June 2003
#359
June 2003
#359
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 new Manager Train Operations commences with the Railway on the 26th of May 2003. Greg has most recently worked with the Housing Industry Association managing apprenticeships. Prior to that Greg developed and worked for several years in the Rail Services Division for Skilled Engineering, which included achieving "Rail Accreditation" and developing training for staff involved in "safeworking" activities. Greg has also had extensive experience in volunteering as a coach and administrator for Rugby Union at club and state level.
We had particularly good patronage on nine of the last 10 days of the April school holidays. A big thank you to all who filled extra roster slots at short notice when a timetable change (5 Belgrave departures rather than the scheduled three) was made on two days to cater for the surge. Although we exceeded budgeted passenger numbers by over 1,200 over the nine days this did not make up for the shortfall over the rest of the month. The final figures for April were: April 03 budget 31,000, April 02 actual 27,000, April 03 actual 24,500.
There were 2403 entries (2002- 2315 entrants) in the 22nd race on 4th May, which was won for the 4th time in 6 years by Nigel Adkin. We received the usual excellent publicity on the news programs on the four major TV channels, on several radio programs and in various local newspapers. The final financial result won't be known for a while but is expected to be up on last year's $25,000. Congratulations to all who were involved in our largest single annual fund raising event to get G42 steaming again.
The track work in front of the Belgrave workshops was disconnected from the yard the Tuesday after Great Train Race and loco running took up temporary residence in the Menzies Creek museum compound. Tom and his crew have made good progress, and by Friday of the first week had three sets of turn-outs installed. Three Road has now been connected up allowing carriages to be stored at Belgrave once again. Congratulations to Rob Emmerson, Graeme Daniel and all others who have contributed to setting up Menzies Creek as a temporary locomotive running area.
The Federal Government has awarded centenary medals to former PBPS President Lon Wymond, volunteer Station Master, Fat Controller and Gembrook "Mayor" Bob Farr and our Marketing Manager David Eaton in recognition of their contributions to the success of Puffing Billy.
Given our financial position several actions have been taken:
| 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 confirmed dates for Thomas are Friday Oct. 3rd, Saturday 4th, Sunday 5th, Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th, Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th. If Friday 3rd Oct. is sold out, we will then sell Thursday 2nd & Wednesday 1st October. If Friday 3rd does not sell, then we will sell Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd November.
Which Society President fell over before attending his son's wedding and broke his left arm? We are glad it is not his drawing one.
It has became apparent after the Great Train Race that Safeworkers failed to double check the security of the above levers after handling trains at Emerald and also at Lakeside "A" Siding. In one instance the padlock was left on the ground as the securing chain has become detached from the frame.
Please ensure when operating this type of apparatus that the plug is inserted and the lever is secured with the signal at STOP. It is good practice to secure the quadrant every time a move has been completed so that it is not forgotten at the end of the day's operation.
Some further explanation of the times to be recorded as Train Docking Times are in order as there is still some confusion as to the exact requirement.
The time that is to be recorded as the Train Docking time is when the first locomotive is attached to the consist if the consist is already in the platform or the loco and consist are docked in the platform if not already there. Generally, this will be 15 minutes prior to the advertised departure time for the train.
For example, in the case of the 10.30am departure on Timetable 'C', the docking time would be the time that the complete consist, including the Gembrook portion is in the platform with at least one locomotive on the front. In the case of the 2.10pm departure on Timetable 'A', it would be when the locomotive returns from servicing and is attached to the carriages already in the platform.
For the Luncheon Train, the train should be docked in the platform with the locomotive on the front no later than 30 minutes prior, however, earlier than this is better if possible. For the Night Train, the carriages should be docked as early as possible and the loco on at least one hour prior to departure.
I hope that this explanation will assist you in ensuring that these 'docking times' are accurately recorded.
By the time you read this, a large part of the track alterations will have taken place at Belgrave and the loco's & carriages will have been to Menzies Creek and returned. Safeworkers are requested to ensure that they familiarise themselves with the new layout and operating procedures, particularly the operation of the new catch points in the 'top' yard. A.21/2003 was issued on 16th May to cover the basic changes. Further 'A' Circulars will be issued as further developments and changes to Safeworking apparatus are made. These will result in updated local instructions for Belgrave and in a new Belgrave Track layout diagram.
Please also note that the update to the Rules, General Instructions and Working Timetable will be issued shortly. We have been holding off issuing these because of the changes taking place at Belgrave
Enginemans Classes are well underway for the 2003 year. The next classes to be given, will be DRIVERS MODULE 3 on Sunday June 15th, and a repeat lesson targeted at current Firemen and Trainee Firemen, on Sunday June 29th. All interested are welcome to attend.
The subjects to be covered for both lessons, are currently posted in the Temporary Loco Room.
Both classes will be held in the MEETING ROOM at the BELGRAVE LIBRARY, at the rear of Safeways, off Reynolds Lane, commencing at 10.00am Sharp!
Inquiries are welcome, and bookings are advised, and should be made through Allan Johnstone.
Instructors: Lance Adams & Cliff Simmons
A special Thank You to all the loco crews who started and finished earlier while we were operating loco's and carriages from Menzies Creek. The effort you all put in was very much appreciated.
The W&W boys (and girls) are also to be congratulated for the great job they have done in relaying the track in such quick time, despite the bouts of rain. Instead of the full 3 to 4 weeks envisaged, access to Nos. 3, 4 & 5 Roads was gained on Saturday 17th May and to the Loco Running Shed on Wednesday 21st May.
Rob Emmerson
Acting Manager, Train Operations
The 2003 Great Train race proved a great success with a record number of entries (2,403) and full trains, as Conductors rostered on for the day will attest. Our sources inform us the main Race Train crossed the finish line in 53 mins 02 seconds, to be exact. The winner, by the way, crossed in 41 minutes and over 200 of his colleagues beat the main Race Train!
It was terrific to see a strong contingent of Conductors who kindly helped on the day and a HUGE Thank you to all is extended. We can start planning for the 2004 Race Day now!
Paul Sparks has kindly agreed to help Terry Lee with the Conductor Rostering duties commencing with the July 2003 roster. Paul can be contacted by e-mail sparkspr@bigpond.com Do not hesitate to contact Terry or Paul in relation to Conductor Roster matters.
Peter Marshall, who has provided invaluable assistance over the past months with Conducting matters, now has his hands full looking after the Night Train Roster. By the way, Peter is anxious to hear from volunteers who would like to assist with Night Train Hosting, give Peter a call or e-mail him.
For the information of Conductors, the next school holiday period will run from Monday 30th June to Friday 11th July. As this will be the busy period, any extra assistance you can offer will be greatly welcomed and appreciated. Let the Conductor Roster Clerks know if you can help with an extra run or two.
A number of Conductors have inquired as to whether curtains on carriages should be rolled down at the end of the day.
Generally, the decision rests with the Station Master of the day and based on the likely weather forecast. If the forecast is for rain or inclement conditions, all curtains should be rolled down. On other days, if the weather is likely to be mild, then curtains on the soft seat carriages, including the Disabled Passenger carriages only need be rolled down. In the warmer summer months, it is usually not required to roll any curtains down.
However, when carriages are to be stabled for a length of time, all curtains should be rolled down.
At all times, the doors of enclosed carriages at the end of the day are to be locked using your square key. In addition all windows are to be closed. This is required to reduce potential damage to carriages due to the unfortunate activities of Vandals and Killjoys.
All Conductors should have a square key. If you do not have a square key, please approach the SM or one of the Roster Clerks in order that a key may be obtained for you.
Reprinted here is the procedure for the "Tip" given to a Guard when departing stations such as Emerald, with some important changes which are shown in bold italic.
There is no requirement in the 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 courtesy for Guards to do so.
Nevertheless, the correct procedure is:
Friday 13th June. If Conductors have any changes or requests to their usual Roster please let one of the Roster Clerks know by this date.
A number of heritage uniforms, cost subsidised by Puffing Billy, will again be available to Volunteers this year and as before, priority will be given to Safeworkers, Station Masters, Head Conductors and then to Conductors.
If you wish to apply for a subsidised uniform, please apply in writing, stating your grade and length of experience on Puffing Billy.
Please send applications to Jeff Goodwin, PO Box 69, Mitcham 3132
The volunteer contribution towards a Heritage uniform is $132. This is the cost of the trousers. If you wish to purchase a jacket, vest or trousers, please collect a 'Uniform Order Form' from the Belgrave SM's Office and forward it with payment to Jeff Goodwin. Jeff will then send you an authority for the tailor to make the uniform.
Can you speak a foreign language reasonably well? Are you looking for the occasional practice session? Would you like to help Puffing Billy in a different way? Well then we may have just the (volunteer) job for you. I would be pleased to hear from any volunteers who speak another language and who may be available to assist with overseas guests. Please contact David Eaton if you are interested.
Thanks to Peter Kemp who has worked so hard at filling the roster over the last couple of years. A warm welcome to Nina Wenzel who is taking over from Peter as from now.
No report this month.
We are endeavouring to hold another RSA course for Train Hosts who work on the Lunch and Night Trains.
Those volunteers who haven't attended a course which is conducted by Liquor Licensing Victoria it is certainly recommended.
The course lasts for 3 hours and would commence on Saturday 21st June at the Belgrave Conference Room at 10am. Light refreshments would be provided.
Those people interested, please telephone Larry James on 9757 0703 to record your interest.
Would guards on the Lunch Train please remember that sound testing of the PA system in our First Class carriages i.e. (testing 1,2,3 etc) should be done prior to our passengers boarding the train.
Larry James
No report this month.
No report this month.
Work will be accelerated on G42 to bring the completion date forward dramatically. Stay tuned for further developments.
The track work outside the Belgrave workshops has been taken up to allow for the new track configurations for the workshops extensions. A new steam cleaner has been obtained due to old age and rising maintenance costs catching up with the former unit.
40 new tyres have been purchased for fitting to the Fox bogies in the NQR fleet upgrade. The long wheel base bogies ex 26NAC have been fitted to an NAL for trials and assessment regarding ride and stability.
Due to falling passenger figures and subsequent cost cutting measures it has been necessary to temporary cease the work days held on the first Saturday and third Sunday. The workday held on the second Saturday will still be held as will the Wednesday night work parties. As soon as passenger traffic improves we will reinstate the above workdays.
Hugh Markwick
Work is well under way to re-build the track-work on the Belgrave engineering plateau
Locomotives were stabled at Menzies Creek for just over two weeks while the track was reconstructed, but operations were due to resume from Belgrave by 23rd May. To date, three of the five new turnouts have been constructed and installed and the other two are being built now. We hope to have this work completed by early June.
Whilst the main reason for doing this work was to provide straight track in the workshop extension, an added benefit is in removing the 'zig-zag' entry to the loco servicing pit.
Our consulting engineers are working on the design for the workshop extension with the hope of calling tenders for this work in late July.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 21st June at Belgrave where we will be doing further work on the Belgrave redevelopment. The usual sumptuous BBQ lunch will be provided. Please let Roster Officer Henry know if you can attend.
As well as doing a huge amount of work on the Belgrave redevelopment our Back on Track team has been erecting, repairing and painting trackside signs, including whistle boards, curve speed boards and trespass signs. The results to date are excellent.
During early May the Fax machine at Lakeside was transferred to the track phone circuit from Emerald. This temporary arrangement has improved the service (as the fax messages are no longer transferred through the old carrier equipment from Emerald)
Whilst these arrangements are in place, the "669" (track phone circuit) phone in the station corridor and in the safeworking room have been disconnected.
"669" is still connected to Nobelius Station and the Em-Beaconsfield Rd Level Crossing. These phone can be used in the normal manner, however if a call is answered and the fax tone is heard, then the phone should be hung up and not used until the fax machine has re-dialled and transmitted it's message. (about 5 minutes)
With the end of the financial year imminent, I would encourage you to consider making your tax-deductable donations to the Signal Box Fund. The level of support last year was encouraging and your valued contributions will ensure the progress of this important project.
The provision of a working Signal Box will enhance the amenity for our volunteers and provide a central location for the myriad of safeworking tasks and storage requirements at Belgrave.
Approval for this project was received from the Department of Infrastructure several weeks ago and the circuitry will incorporate a genuine, heritage, interlocked relay. Work on track connections and re-wiring of the signal continues.
The weekend works days this month are: Sat 14th (Meeting - 9:30 a.m. - Kings Rd followed by Signals Work Day [Wig Wag]) and Sat 28th (Telephones - Depot 10:00 a.m.).
The provision of phone and radio services for the Great Train Race finish area was completed and provided the best facilities yet.
Provision of permanent power to the Inspection pit at Menzies Creek and temporary power & phone services inside the museum has ensured that the loco running department are able to function effectively during their sojourn away from Belgrave (during the track alterations)
Installation of conduits and pits around the Belgrave plateau were undertaken while the track was removed. This has ensured that future works can be connected easily when the time comes.
Andrew Wheatland.
Sections 0 to 4 are presently being distributed to designated recipients.
Thanks to Peter Medlin for the donation of files from the G42 committee, thanks to Jason Kemp for providing wicks that were used in the original NA headlamps.
Hugh Markwick
With the commencement of work at Belgrave to prepare for the enlargement of the Workshop and running shed, three NA class engines have been transferred to the Museum, which has become a temporary operational depot.
For many years, we have dreamed on having an NA engine on display but to have three of them is indeed riches beyond belief. Over the years, the Museum has been the home of G42, the Climax, and the Peckett engines and now we can boast the NA class. Unfortunately, it will not be for very long but the operation of these engines from our compound is a dream come true.
As part of the works to prepare the Museum as an operational depot we have had our water supply renewed and will be the beneficiary of better permanent lighting of the compound.
The large 2' diesel is under heavy overhaul. The radiator has been removed for heavy repair and it was found that the top and bottom tanks of the radiator leak badly and need repair. We received a quotation over $3,000 to repair the radiator alone and have decided that in view of the small amount of work that this valuable engine does on the demonstration line that we can operate it with either a truck radiator in lieu of the present one or attempt to repair the tanks and fins ourselves. We have chosen the latter path and are having fun in unblocking the cooling fins of many years of rust and gunk.
We have had the injectors rebuilt and found that the spares for these are now unobtainable, as we have used the last parts for this class of engine in this repair.
The next running day is scheduled for Saturday 7th June 2003.
The Museum is open for a short time every day that the Luncheon train runs at 12.30 pm. Please note that following our usual practice 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
Just a reminder that all donations over $2.00 received by the G42 fund up to and including 30th June, 2003 will be deductable within Australia on your 2002/03 tax return.
The next G42 Meeting will be at Belgrave Meeting Room on Wednesday 11th June, 2003 commencing at 7.00pm.
Train Hobby released a new book in early May, titled Photographer Profile Graham Evans British Interlude 1960. Available from Belgrave Shop for $30.00 each or direct from G42 Sales for $33.00 each posted anywhere in Australia.
"Greater Metropolitan Melbourne - Part 2", "Broad Gauge Diesel Electrics of South Australia" and "Country Branchlines Of Victoria - Part 2" are all available in the Belgrave Shop. "Greater Metropolitan Melbourne - Part 1" is selling well in the Belgrave Shop.
Selling pre loved books, magazines and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald carshops in the Thomson building near the playground, our next openings are scheduled for Saturday 7 th June, and Saturday 5 th July, 2003 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be arranged by phoning Bruce West or Peter Medlin to arrange a suitable time. Thank you to those who obtained books in the last month and have helped G42s restoration by doing so.
We would like to thank Brian Provost for his recent donation of items to the G42 Shop.
Thank you to Roger Cleverdon, who responded to our request for Walhalla books. His donation of a mint copy of "The Iron Road to Walhalla" by Marc Fiddian has helped obtain further funding towards G42's continuing restoration. Thank you Roger.
Thank you also to David Sheppee who has been selling magazines to friends from the Nicholas estate and G42 Shop to aid G42's restoration.
The collection box figure for April was $127.50. 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 only donation received since the last edition of Monthly News has been from Leo Duncan, thank you Leo.
All donations whether small or large are greatly appreciated and will help complete G42's restoration. Please note that donations received from around the middle of the month, will be shown in the next edition of Monthly News due to the MN deadline.
Thank you to those who have been, and continue to be, regular donors towards the restoration of G42.
Bruce West
The following events are currently being planned for 2003:
A Whale of a Time in Warrnambool - Saturday 14th June 2003
Travel behind an 'R' class from Spencer Street to Warrnambool and spend the day enjoying the best that Warrnambool has to offer. For last minute inquiries, please ring either Phil Sutherland or Philip Leslie
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.
The calendar of events for 2004 are currently being finalised and will be published shortly. Watch this space!!
Jeff Goodwin,
Social Committee Convenor
| APRIL | 2003 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,134 | 4,155 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 4,380 | 4,308 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 154 | 286 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 97 | 94 |
| Carriage kilometres | 35,627 | 35,810 |
| Carriage Days for month | 857 | 843 |
| Highest kms operated loco | 1,378 | 1,300 |
| Highest kms operated pass vehicle | 1,550 | 1,495 |
| Highest kms operated wagon | 23 | 32 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 63% | 71% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 246 | 216 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 269 | n/a |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 6 | n/a |
Bob Wilson