereas the normal rule for a Home Signal at a Staff Station is that it is only to be placed to Proceed when required for a train movement. This signal should therefore be placed to Stop when an Up movement has been signalled from Gembrook or the main line beyond the signal is occupied.
Greg Michael
Traffic Superintendent
Guards & Signalmen are asked to remember that it is not necessary to retain the faxed copy of a Staff Ticket or the fax transmission receipt once you have ascertained that it is correct by reference to the TR Book and you have entered the time the 'Acre' message was received. Please dispose of the faxed copy by placing them in the rubbish bin - please do not place them with the used Staff Tickets. There is nothing to record that the 'Acre' has been transmitted other than the hand entry in the TR Book when it is sent by phone, so why should we need to keep a faxed copy of the Staff Ticket when they are faxed? This was the rationale behind our decision.
Rob Emmerson
Operations Supervisor
A Number of complaints have been received recently on Guards not completing their duties correctly.
Minimum requirements.
| Down Journey | Menzies Creek | Arrival and Departure. |
| Packing Shed | Arrival. | |
| The Stationmaster is not to leave the station for dinner until the train has arrived at the Packing Shed. | ||
| Up Journey | Packing Shed | <Departure Time (Currently 2NC has no radio, so make arrangements with shed staff to ring Belgrave and advise of your departure.) |
| Menzies Creek |
| |
| Belgrave |
| |
As per instructions issued on July 29th and until further notice, please note that it is a requirement that ALL AAT/Australian Pacific and Grayline Passengers are to be ushered by either the Head Conductor or Conductor to their respective reserved carriage.
During the next few weeks whilst construction of the new footpath near the Belgrave - Gem-brook Road is being undertaken, all Tour buses are to drop off their passengers in the Connex station. Our staff are to meet the buses at the Connex terminal, walk the passengers to our station and usher them onto their respective carriages. Normally the bus driver would stay with the group until the train departs but due to parking constraints this is not possible. Unfortunately, over the past week we have had a couple of instances where passengers were not shown to their carriage, boarded the train with the general public and thereby didn't know to detrain at Menzies Creek - ending up at Lakeside.
Can you please ensure that these instructions are carried out and that the Tour Bus passengers are walked directly to their carriages and instructed to detrain at the first station, Menzies Creek.
If you have any queries please call me on ext. 740.
Glenda Rae
When you collect a group travel voucher and place it in your conductor bag please remember to remove the voucher from the bag at the end of the day and hand to the SM at Belgrave. Unfortunately a voucher misplaced means lost income for the railway.
It would be appreciated if all Booking Officers would make an effort to keep the Booking Office tidy by placing any rubbish in the waste basket and by generally tidying up before they depart at the end of the day. This includes making sure that their End-of-Day tasks are completed, such as changing the ticket daters, filling up brochure racks (including those outside) and bringing in any signs and information boards. Please leave the Booking Office in the condition in which you would expect to find it.
Please also note that when having hot drinks from the Refresh, you should be using the plastic cups provided and not the paper ones. Please remember to wash and dry your cup at the end of the day and place it back in the Refreshment Room. Your help in these matters would be much appreciated.
Twice recently Booking Officers have used bundles of Edmondson Tickets out of sequence. Both times the Booking Officer seems to have forgotten that there are 'spare' tubes of Lakeside Tickets in the top rack of the Ticket Cabinet and have instead placed the next bundle from the cupboard in the tube and proceeded to use that. In one instance recently this would have meant that the sales for the day of that issue were 218 tickets, which should have alerted the Booking Officer to the fact that there was something wrong as the money would not have balanced. However, this was not the case and it was only discovered 5 days later and by then we had sold another 75 tickets from the wrong bundle. This only makes an already hard job for our Finance Staff even harder. Please ensure that you have the next bundle in sequence.
Rob Emmerson
Operations Supervisor
Available from early September is the latest release from Steam Media titled "2001 - The Year In Steam". 120 minutes of video packed with the railway events in Victoria in 2001. Available soon from Belgrave Shop for $44.95. This is a 'must have' video.
We have all awaited the arrival of the 6A mug, the artwork was worth the wait, so please check out the difference in the mugs 6A and 7A mugs.
You may not be aware but the world sugar price has increased a couple of times in the last few months. The flow on effect from this has been that the price of many food items has also been increased. Please take the time to check the prices on the list to see if there have been increases.
Sue Ham
Readers may be interested to know that we had 16 "Jingle Bells" dinner trains over the two-month period. We catered meals to 1003 patrons who were entertained by Father Christmas on each night. Thanks to Reg Williams, Ian Sheehy, Carl Barnard, Peter Marshall, John Conway, Ted Horton and Darren McEwan who handed out the goodies.
We also catered for a wedding reception for 70 guests.
Work is now in progress on the installation of a commercial dishwasher and other improvements. Our next Night Train will be operating on 31 st August. For those people who work at the shed, training will be provided on the operation of our new equipment.
We anticipate running another RSA course towards the end of the year, possibly in November. Would those volunteers who work on the Lunch and Night Trains who would like to attend please let Larry James know.
Liquor Licensing Victoria runs the half-day course and a certificate is issued at the completion.
Larry James
Work continues on the refurbishment of NA suspension links.
We are pleased to congratulate Graham Knight on passing his examinations for driver of the Board's steam locomotive fleet. Congratulations Graham and well done.
Keith Holmes has passed his examinations for fireman with our steam locomotives. Congratulations Keith, you will now be able to give advice to your father.
Hugh Markwick
Work commenced at the end of July on Ruby bridge, the furthest of the four bridges we have contracted to repair. At the time of writing, the work on this bridge was almost completed. The work to date has been done by a team of volunteers working during the week under the leadership of Chris Adams. Anyone who would like to help Chris and the team should contact him. We are also planning a volunteer weekend in late September. If you would like to be involved in this please contact John Shaw
We now have four extra members of the Cleaning Executive who are with us for four months on a Community Jobs Program. They are with us to learn the skills needed to maintain buildings (and carriages) in a clean and attractive condition. Please make Mel, Matt, Rodney and Susan welcome.
We have been testing it on track patrols and have found a problem with ground clearance at level crossings. We are working through this issue with the manufacturer.
When our tamper was built ten years ago it was fitted with automatic levelling equipment. However the equipment used for setting the 'cant' on the track didn't work very well, so for twelve years we have done our lifting and levelling using track jacks and just used the tamper to pack the rock under the sleepers. We are now having the tamper fitted with electronic levelling equipment so that it can be used to its full potential.
Re-building of the track on the section between Beaconsfield Road and Lakeside is well under way with replacement of sleepers and removal of ballast being done between the Packing Shed and 'Superman Corner'.
Our next Volunteer Track Day will be on Saturday 21st September. 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
.No report this month. Work days as usual though.
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 David Eaton for the provision of marketing materials. Emile Badawy has provided copies of early drawings for early auto-coupler designs and proposed amendments for NQRs.
Hugh Markwick
Yes, the TACL restoration group has now formally handed over the TACL to the custody of the Museum. A very pleasant function and BBQ was held at the Museum to hand the engine over to the Museum. This is one of the rare artefacts from the pioneering forestry days of Victoria. To help maintain the engine in full operation Stan Gunn has been appointed the curator of the unit. To see the TACL running please come to the Museum for our quarterly steaming days.
On Sunday 28th July, Museum volunteers Eric Platt and Doug Witteveen displayed Casey Trolley NKS5 at the Emerald Township Winterfest, with Bruce and Helen Paroissien assisting. The trolley was transported to and from Emerald by road. It was displayed and operated using two panels of temporary track. Even though this is the third Winterfest where an NKS trolley has been displayed and operated, visitors continue to be fascinated by this equipment and their history.
NKS5 complemented a range of privately owned historical stationary engines and associated equipment, which were displayed on the lawn behind the Emerald Car Shops.
The wet weather had a bit of an impact and despite the engine being successfully started and stopped on three or four occasions, around lunchtime the engine cut out and the fault couldn't be determined. A couple of groups of children were given rides on the trolley up and down the track panels without the engine operating.
While this was going on Bruce and Helen Paroissien then joined the Emerald and District Vintage Machinery Group for a display at the Emerald Winterfest. The engines were set up in the railway's Emerald Parkland on the edge of the festival. Local members of various Clubs and Societies including Puffing Billy have displayed engines there on the past 3 Winterfests. The display was put on by 18 exhibitors and contained a variety of engines and associated equipment.
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
John Frost
For those interested in the 2002 Santa Special as Conductors, Signalmen, crews etc, now is the time to talk to your roster clerk. Santa Specials will be operating this year on Saturdays 7th, 14th and 21st December. The Twilight train will operate on Saturday 14th December.
"Country Branchlines of NSW - Part 1" by Train Hobby, $29.00 over the counter or $33.00 posted anywhere in Australia. "Country Stations, Victoria Part 3" is due in September.
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.
G42 Fundraising is proud to support Australian publishers of railway books.
Selling pre loved books, magazines and memorabilia. ocated behind the Emerald carshops in the Thomson building near the playground, our next opening is Saturday 7th September, 2002 and Saturday 5th October 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 Wren Watson for his recent donation of books to the G42 Shop.
The collection box figure for July, 2002 was $84.50. 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 donations, 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: J. Atkins, R.K. Beare, C.G. Bell, G. Cornish, A.F. Coxson, R. DeJager, I.B. Dewar, G.E. Ellis, G. Finster, A.C. Green, I. Grenfell, J. Hoy, R.G.A. Jamieson, A. Johnstone, C.H. Leigh, F.J. May, M.M. Moharich, D.H. Newing, P. Norton, H.D. Paroissien, R. Prewett, C.G. Rees, T. Sakazume, G.J. Schache, D. Stevenson, D. Thompson, P.J. Trenery, J. Tunks, W. Williams, W.A. Williams, R. Wilson, D.P. Woodward, A.P. Wymond.
Bruce West
The response to our events lately has been outstanding! The more you come along, the more you will enjoy the events.
Over 50 saw a great night of films with wine and cheese at Daimler-Chrysler. A big THANK YOU to Philip Leslie for organising the venue and Jeff Goodwin, Carl Barnard, Derek Garner and John Thompson for the films. Venetia Barnard put in a superb effort with the culinary part of the evening.
Bookings are coming along well for Walhalla (Saturday 21st September). There are still a few spots left but get in quick.
The evening at Cotswold House (Saturday 12th October)promises to be one for fine dining and a great speaker. Gordon Lindsay is an exceptional raconteur. Our visiting 'Professor' will give us much food for thought regarding the future of railways as he sees them. The restaurant management has changed this year and the new chef has worked at some of the finest restaurants in the world. The menu is spectacular.
The Spirit to Echuca (Sunday 24th November)has been very well subscribed. We are currently into our third carriage. Anyone wishing to go should book today or risk being disappointed.
Book early for the New Year's Eve Train. This year we plan to hold it on Tuesday 31st December. See Brochure for more details.
| Date | Day | Event | Host/Contact | Brochure issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 21st | Sat | Walhalla Wanderings | Philip Leslie | July |
| Oct 12th | Sat | Bowties at Cotswold House | Sue Ham/Philip Leslie | August |
| Nov 24th | Sun | Train to wherever...Echuca | Philip Leslie | August |
| Dec 31st | Tue | New Year's Eve Train | Jeff Goodwin | September |
| JULY | 2002 | 2001 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,339 | 3,428 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 3,547 | 3,428 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 51 | 288 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 83 | 78 |
| Carriage kilometres | 25,747 | 27,744 |
| Carriage Days for month | 759 | 780 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,471 | 1,213 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,320 | 1,377 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 35 | 97 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 77% | 50% |
| Scheduled trips run | 178 | 179 |
Sunday July 7th - 40th Anniversary Commemorative Special ran to Menzies Creek behind 6A hauling 2NBC, 2NBH, 13NBH, 125NQR & 21NQR. A great start to a great day for those of us who rode the first train 40 years ago.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank guards for properly filling out the new train running sheets. The new sheets are a big help to me. One of the best features for me is the recording of loco details on the front beside the running times. To the couple of people who are not using this column please do so.
In addition, please ensure that each train number is shown on the rear above a consist where more than one return trip is made.
Bob Wilson