December 2002
#353
December 2002
#353
There has been a change to this page. The back-Issues are now indexed on a separate page.
My apologies to Netscape users who did not see this page as I intended. I have now discovered the unreported bug that caused the problem and altered my code to work around Netscape's idiosyncratic code.
This index has been revised due to branch renaming. Changes will continue for the next few months.[WR}
CONFIDENTIAL: Officer & Roster Clerk content details herein are for official Railway use only and are not to be used for other purposes.
Each month, all staff and active volunteers receive Monthly News to provide them with details of rosters and other current operational information and news. This issue is also being sent to other Society members. We do this each year to highlight the number of volunteers required to operate the railway over our busy season. Conductors and shop staff are extremely important as they are the "face of the Railway" to our customers. If you are a lapsed conductor or would be willing to work in the shops, we'd especially like to welcome you back to help overcome some looming volunteer shortages, especially on weekends.
The first annual KFRwT, organized by the Rotary club and based on a concept by our own Kevin Mathisen, took place in perfect weather on 20th October at Gembrook. Over 330 youngsters participated in the 3 fun runs, picnicked with their parents and friends in Russell Park and participated in the community market at the station. The event shows all the signs of becoming another PB regular success story. Thanks to the extra two dozen or so PB people who made our part of the event happen.
For the past 16 weeks, 12 people have been participating in employment and training via " Tracks to the Future ", our state government-funded Community Jobs Program (CJP) project. On 18th November, John Pandazopolous, Minister for Employment, visited the railway to announce that two further TttF projects will commence at the end of January. These projects cover existing placements, plus extra workshop staff, a building trades team and a group who will work in Emerald Lake Park under the supervision of the Park staff.
On 27th October, 11 present and former members of the ETRB, including all 3 Chairmen, met to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the formation of the ETRB. This included the unveiling, at Gembrook of a board listing the names and terms of all 20 members and of the two secretaries to the Board.
The Park now has a professional call-centre service handling bookings for picnic shelters, amphitheatres, etc to replace the old message machine in the Rangers office. Hire of shelters, etc is now managed by the Puffing Billy Railway (9754 6800) on a commission basis. Groups can now organise a train ride and picnic shelter in one combined phone call.
The Swimming pool at the park will be open this summer from 14th December 2002 to 10th March 2003, unless the forecast temperature is below 22 degrees including cold, wet and stormy conditions. It will operate from 3pm-5.30pm on school days, and 12.30pm-5.30pm on weekends and holidays. Opening hours will extend to 7.30pm when the temperature is over 28 degrees in the evening. No fees are charged to enter the pool.
The Extraordinary General Meeting, which preceded the AGM, unanimously resolved to adopt the proposed constitution.
At the AGM on 17th November, the successful candidates for election as ordinary committee-men were David Conlan, Sue Ham, Henry Brohier and Chris leMarshall. All congratulations to them. See also the General News Section
Considerable work has been undertaken recently on defining the detailed requirements for the proposed loco workshop extension, amenities building, and revised facilities for Way & Works at Belgrave. Preliminary designs are displayed for information of staff and volunteers in the Belgrave meeting room. We expect to refine these for presentation to affected parties (such as the local council and neighbours) by mid-December. An Information Night for interested PB staff and volunteers is scheduled for 7.30pm Wednesday 12th February 2003 at a location to be advised. An update on these projects will be given and an opportunity given for questions and discussion.
It is pleasing that the railway carried an all-time record number of passengers for October. This year we carried 25,526 passengers, exceeding the previous record of 22,683 carried in 1991. Last year the railway carried 21,391 passengers. The trend has continued into November and is 20% up on last year.
We are sorry to learn of the passing of the last of the PBPS foundation members, Alan Williams. The condolences of all Alan's friends on the railway go to his family.
| Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au | John Thompson, PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au | Ray Leivers, CEO ray.leivers@pbr.org.au |
I have been inspecting as much of the railway and speaking with as many of the people associated with the railway as possible. I'm very impressed with the standards of our restoration, our works, our safeworking and our customer service. I would like to thank everyone at the Railway for the warm way I have been received and for the willing advice people have given me.
I will continue to consult with a lot of people whilst co-coordinating the implementation of the ten-year plan.
Ray Leivers CEO
At the A.G.M. certificates of appreciation were presented to the following people as an acknowledgment of their contribution to the railway. (This is a new award.)
| CARL & VENETIA BARNARD | KEVIN FINDLAY | CRAIG POTTER |
| GAYLE BLAKE | COLIN HART | CHRIS RAGGETT |
| LAURIE BUNN | HAROLD HIBGAME | ANDREW RAYMENT |
| BRIAN CRIMP | LORNA HOSIER | PHILIP RAYMENT |
| KAYE DEMPSTER | HUGH MARKWICK | RICHARD & CYNTHIA SEALEY |
| BOB & COLLEEN FARR | PETER MEDLIN | PETER STOWELL |
| LES FENWICK | DAN O'CONNOR | FRANK STAMFORD |
The following were awarded Gold Passes: Peter Walker; Bruce Paroissien, Helen Paroissien, Doug Parberry and Don Marshall.
In addition John Robinson was presented with his Life Membership Plaque. John was awarded his life membership at the AGM three years ago.
Norm Holmes, a V.R. Railwayman for over 41 years passed away in September just short of his 88th birthday. As most members would know, Norm worked on the Walhalla Narrow Gauge line in the 1940s and had many stories of "The Garratt" and "Coffeepots" on the Erica/Platina Goods. Many of the older members will remember Saturday evening visits to Norm's and wife Beryl's railway house in Upper Gully after a day working on the track and listening to Norm's yarns of his early days at Moe (Beryl's home-made apple-pies were also an attraction!). After Puffing Billy returned to Belgrave in 1962 Norm regularly ran as Guard "on the narra". He loved those jobs so much he would swap rosters with other "Gully" Guards who didn't like working the little train. Norm couldn't understand their dislike of the Narrow Gauge as for him it was like a paid holiday!
Norm instilled a great love of railways in his family, particularly the narrow gauge. Sons Steve, Bernard and Kevin and Grandsons Keith, Murray and Christopher have volunteered in the past or continue to volunteer on the railway in various capacities and keep Norm's railway spirit and heritage alive. Vale Norm Holmes, Railwayman.
Steve Holmes.
Our condolences to Brian Provost and his family. Brian's father passed away recently, aged 89.
Our condolences to Geoff Tasker and his family. Geoff's father passed away recently.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the bridge gang at Korumburra, who provided assistance to me during my recent on-site accident. Thanks Team! I will miss your fellowship and lots of laughs.
Don English
Best wishes to Lorna Hosier after her recent time in hospital. We hope to see you on the railway soon.
Publishing notices about momentous events in the life of workers is an important part of Monthly News. We will publish notices we receive. Unfortunately, due to recent privacy legislation, we cannot rely on general knowledge to do so. We must have permission from the person concerned, or their next of kin, to publish personal information. Thanks to Steve for the contribution about his father. Without Steve's contribution, Norm's death would have passed unannounced.
If you are a volunteer (or the next of kin of a volunteer) and would like a paragraph published about a momentous event or the progress of an illness, please submit it. I repeat that legally we cannot publish personal information without permission, or it being information in the public arena, hence the attributions above.
No report this month
Guards are reminded that Train Running statements should remain with the consist, not with the guard. In other words, on 6 train days do not take your statement with you when you change consists.
At the Safeworking Meeting recently, we discussed the problem of crewing hours with the above roster and to comply with Rail Safety Accreditation. Guards and Conductors will work the following trains, which will give crews the required meal breaks within the RSA Specifications.
| No.1 Crew | 9/14, 21/28 | Change trains at Lakeside, Break at Belgrave. |
| No.2 Crew | 11/9, 28/32 | Change trains at Lakeside in both directions. Lunch at Gembrook. |
| No.3 Crew | 15/22, 35/40 | Change Trains at Lakeside, Break at Belgrave |
| No.4 Crew | 25/40--42 | Through to Gembrook, Change Trains Lakeside. |
Coloured graphs will be produced before the timetable starts.
Guards are reminded that the Public Timetable departure time for No 18 from Menzies Creek is 1.05 pm. The WTT shows 1.10 ( (blob) which means that the Train may depart 5 minutes earlier if safeworking/engine swap is complete. If the Train is held to 1.10 needlessly this delays the run round of the loco for No.17 loco resulting in the late departure of its train.
All safe-workers are reminded of the need to follow good operating practice when unlocking hand-locking bars. This especially applies to the hand-locking bar on the "TR" points at Belgrave. It is recommended that this is unlocked before shunting operations commence, i.e. well before the locomotive arrives at the TR point.
Caution should also be exercised when operating the "S1" lock on the lever itself to minimise your exposure to risk. The re-arrangement of Belgrave yard for the workshops extension project will require these points to be relocated and these issues will be addressed in the design of the new arrangements.
An instance has been reported of Lakeside being found with both the Down Home (Arrival) Signal and an Up Home signal at Proceed. This is not permitted. Under Guard in Charge conditions only the Home signal applicable to the next scheduled arrival may be at Proceed.
Further reports have been received of signal levers at Gembrook being left unlocked. Guards must ensure that all signal levers are secured in the appropriate positions before departing Gembrook.
All safe-workers are reminded of the need to observe the signal arm or repeater, if fitted, after operating a signal lever to ensure that the arm has fully obeyed the lever. Instances have been reported where the Down Home Signal at Lakeside has been deliberately interfered with. If the repeater does not match the expected indication, then an inspection of the signal apparatus is required to determine the reason.
Greg Michael
Another reminder to all Guards: Whenever either 2NBC or 2NC have been used for power car purposes they are to be placed back on charge as soon as possible after stabling.
With the high usage expected during the forthcoming busy season, it is imperative that the batteries are recharged at every opportunity. Guards are also reminded that there are suitable power points at both Belgrave and at Nobelius Siding to enable you to place the batteries on charge whilst standing at both these locations.
Andrew Wheatland
Please note the following arrangements for6 train days. The (E) GREEN timetable will be in operation during this period.
Conductors should be at Belgrave at least 11/2 hours before their scheduled departure to help with train preparation, direct passengers to carriages and answer questions.
Train No. 9/28 10:00am ex-Belgrave to Gembrook and ex-Gembrook 02:10pm
(wait at Lakeside for the 1st Shuttle to arrive as passengers will transfer from the Shuttle to your train)
Train No. 11/14 10:30am ex-Belgrave to Lakeside. ex-Lakeside 11:40pm
Train No. 21/32 12:45pm ex-Belgrave to Lakeside. ex-Lakeside 04:00pm
Train No. 15/22: 11:40am ex-Belgrave to Lakeside. ex-Lakeside 01:50pm
Train No. 35/40: 04:00pm ex-Belgrave to Lakeside. ex-Lakeside 05.25pm
(return on the 2nd ex-Gembrook train swapping with the 2nd Gembrook crew at Lakeside)
Train No. 25/40: 01:50pm ex-Belgrave to Gembrook. ex-Gembrook 04:40pm
Train No. /42 06:00pm ex-Lakeside
(return on the last train departing Lakeside swapping with the 2nd Shuttle crew)
If you can spare an additional day during this period it will be greatly appreciated, let your Roster Clerks know.
At the Safeworking Meeting recently, we discussed the problem of crewing hours with the above roster and to comply with Rail Safety Accreditation. Guards and Conductors will work the following trains, which will give crews the required meal breaks within the RSA Specifications.
| No.1 Crew | 9/14, 21/28 | Change trains at Lakeside, Break at Belgrave. |
| No.2 Crew | 11/9, 28/32 | Change trains at Lakeside in both directions. Lunch at Gembrook. |
| No.3 Crew | 15/22, 35/40 | Change Trains at Lakeside, Break at Belgrave |
| No.4 Crew | 25/40--42 | Through to Gembrook, Change Trains Lakeside. |
Coloured graphs will be produced before the timetable starts.
A number of Conductors have recently acquired their own 'Connie Bags' and have requested they be provided with a 'M' key. A personal 'M' key is issued to qualified Head Conductors only and is not provided when Conductors purchase their own 'Connie Bag'. It is suggested that Conductors in the meantime continue to use the 'Connie's Bags' stored in the SM's office at Belgrave, which have an 'M' key attached. This particularly applies if you are the only Conductor on the last UP train, in which case you may need to lock toilets at Lakeside and Menzies Ck
.Cleaning staff have asked Conductors to roll down the curtains on carriages parked on No.3 Road under the trees. Carriages are often full of leaves and twigs the next morning when curtains are left up.
A number of new Conductors have made enquires as to when they will receive their Puffing Billy Name Badges. Orders are sent for Name Badges from time to time, and are dependent on sufficient numbers to warrant an order. To make sure your name is on the next order, see Sue Ham, when you are next rostered on at Belgrave. Please be patient.
A big appreciation is extended to the tireless and hard working weekend Conductors. More often than not, a Conductors working on weekends is the only Conductor on their train. Weekends are often an extremely busy time. So, thank you again for your efforts! Any weekday Conductors looking to undertake a weekend run let the Roster Clerks know, your assistance will be greatly welcomed.
Christmas is just around the corner; the shops have a great collection of presents for you.
The Santa Train; a beautiful crafted 'Christmas piece' with Santa on his train with all the toys, retails for $70-00.
Just in: A brooch; a delicate train pulling carriage and guards van, with smoke set as pearl drop and wheels of gems. Great valve for only $15-00.
Another great gift idea. Our coffee mug, celebrating our Railways' centenary is now available for only $8.00.
In case anyone has forgotten, this is the Christmas edition of Monthly News and with it comes the need for that last minute gift. Two great videos from Steam Media for the train enthusiast
Both available from Belgrave Shop, both $44.95 each and of 120 minutes in duration!
From Train Pictures in Queensland come the images of the "Mary Valley Heritage Railway", Queensland. Running for 85 minutes, this one is available on Video for $29.95 or on DVD for $39.95. Also available "Model Trains - The Train Place Volume 1" - 30 minutes of model action, including "cab rides" in stereo sound. On Video for $19.95.
As well as videos we have a wide range of books. Here are just some of the titles -
| "Victorian Railways - The Way it Was" | at $79.95. | Limited stock. |
| "A Day in the Life of G42" | at $35.95 | .Limited stock. |
| "Focus on Walhalla Line" | at $35.95 | Limited stock. |
| "Focus on Whitfield Line" | at $35.95 | . |
Come in and check out all the other titles available.
Bruce West
Occasionally, we receive requests for refunds on Night Train tickets. It is the general policy that we do not refund tickets that have been previously fully paid. Customers are informed that refunds are not allowed 14 days before the date of travel i.e. at that stage the ticket is fully paid. Each ticket states clearly that they are not transferable or refundable.
Catering for our dinner trains and booking of meals is arranged before each night and our caterers charge us accordingly.
If you receive a request for a refund kindly advise the customer of our policy.
The busy December season is upon us and we have 21 dinner trains for this month.
At the time of writing we have 89 rostered positions available and so far we have 63 filled.
If you are available to work on a Night Train this is the month that we really need you. Perhaps there may be a few volunteers who haven't worked on a train for a while and would like to fill a vacancy or two. If you can please contact our volunteer roster officer Keryn Fisher or Larry James in the office
When the train arrives at the Packing Shed with our guests, please take in to the Shed any opened bottles of wine, beer etc together with the dirty glasses and savoury plates. This will ensure that opened bottles will be used efficiently and that our glasses can be washed in the dishwasher and returned to the train ready for the next Night Train.
Please leave the emptying of the ice chests and tidying up of the carriages until around 10pm.
The key point is to ensure that we have all rostered staff in the Shed ready to serve our patrons with drinks and the first course i.e. soup.
The quicker we organise ourselves when the train arrives means that the train can continue down to Lakeside for ER purposes and return so that staff who wish to eat their meal in the carriages may do so.
Larry James
The work on G42 continues along with work on 8A. Please come along, all are very welcome and we will train you in any skills required.
The down end frame rail has been replaced and work has commenced on the two end panels. Hinges and brackets are being de-rivetted and sand blasted to enable riveting to the side and end panels when required. Two bogies are being prepared to replace the long wheel base bogies presently in use.
Hugh Markwick
The Fire patrol season is likely to hit us early this year and we need plenty of volunteers to cover all the patrols we need to run. This year we are unlikely to cancel any fire patrols unless we are subject to heavy and consistent rain.
There will be a Fire Patrol training session at Belgrave Gang Shed at 9.00 am on Saturday 7th December. Included in the training will be instruction on how to operate our road/rail vehicle.
Three of the four bridges are now completely re-furbished and work is well under way on Kardella Bridge. We still hope to finish the job in late November.
Anyone who would like to help Chris Adams and the weekday volunteer team should contact him
The new Way and Works gang shed is being designed and preliminary sketches are available for comment. If you would like to view them look in the corridor behind the Belgrave SM's Office or see Tom.
Testing as part of the accreditation regime is continuing. Track Patrollers will be contacted shortly to arrange a short training session in its use.
Trolley EBR 26 has been undergoing a re-build for some months. We anticipate it returning to the Railway in mid December.
Re-building of the track on the section between Beaconsfield Road and Lakeside continues with replacement of sleepers and removal of ballast being done near 'Superman Corner'. Most of this section has now been repaired and new ballast is being run out prior to tamping.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 21st December although the location has not yet been finalised.. The usual sumptuous BBQ lunch will be provided and transport will be provided from Belgrave at 8:00 am or directions can be given if you want to drive there yourself. Please let Roster Officer Norm know if you can attend.
Another reminder that the next Branch meeting will take place on Saturday December 14th, Kings Rd offices, Emerald at 9.30 a.m.
Immediately following the December meeting we will again sojourn to "Blarneys Celtic Affair" for lunch and a pleasant social afternoon.
The Signals workday will be brought forward to Sat 7th as we have our break-up on the regular day.
The Telephone lines days will be Sat Dec 28th. Both will commence at the Depot at 10.00 a.m.
The work details have yet to be finalised but we expect to concentrate on the Wig Wag and telephone circuits at Menzies Creek.
We are seeking the assistance of anyone who would be prepared to attend our S&T meetings for the purpose of taking and publishing the minutes. We meet on the second Saturday of the even months, (Feb, Apr, etc.) starting at 9:30 a.m., with a finish before 1 p.m. being our regular expectation.
We are seeking to improve our meetings (as well as reducing their length!) and see the addition of a minute secretary to our ranks as having a most beneficial input. If you feel that this might suit you, then please contact either Kevin or myself.
Just a reminder that with the warmer weather approaching, it may be necessary to pull signal levers to the third notch (where provided) to ensure correct operation.
Andrew Wheatland
Thanks to Emile Badawy for donations of copies of letter seeking applications for driver in charge at FTG for the narrow gauge line, also included was a list of examination questions. Donated was a collection of the plastic flags sold to the public. A recent working bee has tidied up the storage room, while Mel Elliott is organising some shelving to enable items to be stored on an orderly manner.
Hugh Markwick
If anyone has any old V.R. Stationary, eg. Qualification Certificates, forms, memos, letterhead etc., particularly from the 1900 - 1930 period, could you please send them or leave them at Belgrave for Andrew Rayment. Originals would be good but photocopies will do. Many Thanks in anticipation.
Andrew Rayment
Work on the clay hoppers is continuing. They have been lifted and cleaned and are being repainted in gloss black. These are quite rare now with the demise of rail haulage in Victorian quarries.
The next running day is Saturday 7th December 2002.
Our annual staff Christmas BBQ will be on Saturday 7th December. Please bring your own meat and everything.
Work is continuing on Delta, the small engine at the rear of the large shed. Additional stays have been cut out and foundation ring rivets are being removed in preparation of the firebox removal
Work is starting on a selected replacement of time expired sleepers in part of this track. Any help from the railway's track workers would be appreciated.
The sprinklers, which are running in the Museum, are not using Melbourne tap water and we are not breaking the water restrictions. We are using our own stored water from the large concrete tank, which is charged from the Museum roofs. The entire garden area is reticulated from the tank.
As usual, we are seeking additional help over the coming holidays to help open the museum during late December and early January 2003. If you can help us open the Museum over the six train running days could you ring the Deputy Manager or me and volunteer a day. The work is very light and you meet the most interesting people.
John Frost
We would like to wish all volunteers, members and staff the compliments of the season. Your continued support to restore G42 to service during 2002 has been very much appreciated by all involved in this long running project. Thank you and we look forward to your continued support in 2003 as G42 approaches its completion.
The locomotive profile book on the New South Wales AD60 Garratts by Train Hobby was released in late November. This book is a 'must' for any Garratt enthusiast and is available from the Belgrave Shop for $29.00 each or from G42 Sales for $33.00 each posted anywhere in Australia.
This book is a nostalgic look back at suburban and outer suburban steam operations between the 1950's and 1970's and is to be released in mid December by Train Hobby. This book is 96 pages and will be available from Belgrave Shop and G42 Sales for $49.95. The G42 Sales price includes postage anywhere in Australia.
Selling pre loved books, magazines and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald carshops in the Thomson building near the playground. Our next opening is Saturday 1st February, 2003 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be made by phoning Bruce West or Peter Medlin to arrange a suitable time.
Thank you to Norm Cross for his recent donation of magazines to the G42 Shop.
The collection box figure for October will be published in the next edition of Monthly News. 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: I. Bryant, G. Houston, G. Lankford, and I. Stanley.
Bruce West
No report this month.
| October | 2002 | 2001 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,329 | 4,327 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 4,805 | 4,641 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 216 | 219 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 96 | 92 |
| Carriage kilometres | 36,620 | 35,796 |
| Carriage Days for month | 875 | 870 |
| Highest kms operated loco | 1,479 | 1,667 |
| Highest kms operated pass vehicle | 1,658 | 1,643 |
| Highest kms operated wagon | 74 | 53 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 84% | 74% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 240 | 246 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 294 | n/a |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 27 | n/a |
With the even busier train running season approaching, I ask all guards that when filling out the Train Running Statements particular attention be given to four aspects please -
The new sheets have made my data extraction task much easier and I think the new layout will be particularly helpful on 6 train days provided all the above details are accurately recorded.
Thanks very much for the overall good recording job already being undertaken on the majority of occasions.
Bob Wilson