April 2003
#357
April 2003
#357
There has been a change to this page. The back-Issues are now indexed on a separate page.
Please note: These pages are provided by me, Bill Russell as a service to the P.B.P.S. & E.T.R.B.
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CONFIDENTIAL:
Content details herein are for official Railway use only and are not to be used for other purposes.
The modified spark arrester installed in 12A performed well under test and this locomotive has now switched back to using Blair Athol coal. The other NAs are being modified as rapidly as possible so that we can phase out the temporary use of Clarence coal.
The Peckett also received modified grids in time for the opening of the current "Thomas" season, but as Carbon and 861 have not yet been dealt with Thomas worked the shuttles with 'Dougal the Diesel" (also known as D21).
A string of rainy days enabled us to lift the ban on steam loco's travelling in the Lakeside-Gembrook section before the Labour Day weekend but mechanical failures meant that some diesel haulage was still necessary on some trips. If we don't receive more rain it may become necessary to revert to Diesel-only operation on this section again.
Following the 9.5% below budget patronage in January, February ended 14% down on expected passenger numbers and to mid-March we are running 21% behind. Whilst the January result was clearly linked to the number of total fire ban days that hasn't been a factor more recently. It is therefore becoming more critical that we make every effort to save costs and boost revenues for the rest of the year.
A team of four from the Deptartment of Infrastructure's (DOI) Public Transport Division performed the annual compliance audit of our Rail Safety Management System over two days in March. The overall result was good and the one reported non-compliance item was rectified the same week. The DOI also made a number of observations that will need to be closed out over the next few months.
We also hosted a familiarisation visit recently from the DOI's General Manager Safety and Manager Safety Policy & Planning.
Cardinia Shire hosted an official visit by the Governor of Victoria, John Landy A.C, M.B.E, on 21st February and we provided a (diesel-hauled) train to convey the official party from Cockatoo to Gembrook. The Governor was very impressed by the volunteers who staffed the train and by the fact that our Gembrook station is manned entirely by volunteers living locally.
| Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au | John Thompson, PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au | Ray Leivers, CEO ray.leivers@pbr.org.au |
The Emerald G42 Shop will be especially open on Saturday 5th April from 1.00pm to 8.00pm for the Puffing Billy Railway Volunteers BBQ. For those who haven't been able to get to Emerald when the shop is open, this could be your chance to pick up a book or magazine - don't forget to bring your "want" list you've always been looking for, or just pick up a bargain. Newsrails, Bulletins, Victorian books, Australian books, overseas books, tram magazines and books, videos and many other items in stock. All funds raised go towards G42's restoration. See you there.
Peter Medlin
We've had several instances recently where staff or volunteers parked in the Moondarra car park have had to leave the railway unexpectedly and found themselves blocked in by another parked car. If you block another parked car, even for 10 or 15 minutes you MUST immediately tell the Belgrave SM:
If you double-park then leave Belgrave on a train, trolley, etc you must also leave your car key with the SM. Of course, you might find it easier and preferable when the Moondarra car park is full to drive further along Old Monbulk Rd to the area below the staff stairway or in Stanley Street instead.
We are currently investigating ways to address the staff parking congestion problem and ask that for now everyone be patient and considerate of others until improvements are made.
We have a number of job vacancies involving great conditions (working on Australia's favorite steam, railway), and flexible hours but with not-so-great pay (nil). These include:
For further details of each position, or to lodge expressions of interest please call Ray Leivers
.Entry forms for the 22nd Great Train Race are streaming in and we are hopeful that last year's record of 2,200 entrants might be bettered on Sunday 4th May 2003. More entrants mean that more volunteers are needed so please contact our volunteer manpower manager, Deb Woodward if you can help on the day, e-mail woodward@net2000.com.au). If you can help with final-week administrative work or Saturday physical set-up chores please contact GTR coordinator Dan O'Connor (e-mail doc@cyberspace.net.au).
Note there will be no evening staff briefing meeting this year for GTR volunteers but all registered helpers will be issued a set of staff instruction notes at least 10 days prior.
The investigation report for the Guards van derailment at Gembrook has been received and accepted. The recommendations highlighted the importance of all personnel checking the points visually before beckoning a train through.
Ray Leivers
If you are interested in applying please contact Ms. Jo. Apicella, 'Workplaceconnect', email japicella@workplaceconnect.org.au.
This apprenticeship is funded by the Youth Employment Scheme (YES) and is administered by the Department of Innovation Industry and Regional Development through 'Workplaceconnect'
.Deb Woodward
We have been advised by the Shire of Yarra Ranges Council that they are intending to close Stoney Road to through traffic at the bottom of the hill shortly. This is initially for a trial period and will be reviewed at a later date. Please note this for your own information.
The Railway has a policy that there is strictly no smoking in Railway vehicles and buildings. This includes trolleys, locos and road vehicles. Could all those smokers working on the railway please be considerate of others.
Dr Steven Kaye will be visiting the railway on Thursday 10th April, between 10am and 11 am in Moondarra, to administer influenza vaccinations to all staff and volunteers. This is highly recommended to all persons who have regular contact with our passengers as it will offer some protection from exposure and lessen the chance of infection. If you wish to receive this free vaccination offered by the Board please advise Deb Lyons before April 7th email (deb.lyons@pbr.org.au) or by return slip available from the Belgrave Station Masters office.
NOTE: People who have allergies to eggs and feathers may also react to the vaccine so please check with your GP first.
There will be two Level 2 First Aid courses run during May. The first course will be on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd May, whilst the second will run over Saturdays 24th and 31st May. All safeworkers and head conductors are strongly encouraged under Board policies to gain this qualification. If you would like to participate in one of these courses please advise Deb Lyons, email (deb.lyons@pbr.org.au) as soon as possible as there are limited numbers of place available.
I have to report that Peter Priestly is on the 'sick list' this month. He is currently in the Dandenong Hospital, although by the time you read this it is hoped that he will be home again. Please remember to say Hi to him next time you see him on the platform.
I must also report that a volunteer of long standing on the railway, Rick Bryse, passed away on Tuesday 4th March following a relatively short illness. Rick will be remembered by those 'grey beards' amongst us as a regular worker in the early days of Puffing Billy.
A number of Ricks family and friends, including a good contingent from Puffing Billy, attended the funeral service at Muckleford on Tuesday 11th March. This was followed by a ride back to Maldon on Rick's last journey on the Castlemaine & Maldon Railway. Our thoughts are with Rick's wife Petra and their children at this time.
Dan O'Connor
Could all Guard/Signalman Supervisors and Examiners please note that if you have a trainee with you, as part of their training is completing the Train Running Statement, the name which should be shown on the form is that of the trainer and not the trainee. The most important reason is that the trainee is not the safeworker responsible for the duty and therefore for good record keeping and recording of safeworking duties the TRS must show the qualified safeworker and not the trainee.
I don't want to be negative but, it has been noted that some Safeworkers have been neglecting to enter Track Patrol completed and/or arrival back at Belgrave information into the T.R. Book at Belgrave. Observant ones will note the entries in red by the auditors on the appropriate pages of the T.R. Book. Please remember to complete all entries in the T.R. Book.
As from 1st March, Guards' Train Running Statements will be altered to show the docking times of both carriage sets and locomotives. These will then be used as a measure of our performance in providing trains for our customers. Carriages need to be docked at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of the train and locomotives (or at least one if double heading) should be attached at least 15 - 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Please destroy any old versions of Running Statements that you may have in your possession and replace them with the new ones.
Please Note that with the altered docking times, Guards are required to be on duty no later than 9.30am. This is to ensure that the Guards are available to help shunt carriage sets if required.
The updated edition of the Working Timetable, covering May 2003 through to April 2004 inclusive is in the process of being finalised and will be issued to all Safeworkers in time for the start of May.
It is extremely important that all information is filled in on the Train Running Statements as the information recorded is invaluable in maintaining the safe and efficient operation of the railway. Often items such as date & day, Guard's name, proper times, loco numbers, Belgrave arrival time, consists and crew names are not recorded. This makes it very hard for us to obtain the various statistics we are trying to keep. It may also mean that a Guard who doesn't record his/her name may not be allocated the Safeworking duty.
Rob Emmerson
Acting Manager, Train Operations
SM's and Conductors please note that the Belgrave hallway cupboard (under the stairs) is no longer available for the purpose of storage of Lost Property as this space is predominately a telephone exchange and electrical switch board. (Please also remember to store the wet area witches hat in the cleaners store cupboard).
Please tag and place all valuable lost property in white box or on the floor under the 3rd window in the Booking Office and also complete a Lost Property form and forward to Admin. All other items such as caps and sun glasses now go in the spare conductor hat cupboard behind the SM's desk.
It was noticed recently that the Staff Room on the platform (the old kiosk building) had been left unlocked at the end of the day. SM's are to ensure that this building is included in their 'lock up' walk at the end of the day please.
No report this month.
No report this month.
Our next workday will be Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at Belgrave at 9.00am in suitable clothes for a days work on the Railway. We will be back at Belgrave by 3.00pm having worked hard and eaten well. Please ring to book by Friday 18th April. Adult helpers are needed and most welcome.
John Conway
No report this month.
Hugh Markwick
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 albeit with a little help from a 'Casey' (NKS) trolley from the Museum.
It is possible that the season will continue for some time yet and the wonderful response by all our Fire Patrollers and assistants is very much appreciated.
Assembly of the four special turnouts for this work is due to begin shortly. These turnouts will incorporate a 40m (2 chain) radius curve on one side and special 'Vee' crossings are being manufactured in Castlemaine.
We currently have a team of people working under a State Government Community Jobs Program. In our Division the teams are working in our 'Cleaning Executive' and in the Buildings area. The Cleaning Team are doing a superb job in cleaning areas which normally don't get much attention and the results are very pleasing. The Building Team has erected a VR portable building in Emerald station yard for use in 'Thomas the Tank Engine' events and have improved the floor of the Emerald Locomotive Shed. Other plans for them include building work at Gembrook and improvements to signs etc. around the Railway.
The vehicle is now back after a period out of use having rear rail wheel bearings modified. We expect that the modifications will solve a problem of twisting of the axle.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 19th April 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.
A considerable amount of effort has been put into removing unstable trees between Menzies Creek and Emerald. Most of these trees have been affected by run-off from neighbouring properties and suffered from undermining of their root systems.
John Shaw is back after a wonderful holiday in South America.
Kevin Taig has found it necessary to resign as Branch Manager and we take this opportunity to thank him for his efforts in attending to the myriad of tasks that befall the manager. We look forward to his continued involvement as a branch member and wish him well with the numerous other activities with which he finds himself involved.
All matters requiring the involvement of S&T personnel should be directed to the S&T Depot (650), (fax 665).
The next S&T Branch meeting will take place on Saturday April 12th, 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 26th commencing at the Depot at 10.00 a.m.
Both days commence at the depot at 10 am please.
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.
We have been given a number of 1908 Suburban Broad gauge tickets, including full, half and one third fares. These will make an interesting addition to our collection, even though they do not relate to the 'narrow' gauge.
Work continues on the installation of timber shelving on the metal framework. Any offers of help will be gratefully accepted.
Hugh Markwick
The Division attended the rally at Heyfield and took the TACL, the Malcolm Moore, and a trolley to place on display. A special 1' 11¾" gauge track was constructed by the organisers and our Malcolm Moore shared the track with a Perry steam engine. Considerable interest was generated by our exhibits. Over 6,000 people went through the gates on Saturday alone and the attendance was most satisfactory. The entire area was covered with historic oil engines, steam engines, and even a horse team engaged in ploughing. The entire project for Puffing Billy was very capably organised by Bruce Paroissien. The next festival is in South Australia.
The Museum is pleased to welcome back to the railway Paul Paulinovich and David Baker Jnr.
We have started work on the demonstration track and five sleepers have been replaced in that track. The railway track gang attended the Museum to repair the access track into the Museum, replaced five sleepers, and helped spike the new sleepers in the demonstration track.
The next running day is scheduled for Saturday 5th April 2003. We were unable to run on our previously listed day owing to heavy rain.
The Museum is open for a short time every day that the Luncheon train runs at 12.30 pm. In addition, the Museum is also open with a curator present each Wednesday as well as every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday. So come, visit your Museum, and see your collection. Note we will not have a curator present on Wednesday's in the winter. We will open on special occasions provided adequate notice is given.
John Frost
Train Hobby will be releasing a new book later this month titled "Greater Metropolitan Melbourne - Volume 1", which will be available from our Belgrave Shop for $30.00 or direct from G42 Sales for $33.00 posted anywhere in Australia.
One of our interstate members is looking for various books on the Victorian Narrow Gauge written by Stephen Watson and Marc Fiddian. If you think you may be able to help, and help with G42's restoration, contact Peter Medlin for further details on Telephone no. 9758 5387.
Selling pre loved books, magazines and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald carshops in the Thomson building near the playground, our next openings are Saturday 5th April, 2003 between 1pm and 8pm (with the PBPS BBQ) and Saturday 3rd May, 2003 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be made by phoning Bruce West or Peter Medlin to arrange a suitable time.
We would like to thank Bob Wilson and anyone else we may have forgotten for their recent donation of books and magazines to the G42 Shop at Emerald. Other recent arrivals have been the remaining Harry Nicholas estate books.
The collection box figure for January was $28.85 and February was $25.25. 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 up to 4th March, 2003. 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. L. Bounds.
Bruce West
The following events are currently being planned for 2003:
The Management's annual 'Thank You' to the staff and volunteers will take place this year at Emerald. Last minute ticket enquiries to Hugh Markwick please. (Not to Belgrave Admin Staff as they will only direct you to ring Hugh Markwick.)
Last year's day out on the "Wattle" sold out quickly. To avoid disappointment, get your bookings in early for what looks like being the last opportunity to travel on this icon of the bay for some time as major repair works are scheduled for later this year. See enclosed booking form.
Travel behind an 'R' class from Spencer Street to Warrnambool and spend the day enjoying the best that Warrnambool has to offer. Look for booking form next month.
What is now becoming a regular feature of the Social Committee's calendar, the popular winter film night will once again be held at the Daimler Chrysler theatrette in Mulgrave. Enjoy film & slides of vintage trains in a contemporary ambience surrounded by the latest in luxury cars.
Book early - this event sold out quickly last time! A rare opportunity to travel from Emerald to Gembrook and return with the unique combination of locomotive 861 and two NBD carriages. With dinner in the Ranges Hotel and photo and listening stops en route, this evening offers a seldom found opportunity to become familiar with the outer section of Puffing Billy's line.
By train from Spencer Street to Ballarat with bus connection to visit the golden attractions of Sovereign Hill, or simply spend the day enjoying the sights and attractions of Ballarat.
What better way to see out the year. By train from Belgrave we will enjoy dinner and see in the New Year at the Packing Shed. Last time around this event was immensely popular and we intend to make this year's event at least as good.
Jeff Goodwin,
Social Committee Convenor
| FEBRUARY | 2003 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,028 | 3,830 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 3,082 | 4,215 |
| Loco kilometres- diesel | 1,341 | 80 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 62 | 86 |
| Carriage kilometres | 31,557 | 31,409 |
| Carriage Days for month | 725 | 750 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,267 | 1,316 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,498 | 1604 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 18 | 24 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 49% | 69% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 212 | 212 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 237 | n/a |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 6 | n/a |
There were no days of total fire ban during February. However, the use of diesel locomotives beyond Lakeside to Gembrook resulted in 52 one-way trips being diesel hauled. DH59 ran the majority of those trips, commencing from Belgrave each morning and running light engine to Menzies Creek to replace one of the two steam locos on No.11. That steam locomotive then returned light engine to Belgrave to operate the Luncheon Train.
DH59 covered 1,093 kilometres during February and D21 ran 249 kms. 30% of all locomotive kilometres for the month were diesel operated, far above the normal amount of some 3%. Naturally, steam loco kilometres were down.
290 kms were run by locomotives travelling light between Belgrave and Menzies Creek and return. This was done to enable passengers to continue to experience double headed steam operations on the 10.30am train to Menzies Creek.
On Friday the 21st of February the Governor of Victoria, Mr John Landy, travelled on a special diesel hauled train from Cockatoo to Gembrook.
Bob Wilson