February 2003
#355
February 2003
#355
There has been a change to this page. The back-Issues are now indexed on a separate page.
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Bill Russell.
CONFIDENTIAL:
Officer & Roster Clerk content details herein are for official Railway use only and are not to be used for other purposes.
We have experienced a lot of fires along the railway over the last four weeks. In particular, there have been a number of ignitions in the section between Lakeside and Gembrook. The Management Planning Committee have determined to take a number of actions to reduce the fire risk in the area including:
We must take all steps possible to minimise any fire ignitions attributable to the railway.
Our bridge work for Victrack on the South Gippsland line has been completed on time and under budget. A number of "extras" for the customer resulted in extra revenue whilst costs have been contained by a high level of volunteer input. Congratulations to Col Cowling and his team for a job which has earned a tidy profit to help us provide matching funds for some of the CSF projects on our own railway.
On Sunday 16th February our friends the Rotary Club of Emerald and District will be presenting the 10th All American Car Display and Swap Meet at Gembrook sports ground. The event caters for all types of American vehicles: classic, vintage, veteran, hot rod and custom. They will be supported by the Thunderbirds Rod & Custom Club and the Emerald & District Machinery Group.
The previously, advertised information night for interested volunteers & staff will be held from 7.45pm on Wednesday 12th Feb at the Masonic Hall in Belgrave. Come along for an update on our plans for re-development at Belgrave, operating results for the summer season, "Tracks to the future 2" (our CJP programme) and other developments.
Congratulations to the Get G42 Going Committee for mounting a successful Santa special season despite having to resort to diesel haulage due to a total fire ban on one scheduled day. Current projections indicate that the PBPS G42 fund will have a significant shortfall in 2003 if work continues at the planned rate to have the loco out-shopped in 12 months so every dollar raised is critical.
Cardinia Shire has sealed the "missing link" in the roadway to Lakeside station, from the "new" level crossing to the start of the bus loop. In addition, the pool has been reopened and the water slides will be open during the summer. Numerous other minor improvements have been made throughout the park resulting in a greatly improved appearance.
There's a lot more to Puffing Billy than the work on trains and track that tends to dominate our news reports. We are co-operating with the "Friends of Clematis Creek" who have banded together to address problems along the creek that flows under the railway at Belgrave. With support from Melbourne Water's Stream Frontage Management Program the group will engage a contractor to control weeds near the creek on our Stanley Street properties and further upstream. We also join from time to time with the "Friends of Sherbrooke Forest" to tackle weeds in 'Yanakie" between Old Monbulk Rd and Belgrave-Gembrook Rd as well as fielding our own weeding team at the Monbulk Creek trestle bridge (Tuesdays), and gardening groups at Belgrave (also Tuesdays) and Gembrook (Mondays). In addition, we annually spray the entire track bed to keep it weed-free and are currently engaged in blackberry spraying for the full length of the line.
Congratulations to those involved in the six-train running. It is a hectic time and one that only works with significant teamwork. It is pleasing to report that during the busy period from 18th December to 7th January 2002/03, we carried 25,181 passengers compared to 22,460 in 2001/02 and 22,163 in 2000/01. Well done to all those who have contributed!
The Victorian Government on re-election have moved Tourism into the Department of Industry, Innovation and Regional Development. The Minister we report to is still Mr John Pandazoupoulos.
| Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au | John Thompson, PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au | Ray Leivers, CEO ray.leivers@pbr.org.au |
Please note that contributions to Monthly News can be made by Email to: monthlynews@pbr.org.au
Are you a Puffing Billy volunteer who is keen to spend some time learning about and caring for the environment of the 'Puffing Billy Corridor'?
Volunteers are removing weed vegetation and planting indigenous plants along the Puffing Billy Corridor. Would you like to help? Phone: Vicki Boyle, after hours on 9754 4505 for work in the 'Monbulk Creek Trestle bridge' area. Phone: Merle Mathisen on 5968 1011 for work in the Gembrook Station area.
If you have noticed other areas where you would be interested to work we may be able to assist. Phone as above.
No report this month
I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all our Guards, Signalmen, Drivers and Firemen for their efforts during the recent 6-train running season. Despite a few hiccups things generally ran very well. It is important that we remember that we are now part of the one group and are not working at odds. We all have the one aim - and that is to run the trains for everyone's enjoyment and pleasure - both our passengers and ours.
Apart from the 6-train periods at the end of January and then Easter, our next big challenge will be maintaining services during the Belgrave Loco Workshops redevelopment, especially as all trains will need to be operated out of Menzies Creek for a 2 or 3 week period. This is going to be a challenging time for us all and I look forward to your assistance.
Rob Emmerson
Acting Manager, Train Operations
Conductors and Head Conductors are invited to join Les Fenwick for an afternoon of training to qualify as a Museum Tour Guide. Ability to conduct the Museum Tour is essential for Conductors, especially those rostered during the normal weekday operations on the Midday/Luncheon Special train. The course will commence at 1:00pm and conclude at 3:00pm on Saturday 15 February. Afternoon Tea at the Aura Tea Rooms will be provided. As places are limited, please let Les know by telephoning him if you would like to attend by no later than 12th February please.
Throughout the declared Fire Season, Fire Patrols are mandated to follow every Puffing Billy passenger service (including Night Trains). Henry Brohier, well known to many Conductors, has assumed the task of Roster Clerk for the Fire Patrols and he is anxious to hear from any Conductors who would like to participate in a Patrol as an Assistant.
Assistants, at the Direction of the Trolley Driver, act as an important second set of eyes and ears and may on rare occasions be called up to put out spot fires. You will be shown basic fire fighting techniques, shown how to operate the Fire Pump and hose, use of radio, and be given instruction in how to stop the Trolley in an emergency. Duties for Track Patrol Assistants are similar except you have an early morning start.
You do not need to be safeworking qualified to be a Fire Patrol or Track Patrol Assistant. You do need to be reasonably fit and be looking for a new volunteer experience on the railway. This is also a terrific way to 'see the line' from a different view and learn something of safeworking procedures which will be of benefit when conversing with passengers on your Conducting runs and understanding some of the tasks assigned to Guards.
If you would like to do a Fire Patrol or Track Patrol, telephone or e-mail Henry
Conductors are sought to help with the forthcoming Thomas the Tank Engine Saturdays & Sundays at Emerald Station. Duties include crowd control, providing information to patrons and checking of tickets. It's a fun day and will give you another volunteer experience apart from normal Conducting duties. A minimum of 3 conductors per day is required and the Roster Clerks would like to hear from you if you would like to help by no later than 28th February please.
The Conductor and Head Conductor training courses are to be held on Saturday 12th February 2003 ONLY at Belgrave Station. There were insufficient applicants to hold the course mid-week. The Conductor course starts at 9:00am and the Head Conductor course commences at 1:00pm. Each course runs for approximately 3 hours. A formal invitation will be sent to Conductors attending these courses shortly.
Thank you again all Conductors who generously gave of their time and helped during 6 train running and for those, who in addition to Conducting, also undertook to help with Fire Patrols. Your time and effort were fantastic!
No report this month.
No report this month.
No report this month.
No report this month.
No report this month.
Norm Mauger stepped down from the role of Roster Officer for Track and Fire Patrols at Christmas and his place has been taken by Henry Brohier.
Thank you Norm for your efforts and welcome aboard Henry.
We have been running the most intensive Fire Patrol effort in the history of the Railway since early December and despite occasional equipment breakdowns we have managed to keep up with the need.
It is likely that the season will continue for some time yet and the wonderful response by all our Fire Patrollers and assistants is very much appreciated.
The South Gippsland Railway bridge contract is now complete and very well done.
Congratulations the Colin Cowling, Bernie Stevenson and the many workers involved. Thanks go especially to Chris Adams and our team of volunteers who put in a huge effort in re-decking the bridges and replacing the track.
Well Done Everyone!
Planning is progressing on the locomotive workshop extension, amenities block and gangshed and we are now at the point of public consultation. Plans are on display at Belgrave and anyone who would like to have a look (and provide any constructive criticism or suggestions) should do so in the next couple of weeks.
Planning for the track alterations needed is complete and at this stage we expect to start work on constructing the four special turnouts needed. These turnouts will incorporate a 40m (2 chain) radius curve on one side and special 'Vee' crossings are being manufactured in Castlemaine to suit them.
There will be a period of 2-3 weeks when access to the loco servicing pit, the workshops, the gangshed and No 3 Road will not be possible. This will cause huge disruption and therefore we plan to work seven days a week with long hours to minimise the time involved.
The vehicle is now in use and has already proven its worth as both a track patrol and fire patrol vehicle.
Drivers are reminded that as a road vehicle it must not be refuelled from the bowser at Belgrave. We claim a tax rebate on this fuel because it is not for use in road vehicles. Fuel for this vehicle can be obtained from any petrol station using the fuel card attached to the key.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 15th February 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 Henry know if you can attend
.John Shaw will be absent on leave from 29th January to 24th February. During that time please address any Way & Works matters to Dave Conlan or Tom Kilner.
The next S&T Branch meeting will take place on Saturday February 8th, Kings Rd offices, Emerald at 9.30 a.m. After the meeting we will hold our regular Signals workday. We will again concentrate on the Wig Wag.
The Telephone lines workday will be Sat Feb 22nd commencing at the Depot at 10.00 a.m.
Andrew Wheatland.
No report this month.
The Lineside Attractions Division will be representing the Puffing Billy railway at the NHMA rally, which will be held at Heyfield from 8th to 10th March 2003. This is a major event in the Historic Machinery world and we are looking at taking the Malcolm Moore 2" gauge engine, a 2'6" trolley and possibly the TACL with us down to Heyfield. It is proposed to set up a display of the railway and the Museum in a tent on site and we expect to run the trolley and engines on a short demonstration track, which will be built for our use. If you are in East Gippsland over the Labour day weekend put this event on your calendar as it is one of the few times it will be held in Victoria.
There will be over 1000 stationary engines on site as well as 20 steam rollers/ traction engines, other veteran, and classic vehicles on display. A total of over 3,000 exhibitors.
The next running day is Saturday 1st March 2003.
Work is continuing on replacing selected 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.
Following our annual appeal for additional curators we are pleased to welcome to our ranks Keith Snow who will be helping us out in this way. If anyone else would like to join us, you would be most welcome and all you need to do is to ring the manager or deputy manager. On the job training will be provided.
John Frost
The next G42 Committee meeting will be held in the conference room at Belgrave on Wednesday 5th February commencing at 7.00pm.
We would like to thank Lucy Fairlam, Peter Walker, Larry James, Bob Wilson and Ben Reid for their recent donations of books and magazines to the G42 Shop at Emerald.
Selling pre loved books, magazines and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald carshops in the Thomson building near the playground, our next openings are Saturday 1st February, and Saturday 1st March, 2003 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be made by phoning Bruce West or Peter Medlin to arrange a suitable time.
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. M. Moharich, Qld, T.W. Penn.
Bruce West
The dates for proposed Social Committee events for 2003 are as follows:
| 15th Feb | PB Progressive dinner train |
| DECEMBER | 2002 | 2001 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,493 | 4,968 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 4,620 | 5,084 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 317 | 311 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 91 | 99 |
| Carriage kilometres | 39,006 | 40,905 |
| Carriage Days for month | 892 | 940 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,497 | 1,701 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,629 | 1,593 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 19 | 48 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 35% | 61% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 244 | 256 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 295 | n/a |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 11 | n/a |
Monday 9th December, D21 towed the Climax locomotive from Belgrave to Emerald for storage until restoration can begin.
Monday 23rd December. DH59 took 19 empty vehicles to Menzies Creek for undergear inspection and return. Based on information I have, I believe this is the longest train the PBR has operated. Consist was 26 NAC, 13, 14, 18, 5, 4, 6, 51, 15 NBHs, 2 NBD, 2 NC, 2, 19, 8 NBHs, 223, 219, 135, 221, 220 NQRs.
I welcome comment if somebody has information to the contrary.
Bob Wilson