August 2003#361
August 2003
#361
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.
Passenger numbers for 2002/03 slipped by 5.5% to 244,851 reversing a three-year upward trend.
Fare revenue for the full 2002/2003 financial year totalled $3.435 million, which was 9% below our budget of $3.780 million. Only 26% of the $346,000 shortfall related to international tourists (6% tour groups & 20% free & independent travellers on picnic trains), with most of the downturn being in local market products:
Fewer passengers not only mean fewer fare dollars but also less being spent in the shop, with sales there being down 16% on budget and 8% below last years sales.
Unfortunately fewer passengers make hardly any impact at all on costs.
DOI has prepared a number of papers in order to encourage consultation in developing a Code of Practice relating to the Medical Standards that must be met by those involved in Railways. The original documents were very much oriented toward the "commuter" railways, where the driver is the only person on a train, compared with tourist railways that at any time have a Driver, Fireman and Guard on the train who can stop the train in the case of an emergency.
Several people including Graeme Breydon and Ray Leivers commented on the drafts and have, in conjunction with ATR, resulted in much more realistic Medical Standards having to be met by our staff and volunteers. However, the new code does require a risk assessment to be conducted for every position on the Railway.
Puffing Billy and ATR owe a huge debt of gratitude to Graeme Breydon in this respect. As one of many Project roles Graeme has undertaken over the last six months, Graeme has produced an excellent 28 page response on behalf of the Victorian Tourist Railways. Whilst all railways will have to adopt a new approach to Medical standards, with different medical examinations and frequencies adopted for different positions on the Railway, Graeme's work will minimize the work required by PBR and each of the other Victorian Tourist Railways.
The Tasmanian Premier wrote to the PBR and ARHS (Victorian Division) in October 2000 requesting that consideration be given to the return of Abt loco #5 and associated guards van (but not the NAL carriages) to Tasmania. Since then, after due debate (see letters column of 'Narrow Gauge') both organisations decided that, under certain conditions, it might be possible to reach agreement for return of the items.
The information that we were ready to commence discussions was conveyed to the Tasmanian government earlier this year and a number of telephone calls occurred between all parties. During July these reached a stage where the government representative undertook to draft a formal written proposal for consideration by the Victorian groups.
As we have not received that formal written offer we were somewhat surprised when the Tasmanian Premier announced a plan to acquire and restore the loco as a cost of about $900,000. The media report that he would 'not reveal how much the Government was planning to pay for the engine because the price was still under negotiation' leaves the misleading impression that price is the only stumbling block and only the loco is being transferred. In fact all parties recognise that the future of both the loco and van must be addressed and at the time of writing this we still await a written offer to ensure that the prompt and proper restoration and use of the items on their home line is guaranteed.
About 39,322 people rode the West Coast Wilderness Railway last financial year - 80% of whom have been passengers since Federal Hotels assumed responsibility for operation.
The Climax requires a boiler overhaul before it can be returned to traffic. Several groups have indicated a desire to participate in fundraising and already we hold about $8,600 in an account toward the overhaul, which is planned to commence late next year. The Railway is seeking volunteers to form a Committee to progress the fundraising for this popular locomotive. Please advise Ray Leivers if you would like to be part of this.
Volunteers are sought to participate in a weed control initiative on the line between Belgrave and the trestle bridge on Tuesdays in August to October. If you can help let Ray Leivers know.
Staff and volunteers are reminded that the Board has a No Smoking policy which operates in all vehicles including NRR1.
| 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.
See Enginemen's Instructional Classes notice in Train Operations Branch section.
Over the next week, G42's boiler will return. Please note that the area around the boiler is a restricted area. DO NOT GO INTO THAT AREA. It will be a dangerous area over the next couple of months with access for fitters only.
Ray Leivers
Thank you to all conductors who sold tickets on the train during the July school holidays. You have kept the Finance Department busy with all of the additional ticket sales. We really appreciate the extra effort you have made to ensure all passengers have tickets. The railway as a whole has benefited from your diligence.
Russ Bowen and the Finance Team
No report this month.
Sunday August 3rd : Drivers Module 4 of 6, Covering:- Motion Gear, Valve Gear, Valve Events, settings, angle of advance, and Valve Terminology, Air Compressor and Compressor Governor.
Sunday August 17th: Engine Cleaners & Trainee Fireman's Class. An introduction to the course, Obligations of Enginemen, Basics of Locomotive Braking Systems, Basics of Locomotive Construction, Locomotive safety, Firing Technique, Combustion, Heat Transfer, Injectors, Boiler management, Introduction to Train Staff & Ticket systems, Fixed Signals, Hand signals, general Safeworking, finishing with an instructional film, based on the book, "Red for Danger".
All Volunteers Welcome to attend. If you want the Basics of how a Loco works, and how to manage it, this session is for you!
Both classes will be held in the conference room at the Belgrave NG Station, commencing at 10.00am sharp, completing at approximately 3.00pm, with a break for lunch.
Instructors : Lance Adams & Cliff Simmons.
Bookings essential for both sessions: Contact Allan Johnstone
As part of the review and upgrading of Conductor Training, applications are being sought from interested Head Conductors to become 'Conductor Training Supervisors'. The role of the Conductor Training Supervisor will be to oversee 'On the Rails' training of new volunteer Conductors and with Conductors seeking to qualify as Head Conductors. As quality training is essential in order to provide a safe, enjoyable and fun experience for passengers, let alone Conductors, it is urged that appropriately qualified Head Conductors apply for the role. A training day for Conductor Supervisors will be provided before being 'paired' on the Roster with trainees.
An application form for the position is available near the 'sign on book' located in the Belgrave Station Master's Office or a copy can be e-mailed by contacting the Passenger Operations Training Officer, Peter Walker on peter.walker@pbr.org.au
Each week, Conductors who have access to e-mail receive a regular weekly Conducting UpDate. The 'UpDate' provides additional on-going information applying to Conducting operations. However, a number of Conductors do not have access to e-mail and accordingly have not been receiving the UpDate. Copies of the UpDate will now be made available for collection at the Belgrave SM's Office (near the sign on book). Conductors who have e-mail and would like to be included on the e-mail list are asked to please let one of the Roster Clerks know.
Just a reminder to Head Conductors & Conductors that they do not have the authority to give, nor to authorise the giving of a refund. In all instances they must refer any passengers requesting a refund to the Station Master at Belgrave, who will assess the request and act accordingly. If the passengers are not returning to Belgrave, then any request for a refund must be made by them in writing to our Manager Passenger Operations, David Eaton.
Would all Station-masters/Conductors please ensure that they hand a copy of our 'Exit Brochure' to passengers as they depart the station area upon return to Belgrave.
David Eaton, Manager Passenger Operations, is on the look-out for stories from Conductors volunteers in relation to their experiences as a volunteer. The stories will be used to help with volunteer recruitment. If you have an interesting tale to relate, please write it down and send it to David.
A number of Head Conductors and Conductors, as a courtesy to their Guard and the Footplate crew, have been advising them of likely passenger movements at non-Staff Stations along the line.
Examples:
Having a word with the crews will make them aware of these movements and alert them that you will be helping passengers.
Cut off date for the September Roster will be Friday 15th August 2003. Conductors wishing to make any changes or additions to their normal roster please let one of the Roster Clerks know by this date.
To Conductors who assisted during the school holiday period. As always your extra assistance is greatly appreciated.
Also a thank you to Ray Leivers, who during the school holiday period contributed a full day's Conducting and by all accounts enjoyed the experience.
As I am commuting regularly between my home in Frankston North and Moama, New South Wales, I have decided to have a second E Mail address.
Effective immediately; all matters relative to the Kiosk Rosters at Belgrave and Lakeside should be directed to the following E Mail address: moama152@yahoo.com.au.
Kevin D Stanes
Our new roster officer for Night Trains is Henry Brohier who has taken on the challenge for the next 12 months.
If you can help on Night Trains either working on our First Class carriages or at the Packing Shed, please give Henry a ring. He will be delighted to hear from you.
Thank you to all the volunteers who played "Santa" during our 2 months of mid year Christmas trains. During this period we ran 14 dinner trains to the delight of our passengers.
Larry James
No report this month.
John Conway
No report this month.
The track work outside the workshops has been reconnected to the new configurations for the workshops extensions.
A water crane has been obtained and restored for use outside the locomotive workshops and another water crane has been obtained from Nyora and will be refurbished for our use.
The long wheel base bogies were found to be not suitable for an NAL and so have been placed under 26NAC.
Design for the workshop extension is progressing and most issues have now been resolved. We expect to call tenders in late August to allow for construction to begin in October (subject to an affordable quotation being received).
We are in urgent need of the services of people with Light Rigid (LR) driving licences to help with our Saturday track gangs. If you have a licence and would like to help please contact Tom Kilner.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be held on Saturday 16th August. We will be working just beyond Nobelius where we will be doing further work on the Emerald to Lakeside section redevelopment. The usual sumptuous BBQ lunch will be provided. Please let Roster Officer Henry know if you can attend
The large storage shed in Innes Road Gembrook where a lot of our spare mechanical bits are stored is to more than double in size to house even more of our 'treasures'. This shed will allow us to tidy up a lot of areas where spare equipment is stored in the open, particularly at Emerald.
Repairs to some faulty welds on the point-work on the Portland Tramway have now been completed.
The bi-monthly meeting of the S&T Branch be held at 10 Kings Rd, Emerald on Sat August 9th and will commence at 9.30 a.m., followed by the normal Signals work day. (Wig Wag)
Saturday 23rd August will form the regular Telephones work day. Commence from the Depot at 10.00 a.m. please.
Recent activities at the S&T Depot have seen the installation of improved lighting over the storage areas and provision of a test rig for focusing and adjusting flashing light heads. The test rig will ensure that greatly improved light output is guaranteed from our overhauled light heads.
The major cables for the Wig Wag installation have been installed. Termination and connections are still required.
The Lighting in the NAL carriages was overhauled and faulty globes and fittings replaced or repaired.
The bell on the Passenger Gates at Lakeside and the Up Outer Home Signal at Belgrave required some minor attention during the past month as did the battery charger at the Level Crossing at Menzies Creek station.
Andrew Wheatland.
Sections 0 to 4 have been distributed to designated recipients.
Thanks to Rob Emmerson for the donation of tickets, thanks to Lyn Wade for providing containers for use when storing small items.
Hugh Markwick
Following our usual practice the Museum took part in the annual Emerald Winterfest. The festival was held on 27 July and our planning is for the red NKS trolley to be displayed and for the TACL to go by rail to Emerald and also be displayed.
The radiator repair is going well and is ready to be put back into the engine space. The unit is very heavy and once placed in the frame, the engine and associated gear should not need further work for many years. Once the cold weather is past, the entire engine will be repainted to bring the unit up to a high standard of restoration.
The first work in getting ready to re-erect the Kilmore gang shed has been made and the site for the shed has been cleared of all vegetation. We now need to obtain scrap rail to use as the foundation for the floor and once this has been obtained, we will start the next stage of the work.
The next running day is scheduled for Saturday 6th September 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.
John Frost
Thank you to those who have included a donation to G42 in their membership renewal for this year.
Thank you to Russell Bowen for transporting all the boxes of "Focus on Gembrook: Part 1", which were delivered to John Thomson's home in Heathmont to the G42 shop at Emerald. Also to Peter Medlin who delivered 50 copies of the book to the Railfan Shop, in his brief case - over several trips on the train to work.
'Tender Into Tank' is the original hard cover book released by R G Preston in 1970 by the ARHS (Newcastle Division) covering NSW converted locos. This much sort after book is in good condition and it is available for sale to 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 has been released and is available in Belgrave Shop for $35.95. 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.
Now released, 'Railway Stations Greater Metropolitan Melbourne Part 2 1950-1990'. Due for release soon is 'Country Branchlines of Victoria Part 2' - incorporating the Alexandra and Mansfield lines. 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 VIC 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 2nd August, 2003 and Saturday 6th September, 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 has helped G42s restoration.
We would like to thank Ray Marsh, Gavin Clark and Ashley Greaves for their recent donation of magazines to the G42 Shop at Emerald.
The collection box figure for June was $ 76.00. 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 very much appreciated.
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:- M. Alger, E.H. Austin, A.R. Bailey, R.E. Barker, V. Barnard, N.J. Barry, J. Beckett, J.B. Bell, W.J. Black, D.A. Blackmore, J.A. Blaney, C. Blencowe, R.C. Brooks, N. Burgin, W.G. Callender, A.J. Clark, K. Clark, M. Clarke, F.M. Clayton, B.M. Cook, R.B. Cooper, G. Cornish, R.M. Cropley, L.R. Crow, P.L. Cuffley, C.J. Cutter, H.J. Dance, M. Davies, R. De Jager, J.R. Dennis, G. Duggan, H. Du Guesclin (WA), P.W. Etherington, F.R. Everett, R. Farnsworth, J.B. Firth, L.R. Foun, Dr. J.K. Fullager, Gembrook Industries, E.S. Goffney, N. Green, R.E. Hall, G.R. Harding, I. Harper, C.W. Hart, K. Hartley, A.T. Harris, J.P. Hillyer, C.J. Holliday, R.J. Hopkins, F.J. Hussey, R.G.A. Jamieson, L. Kennedy, W.J. Kingsley, C. Ledbury, C. Leggett, P.L. Leslie, Rev. J.N. MacMillan, I.G. Manning, H. May, Brig. K.B.J. Mellor, G. Michael, J.F. Millar, F.M. Mitchell, T. Morgan, G.K. Morris, I.P. Newman, R.F. Nicholson, R. Norman, I. O'Brien, K.E. Odery, T.F. Olsson, A.J. Paton, N. Patrick, J.B. Paul, K. Pearce, W.C. Piper, R. Prewett, P. Ralph, A. Reynolds, L.A. Rickard, G.W. Robinson, I.A.G. Roos, A. Rose, D.A. Sargent, G.M. Shakespeare, K.N. Shand, J.D. Shaw, L. Shaw, D.A. Sheppee, B.C. Stevens, P.A. Stowell, J.B. Sunman, G. Thomas, R.L.S. Topp, P.J. Trenery, J.C. Tunks, K. Walker, R. Walton, D. Ward, J.A. Warwick, G. Watsford, R.R. Watson, J. Webb, B.J. Webber (Qld), P.D. Wescott, B.J. West, C.H. Weston, R.M. Whitehouse, W.H. Whitford, R.J. Williams, W. Williams, R.J. Wilson, R.F. Wood, D.P. Woodward, B.B. Worthington (NSW), A.P. Wymond
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. For last minute bookings, please phone Philip Leslie.
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. Booking form will be enclosed with the September edition of Monthly News.
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 memorable.
The calendar of events for 2004 has now been finalised and will be published next month. Watch this space.
Jeff Goodwin,
Social Committee Convenor
| June 2003 | June | Financial Years | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2002 | 2002/3 | 2001/2 | |
| Train kilometres for the month/year | 3,030 | 3,019 | 45,168 | 47,033 |
| Loco kilometres -steam | 3,042 | 3,138 | 45,574 | 48,611 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 143 | 61 | 4,831 | 2,649 |
| NA locomotive days for month/year | 73 | 72 | 965 | 1,032 |
| Carriage kilometres | 20,900 | 21,616 | 37,2250 | 38,3039 |
| Carriage Days for month/year | 669 | 675 | 9,508 | 9,701 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,101 | 1019 | 13,285 | 13,896 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,408 | 1,328 | 17,683 | 16,505 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 95 | 47 | 246 | 349 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 47% | 75% | 59% | 66% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 157 | 157 | 2,521 | 2,533 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 169 | n/a | 2,855 | n/a |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 22 | n/a | 132 | n/a |
The above statistics incorporate the full financial year as well as the month of June.
6A ran the highest kilometres for the year (13,285 kms) followed by 12A (11,479 kms), 14A (11,288 kms), 7A (8,661 kms) and 8A (240 kms).
Diesel distances were DH59 (3,194 kms) and D21 (1,466 kms).
2NBD recorded the highest carriage distance for the year (17,683 kms) and was used on 355 days for the year. 18 NBH was the next most travelled carriage. The average length for all passenger trains during the year was 8 vehicles.
The two 4 wheel ballast hoppers recorded the highest distance for non passenger vehicles (246kms) and were each used on 11 days.
96 Night and Wedding Trains were operated as against 102 the previous year.
All the above figures have been compiled from data extracted from Train Running Sheets throughout the year. I have extracted many, many thousands of pieces of data from those sheets so the writings of guards (and others on works trains) are not wasted and are important. Thanks to all people who have accurately recorded the happenings of the trains that have run throughout the year.
Bob Wilson