May 2003
#358
May 2003
#358
There has been a change to this page. The back-Issues are now indexed on a separate page.
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CONFIDENTIAL:
Content details herein are for official Railway use only and are not to be used for other purposes.
We continue to suffer a significant shortfall in passenger numbers as reported last month. The fall off is not restricted to International groups but is also quite noticeable in walk-up business. Statistics for March were 18,711 passengers carried against a budget of 23,386 and last years results of 25,222 (includes some of Easter). The only consolation is that many of the other major attractions in Victoria are suffering even more. However, it is realised that that doesn't help us pay our bills.
Reconstruction of the track work in front of the Belgrave workshops commenced in early April. From the day after the Great Train Race (ie Monday 5th May) the whole of the Loco plateau and upper yard (Roads 3-5) will be booked out of traffic for 3-5 weeks for completion of this work. During this time locos (and some carriages) will be stabled at Menzies Creek where temporary locomotive servicing facilities have been established in the Museum compound and goods yard. This will mean earlier starts, later finishes and a different sign-on point (Menzies Creek) for footplate crews. Guards, conductors and train hosts will still sign on and off at Belgrave but may be faced with shorter periods to prepare carriages and complete end-of day unloading, roll down blinds, etc.
We ask that everyone exhibit understanding and provide support for those who are faced with longer harder days. Planning, teamwork and cooperation will help immensely during this disruptive period.
Thirty applications have been received for the position. Eight interviews were conducted on Friday the 4th of April 2003.
| Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au | John Thompson, PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au | Ray Leivers, CEO ray.leivers@pbr.org.au |
One of the most serious problems I have encountered since commencing with the Railway is the way some of our staff and volunteers relate to one another. Several people (including customers) have complained about shouting matches on the platform. I must say from my point of view that I find this totally unacceptable, particularly when customers are exposed to it.
It is important that everyone realise that we are in the tourism business. This industry lives or dies on how good an experience the customer has. If they have a good time they will recommend Puffing Billy to other potential customers.
Puffing Billy is a unique product and most people really enjoy their visit. However, don't underestimate the contribution (good and bad) made by their contact with the people of PBR, in determining the quality of their experience. Witnessing harsh words or an argument between personnel destroys any experience. It is an absolute "no no" in the tourism industry. I cannot accept any excuse for this situation to arise. If a fellow member of the railway makes a mistake, it behoves others to take them into a private situation and "coach" them to improve their performance. If any further incident takes place those involved would have to convince me why they should not be suspended - and yes, that does include volunteers.
Whilst I'm on the subject, a number of volunteers have contacted me to advise that they were ceasing/or considering ceasing their involvement with the Railway because of the way that they were spoken to (berated) by other volunteers or staff. Again, I seek your co-operation to train people rather than show aggression. Volunteers come to Puffing Billy to enjoy themselves. I ask you to make them feel comfortable and help them where they need it, in a constructive way.
More volunteers are still needed for this event, so please contact our volunteer manpower manager, Deborah Woodward (e-mail woodward@net2000.com.au) if you can help on Sunday the 4th of May. If you can help earlier, with final-week administrative work or Saturday physical set-up chores please contact GTR coordinator Dan O'Connor (e-mail doc@cyberspace.net.au ).
Those who have already volunteered should have received by now a copy of the GTR Staff Instruction document. If you have not received yours please contact Deb. There is no evening briefing this year so it is essential you receive and read these notes before the Race.
The AWU has sought an Enterprise Agreement for the Emerald Car Shops. Management has been seeking to improve the output of the Carriage workshops. Negotiations are continuing.
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 (e-mail (deb.lyons@pbr.org.au) as soon as possible as there are limited numbers of place available.
No report this month.
The following arrangements are designed to make work loads more even for train staff (excluding locomotive crews) on days when Time-table D operates.
|
Gembrook 11/28 Operate as in the past. Run #11 to Gembrook Run #28 to Belgrave Put #28 away |
1st Lakeside 11/16, 19/24 Run #11 to Lakeside .Run #16 to Menzies Ck. Change to other set. Run #19 to Lakeside. Run #24 to Belgrave. Put #24 away. |
2nd Lakeside 19/16, 27/30 Run #19 to Menzies Ck. Change to other set. Run #16 to Belgrave Run #27 to Lakeside. Run #30 to Belgrave. If a Night Train is running shunt set to #2 Rd, otherwise leave in platform for next day. |
Basic First Aid Kits are available for use by qualified First Aid Conductors.
The Kits are a light-weight, unobtrusive, black coloured pouch, with a First Aid symbol clearly visible and are to be attached to Connie Bag straps through belt holders on the pouch.
Kits can be collected from the SM at the start of the day and returned at completion of your day. If any items are used during the course of the day, let the SM know, in order that the used items can be replaced and made available for use by the next Conductor.
A thank you is extended to Sue Ham for helping prepare the kits.
A number of Conductors have asked what form of announcements they should be making at Stations, when not manned by a duty SM, such as Menzies Creek and Lakeside.
At each Station, located near the microphone, is a standard script to follow. In the Conductor and Head Conductor training manuals there is also a copy of the script.
It is the responsibility of the Head Conductor (in the absence of a Station Master) to make announcements or in the absence of a Head Conductor, the Conductor. It is not the role of a Signalman or Guard unless doing so to assist the Conductor.
The main emphasis of announcements should always be to inform passengers of:
Where possible, allowing for time, each announcement should be made 3 times.
Do not hesitate to ask your Guard or Signalman as to any special requirements when making announcements, i.e. there may be a later departure time if waiting on another train to arrive.
However, at all times, the welfare and safety of passengers comes before the making of announcements. For example, helping disabled and elderly passengers alight, manning the crossing gates at Lakeside and the pedestrian cross over at Menzies Creek, to highlight a few.
Conductors should be aware that when the Aura Tea-Room is open, all trains are to generally stop for a minimum of 5 minutes. This is to allow passengers the opportunity to purchase refreshments before proceeding on their journey. When making announcements, reference to both the tea rooms and the tea-trolleys which ply the platform is to be made.
Most trains will stop for at least 5 minutes anyway, to allow safeworking requirements to be completed. However, Conductors should be alert to any early departure requests given by the Signalman or Guard and follow these requests, particularly with late running trains.
A number of Conductors have sought clarification as to the procedure in relation to the 'Tip' given to a Guard when departing Stations, such as Emerald.
There is no requirement under General Instructions (GIs) or any other operational document for Guards to acknowledge the Tip given by a Conductor by the extension or waving of their arm, though it has been common practice and a courtesy for Guards to do so.
Nevertheless, the correct procedure is:
To the Conductors who generously volunteered their time during the March and April Thomas the Tank Engine shows. The level of enthusiasm and commitment was of the highest standard and contributed to the safe enjoyment of our Patrons, especially the children and the Mums and Dads 'Big Kids'.
Drivers and Firemen are reminded that the Running Shed is now eqiuipped with an alarm system and you should ensure that you are in possession of the interim pin code before opening the door first thing in the morning. Last one out should set the alarm before leaving. Deb Lyons will be sending all Footplate crews a letter requesting they provide a unique identifying pin code for this system. If you have not received a letter by the end of May, please contact Deb to arrange a pin code.
Rob Emmerson
Acting Manager, Train Operations
No report this month.
Kevin Stanes will be away interstate from May the 5th, 2003 until June the 5th 2003 so matters relative to May and June Kiosk Rosters should be referred to Sue Ham or June Illett.
"Steam in Queensland in the 1960's" by Ross Rail Video. 68 Minutes. Price $39.00
"Steam and Diesel Review 2001/2002. 90 Minutes. Price $42.95
No report this month.
No report this month.
No report this month.
Hugh Markwick
Fire restrictions have been lifted in the Shire of Cardinia and are expected to be lifted in the Shire of Yarra Ranges shortly. This will mark the end of the longest fire danger period we have experienced and certainly the most fire patrols we have had to run ever.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all the volunteers (and occasionally staff) who have risen to the task of running these patrols and especially to Henry who did the rostering and to Tom who coordinated the patrols on most days. Well done!
Assembly of the four special turnouts was due to begin in March but disaster struck when the new 'Vee' crossings arrived from the manufacturer. The crossings as delivered were built for left hand turnouts instead of right. (Fortunately our order was correct!) The month delay to get them altered means that closing off No 3 road and removal of track in the locomotive servicing area will not now happen until after the Great Train Race.
The CJP teams are with us until mid May and have done some superb work. Note the new VR portable building at Emerald and the relocated crew hut at Gembrook. The cleaning team has also been working wonders and many areas that seldom if ever get attended to, are now sparkling.
RR1 recently suffered damage to one of its rear axle bearings as a result of some minor accident which went unreported. It has subsequently been repaired at some cost. Drivers please check the rail running gear before and after you use the machine and report any faults.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 17th May at Belgrave where we will be working on the redevelopment of the locomotive plateau. The usual sumptuous BBQ lunch will be provided. Please let Roster Officer Henry know if you can attend.
.Although we have only published one date, we anticipate working six or seven days per week on the redevelopment once the crossings arrive. If you have a day or so to spare, please come along and help.
Our Back on Track team has been erecting, repairing and painting trackside signs, including whistle boards, curve speed boards and trespass signs. The result to date is excellent.
Until further notice, Andrew Wheatland is acting as Manager S&T and all matters requiring the involvement of S&T personnel should be directed to the S&T Depot.
Most will be aware that the new telephone exchange at Lakeside has been commissioned recently. This has overcome the problem of limited number availability at Lakeside and will ensure that the Great Train Race phone communications are greatly enhanced.
The major alterations are:
The installation of the exchange (in the safeworking cabin) has enabled the removal of the carrier equipment from the area used by the cleaners inside the station building.
Some problems continue with facsimile transmissions and our technical staff are continuing with adjustments and repairs to our 40+ year old carrier network in an effort to return the service to acceptable levels.
Despite limited resources, the Wig Wag project is proceeding. Last month the majority of the track circuit connections and insulated joints were installed and work will continue at the next Signals work day.
The weekend works days this month are: Sat 10th (Signals - Wig Wag) and Sat 24th (Telephones). Both will commence from the Depot at 10.00 a.m.
The relocation of phone and radio services to allow Peter Walker's move upstairs at Belgrave was completed. The opportunity was also taken to tidy up substantial portions of the temporary wiring upstairs (computer and phones)
Provision of power and phone to the new building at Emerald are proceeding well.
Running repairs to the Up Home Signal at Cockatoo and the electrical circuits (aerial) to the Down Home Signal at Lakeside also formed part of the recent work undertaken.
Andrew Wheatland.
No report this month.
As a footnote to the Rally, the Railway received some unexpected publicity in a recent issue of the Weekly Times complete with photographs. Well done lads.
With the advent of softer ground from the recent rain, we will attempt to put in some more sleepers in the demonstration track. We damaged a small section of the track with the railway's low loader and part of the track is out of order.
The large 2' diesel is having a long over due heavy overhaul. The radiator has been removed for heavy repair and the engine is being overhauled. We have found that the injectors are very sick and this explains the reason why it has always been hard to start. New parts will be fitted, the entire engine will be repainted, and new slats on the side of the engine compartment will be fitted. The slats have been on hand for several years and are being fitted at last.
The next running day is scheduled for Saturday the 7th of June, 2003.
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 have released three new books titled "Railway Stations of Greater Metropolitan Melbourne Part 1", "Railway Stations of Greater Metropolitan Melbourne Part 2" and the "New South Wales 45 Class". All available from Belgrave Shop for $30.00 each or direct from G42 Sales for $33.00 each posted anywhere in Australia. We thank Train Hobby for their on-going support of G42's restoration.
Selling pre loved books, magazines and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald car shops in the Thomson building near the playground, our next openings are Saturday 3rd May, 2003 and Saturday 7th June, 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 those who purchased books in the last month, you have helped G42's restoration.
We would like to thank Ray Marsh and Adrian Rose for their recent donation of books and magazines to the G42 Shop at Emerald.
The collection box figure for March was $ 194.00. 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 recently been received. All donations whether small or large are greatly appreciated and will help complete G42's restoration. Please note that donations received after submission to the Editor of Monthly News, will be shown in the next edition.
Thank you to those who have been and continue to be regular donors towards the restoration of G42: E.H. Austin, D.B. & R.F. Kruger, L. Ledwick, M. Moharich.
Bruce West
The following events are currently being planned for 2003:
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. For last minute enquiries, please contact John Conway
Travel behind an 'R' class from Spencer Street to Warrnambool and spend the day enjoying the best that Warrnambool has to offer. Please refer to enclosed booking form.
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 loco 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
| March | 2003 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,331 | 4,374 |
| Loco kilometres: steam | 3811 | 4699 |
| Loco kilometres: diesel | 970 | 190 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 77 | 96 |
| Carriage kilometres | 36,541 | 37739 |
| Carriage Days for month | 888 | 920 |
| Highest kms operated: loco | 1,329 | 1241 |
| Highest kms operated: pass vehicle | 1,617 | 1596 |
| Highest kms operated: wagon | 10 | 32 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 51% | 61% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 245 | 246 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 282 | n/a |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 6 | n/a |
There were two total fire ban days during March. However, the continued use of diesel locomotives beyond Lakeside to Gembrook on 12 days resulted in 28 one-way trips being diesel hauled.
DH59 covered 545 kilometres during March and D21 ran 425 kms. 20% of all locomotive kilometres for the month were diesel operated (30% for Feb), far above the normal amount of some 3%. Naturally, steam loco kilometres were down again.
Bob Wilson