July 2003#360
July 2003
#360
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.
If you find a problem with them please contact me first. No other person has the ability to alter these pages.
If you want to be notified when Monthly News changes send me an e-mail. My e-mail address is bill.russell@optusnet.com.au
CONFIDENTIAL:
Content details herein are for official Railway use only and are not to be used for other purposes.
Welcome to issue 360 of 'Monthly News.' For 30 years this vital publication has been reminding volunteers and staff of their rostering commitments as well as highlighting important procedural changes and reporting other news and gossip.
Sunday the 3rd August will be fifty years since regular VR services ceased on the UFTG -Gembrook line. A small publicity event, involving the regular service train, will be staged to mark this anniversary. A more cheerful 50th anniversary will be celebrated in 2005 to mark the golden jubilee of the Society.
Have you ever wondered:
The President and Treasurer/Board Chairman will reveal all (!) at a free seminar at the Belgrave station meeting room on Sunday 20th July (1pm - 4.30pm).
The seminar is highly recommended for anyone considering standing now, or in the future, for a position on the Society Executive Committee and is open to anyone who is interested in making suggestions about the way the railway functions.
This information seminar is a precursor to a workshop scheduled for Sunday 28th September on the future direction of the Society.
Spaces are limited so please phone Wilma on 9757 0708 to reserve a spot.
Congratulations to everyone involved with the operation of temporary arrangements while new track work was carried out in the Belgrave yard as a preliminary to the building of the new locomotive shed. This has needed a huge cooperative effort from Train Operations who have relocated trains and carriages for a few weeks, from Way and Works, Buildings, S & T, Lineside Attractions and others who enabled the temporary facilities to be set up.
This exercise went extremely smoothly considering the huge disruption it was to our operations. Volunteers and staff can feel extremely proud of the professionalism that was displayed in making it happen.
The Society is grateful for all the donations made to G42 in the past. These donations have helped restore G42 to its present state. The workshops are working to have G42 on the rails early next year. To finish this work and see this magnificent engine back in service requires more help from all members. Please make a donation to help finish the restoration.
| 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.
Due to the unforeseen downturn in passenger numbers over the last few weeks, we have found ourselves overstocked with some types of soft drinks. Therefore for a short time we are offering slabs (2 dozen bottles) of the following drinks to staff and volunteers at half normal price:
Fanta 390 ml bottles of Passionfruit, Lime, Pineapple, Wildberries or Raspberry.
Deep Spring 390 ml bottles of Spicy Lemon, Melon/Mandarin, Crushed Berries, Lemon/Lime/Bitters or Orange/Passionfruit.
Slabs of the above are available for the super cheap price of $20.40 (normally $40.80).
In addition slabs of 600 ml bottles Vanilla Coke are available for $26.40 per slab (normally $52.80). We don't expect the slabs to last long at these prices, so be quick.
To avail yourself of these special prices please see Sue, June or Julie in the shop at Belgrave.
Our next 'Introduction to Safeworking Course' is planned for Wednesday 16th July. If you wish to attend, please pick up an application form from the Station-masters Office at Belgrave or from Peter Walker. Enquiries can be directed to Peter on 9757 0707 (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.) This course is a pre-requisite for our full Safeworking Course. There will be another 'Intro to Safeworking Course' later on in the year, so don't worry if you can't make this one.
Peter Marshall has done a great job as roster officer for the Night Trains. Most Night Trains now hosted by a happy bunch of volunteers, who clearly enjoy their role on the Railway. Peter has done a great job and is to be congratulated for his hard work and dedication. Peter has asked to be relieved of this role as he has so many other commitments at the moment.
If you would be prepared to be the Roster Officer for the Night Train, please contact either Larry James or David Eaton as soon as possible.
Bruce West and his Committee (Get G42 Going Committee) have been running the Santa Specials during December for many years. This is a very popular product with the public. However, the Get G42 Going Committee will only run this event until G42 is in traffic. Bruce's Committee are planning now for the coming December.
As it is planned to have G42 running early next year, the Railway is looking to recruit some new members to the Committee to help run the Specials for this year, but also to learn about it to continue the event into 2004. The organising Committee have a great time and most will continue to have an involvement, but need some volunteers to take over the running of this product. If you are interested please contact Bruce West or Ray Leivers
The Mazda 121, bequeathed to the Society some time ago, has now become surplus to requirements.
The vehicle is in good condition, has done about 103,000 kilometres and has had regular services.
This vehicle is to be sold by tender through the Monthly News. Anyone interested can inspect and/or test drive the vehicle at Belgrave during the week of 7th July to 14th July 2003 by getting the keys from the Station Master. Tenders will be received by Pru Murphy at the CEO's office at Belgrave Station building up to Close of Business on Friday 18th July 2003. The vehicle will be sold to the highest reasonable tender.
Subscription renewal notices for 2003/2004 were included with the June issue of Narrow Gauge. There are two new reasons for members to renew promptly this year:
In response to an incident earlier this year, all persons engaged in Trolley Operations as Driver are to ensure that when driving a trolley and asked to perform other Safeworking tasks by a Signalman or Guard, they should ensure that all aspects of their Trolley Driving activities are completed before attending to the Safeworking requested of them.
This is particularly important when you are operating as a Fire Patrol following a train and entering the station behind a stationary train.
Would all Guards working on Night Trains please ensure that the "UP" end van is securely locked once the train has arrived back following ER at the Lake. This will ensure that we do not have any unwanted locals boarding the train when all staff are working inside the shed and stealing bottles of alcohol. This did happen recently and we did give an undertaking to the local Police that we would implement a change to our procedures.
A sign reminding Guards of this procedure is already in place inside the van.
With the track work now completed, the coaling of locomotives will return to Belgrave Yard from the end of June.
Well done to the Way and Works team for a great effort, and a thank you to everyone for your patience during the redevelopment work.
Notices have been inserted, towards the end, into all of the books. The function of the notice is to remind the users to alert train operations that a new book is required at that location. Please ensure that you return these notices in a timely fashion to us at Belgrave so that we can replace the book before it runs out.
Peter Walker has worked in this role now for the past month and has proved a valuable addition to the Train Operations team. His role is to assist the Operations Supervisor with a variety of duties, and to act in that position as needed.
To comply with Rail Safety Accreditation, all current positions of 'Safeworking Supervisor' are now vacant. The Safeworking Training & Standards Committee are now calling for expressions of interest in these positions. Any safeworker who meets the following criteria can obtain an application form from Peter Walker
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Puffing Billy Railway for making me feel very welcome.
Greg Hanslow
Manager, Train Operations
After much delay, we have now been advised that the order for the Shunters Hats is on its way and the hats should be with us by the time you read this. If you have ordered a Shunters Hat, I will contact you in the next week or so once the goods have arrived. If you want to order a Shunters Hat, now is the time as we will have all sizes in stock.
Jeff Goodwin
Shop Staff are reminded to read the notices regarding 'Use by Dates' on perishable food items to avoid food wastage. 10 Pastries only are to be kept in the fridge. The use by date for frozen food being put in the fridge should be 7 days for pies, pasties & sausage rolls and 21 days for any of the frozen 'Microeasy' range of products.
June Illett
The above course was conducted on Saturday 21st June with 15 participants in attendance.
All agreed that this subject is very important and will assist them in knowing about their responsibilities when serving alcohol to our patrons.
Further courses will be arranged when necessary.
While on the subject of alcohol, it is timely to remind everyone working on our catered trains that drinking alcoholic beverages whilst on duty is not permitted. Non alcoholic beverages e.g. Coke, orange juice etc are available.
So that we can be consistent on all functions at the Packing Shed, please note that the bread and butter plates are not to be removed until after patrons have finished their main course. If they are removed early it means that our patrons have to use their dinner plates to place pieces of bread on it which makes the meal cluttered.
We now have installed a commercial coffee dripolator for use on Night Trains. This will give our patrons a much better cup of coffee on the return journey rather than using instant coffee which has been the norm for many years.
Instructions are displayed next to the machine.
Peter Marshall has requested that he be relieved of this position so that he can concentrate on his other railway activities.
We now need a new Roster Officer to take over the rostering of Night Trains. If you are interested and can spare some time during week nights to make calls to fill our trains, please ring Larry James who will be glad to hear from you.
In the meantime, thank you Peter for your contribution.
Would all Guards working on Night Trains please ensure that the "UP" end van is securely locked once the train has arrived back following ER at the Lake. This will ensure that we do not have any unwanted locals boarding the train when all staff are working inside the shed and stealing bottles of alcohol. This did happen recently and we did give an undertaking to the local Police that we would implement a change to our procedures.
A sign reminding Guards of this procedure is already in place inside the van.
Larry James
Our next workday is to be held on Thursday 10th July 2003. Please remember to wear old clothes suitable for the prevailing weather conditions. Please let me know if you are intending to come along. More Adult supervisors are also welcome.
John Conway
No report this month.
The 'C' type column water crane has been restored and awaits a decision on the location to enable installation.
Hugh Markwick
In response to an incident earlier this year, all persons engaged in Trolley Operations as Driver are to ensure that when driving a trolley and asked to perform other Safeworking tasks by a Signalman or Guard, they should ensure that all aspects of their Trolley Driving activities are completed before attending to the Safeworking requested of them.
This is particularly important when you are operating as a Fire Patrol following a train and entering the station behind a stationary train.
Work on the track at the entrance to the Belgrave Workshop is effectively complete except for a siding which will be built behind the Workshops and which won't be laid until the building work is complete.
Design for the workshop extension is progressing.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 19th July 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.
We have recently completed a small contract to supervise repairs to some track in the Leongatha and Korumburra station yards for the South Gippsland Tourist Railway. Our regular mid-week team of volunteers and Back-on-Track workers also assisted for a couple of days which dramatically reduced the time the job took.
Just a reminder to Track Patrollers (and others) that minor level crossing faults (e.g. one globe not working etc.) should be reported directly to the S&T Depot on extension 650.
The callout number (788) should be used when immediate attendance of repair staff is required for major faults such as damaged masts, continuous operation or failure to operate.
Thanks to those who have contributed to the fund. Remember you have a few days left in the current financial year in which to make a most timely and tax deductable donation.
Final circuitry designs are in hand and work continues as manpower becomes available.
The weekend workdays this month are: Sat 12th - Signals Work Day (Wig Wag) and Sat 26th (Telephones) Both commence at the Depot at 10:00 a.m.
Renewal of melted radio aerial cables in the engine compartments of D21 and DH59 have restored these radios to normal operation.
An indicator was provided for the Catch Points in Belgrave Yard.
Maintenance of points and Flashing Lights has occupied our staff during the last month.
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.
Work concluded on the installation of timber shelving on the metal framework. And now we have been able to remove everything from the floor and leave it clear.
Hugh Markwick
We are suffering badly at the moment to adequately open the Museum on weekends. Several of our stalwarts have had to pull out of regular rostering as a curator due to ill health and for other reasons. We urgently need an additional three people to help us open the museum on Saturdays and Sundays. The work is not onerous and you meet the most interesting visitors from all over the world. We will help train you in describing our exhibits to the visitors and the work is very light and enjoyable. To open the Museum this month we have had to call in favours. Please help us.
The locomotive depot at the Museum has long departed after a short two weeks of operation. The cattle wagon, 13NM, which was loaded with firewood, was located at the east gate with the three NA class engines parked on the access track. The entire area was illuminated with motion sensitive lights and a coal pile was established in the station yard. The front-end loader was stored in the museum overnight. The daily running of the engines over our track has showed up the weakness in the track and a number of sleepers will need to be replaced.
The repair of this engine is proceeding well with parts for the repair of the radiator sourced from Western Australia. The supplier is well versed with vintage diesel engines as they carry out repairs for Whiteman Park in Perth.
Yes this year in April we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Museum to the public. We have freshly polished the dedication plaque and are mounting it within the entrance van. When we looked at the plaque, we realized that the anniversary was in April and that we had missed the actual anniversary. Examining our exhibits, we also realized that we have been the custodians of exhibits in some cases longer than they operated in their home railway. The Abt engine, for example, has now been in the Museum for 37 years and was operated by the Mt Lyell Mining and Railway Co for only 28 years.
The next running day is scheduled for Saturday 6 September 2003. The June running day was a great success and all present enjoyed themselves.
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 June 30th, 2003 may be deductable on your 2003/04 Australian tax return.
Our aim is to complete G42's restoration AND to have spare parts for the locomotive once it is in service.
"Tender Into Tank" is the original hard cover book (author - R G Preston) released in 1970 by the ARHS (Newcastle Division) covering NSW converted locos. This much sought after book is in good condition and it is available for sale to the person making the best offer received in writing by September 1, 2003. Please send your offer to PBPS - G42 Tender Into Tank Book, PO Box 451, Belgrave, 3160. A reserve has been placed on this item. Only the successful bidder will be notified.
"Tram On Collins" is a long stitch tapestry mounted in a frame. Measuring 100 cm (39 inches) by 70 cm 28 inches), the view shows a W Class tram No. 939 on the corner of Collins Street and Kings Street Melbourne. It is available for sale to the best offer received in writing by September 1, 2003. Please send your offer to PBPS - G42 Tapestry, PO Box 451, Belgrave, 3160.
If you would like further information contact Bob or Pam Fullager on (03) 9570 6269. They are donating this tapestry to help complete G42's restoration. Thank you Bob and Pam. A reserve has been placed on this item. Only the successful bidder will be notified.
This book will be released by the first week in July and will be available in Belgrave Shop for $35.95. Pre-publication offers received by the close off date of 30th June, 2003 will be despatched within 10 working days once the book is released. Stocks of "A Day In The Life Of G42", "Focus On ..... Walhalla Line", "Focus On ...... Whitfield Line" are still selling well so get your copy now as there are no planned reprints.
Train Hobby books are still available from Belgrave Shop for $30.00 each or direct from G42 Sales for $33.00 each posted anywhere in Australia. If you are looking for a particular book please write to PBPS - G42 Train Hobby Books, P.O. Box 451, Belgrave, 3160.
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 5th July, 2003 and Saturday 2nd August, 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 obtained books in the last month and have helped G42s restoration by doing so.
We would like to thank Doug Parbury for his recent donation of items to the G42 Shop at Emerald and anyone else who may have been missed.
The collection box figure for May was $51.30. 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. 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 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.
Thank you to Matthew Moharich, David Sheppee and Karen Streeter.
Bruce West
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. Please find booking form enclosed with this edition of Monthly News.
Book early - this event sold out quickly last time! An 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. Booking form will accompany the August edition of Monthly News.
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
| MAY | 2003 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,297 | 3,241 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 3,447 | 3,091 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 274 | 314 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 74 | 75 |
| Carriage kilometres | 21,680 | 21,647 |
| Carriage Days for month | 699 | 686 |
| Highest kms operated loco | 1,258 | 1,164 |
| Highest kms operated pass vehicle | 1,481 | 1,221 |
| Highest kms operated wagon | 47 | 105 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 47% | 68% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 158 | 148 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 173 | n/a |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 10 | n/a |
It was an interesting month for unusual train movements. Due to the major track reconstruction works in Belgrave yard, access was unavailable to the loco running shed, loco workshops and the carriage storage sidings above the platform.
On Monday 5/5 some rolling stock was transferred to Emerald and Menzies Creek. D21 was transferred to Menzies Creek and DH59 was kept against the buffers in the platform road at Belgrave. 12A joined 8A & G42 in the loco workshops (3 black locos), whilst 6A, 7A and 14A took up temporary residence at Menzies Creek.
Each morning, the NA locomotives required for the day's running were lit up and prepared at Menzies Creek then run light engine to Belgrave. The reverse occurred in the afternoon for stabling locos. Coal was loaded into bunkers at the down end of Menzies Creek platform on forward journeys.
Even the Night Train operations were affected, so as to not annoy our neighbours at Menzies Creek and Belgrave. For the return working of Night Trains, DH59 was sent light engine from Belgrave to Menzies Creek to relieve the NA locos for the last part of the trip to Belgrave. The NAs then stabled at Menzies Creek overnight, much earlier than would otherwise have been the case.
Due to excellent planning and execution of the track rearrangement work, Tuesday 20/5 was the last evening of Menzies Creek loco stabling and the three NAs and D21 returned to Belgrave during the next day. Light engine running was much higher than usual, totalling 277 kilometres for the month instead of the usual 10kms or so.
Bob Wilson