November 2003#364
November 2003
#364
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.
Thanks to the 40+ volunteers and staff who participated in the information session on 8th October 2003. Presentations were made on Capital works progress, the plan for the museum and Society elections. The open session allowed the audience to ask the CEO and Chairman questions on a wide range of subjects.
Thanks to all the volunteers who have contributed to a very successful Thomas season over October and the start of November. The shows have almost all been booked out, in contrast to the autumn series of shows.
We seem to rely on the same few to run Thomas, as drivers, firemen, conductors, shop staff and general help with crowd control. If you would like to participate, the organisers would really appreciate a few more hands.
The railway is seeking a volunteer to take on the role of co-ordinating the ordering, shop display and staffing at Lakeside. If you are interested please contact Sue Ham.
All are welcome to the AGM of the Society on 16th November 2003 at 2pm at the Masonic Hall Belgrave. The ballot for positions on the Executive will be announced, and the following awards presented:
All are welcome to come along and participate!!
Ron has worked hard to document some issues that footplate crew face and has designed solutions for many of these. Workshop staff have picked up on some of these ideas to improve our operations. It is disappointing to hear that Ron has recently suffered a serious injury and we hope to see him back on the railway soon.
| Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au | John Thompson, PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au | Ray Leivers, CEO ray.leivers@pbr.org.au |
Please note that applications for the next safeworking course (No 25), which will be held in the first half of 2004, close on December 19th 2003. Application forms are available from the Station Masters office at Belgrave or contact Deb Woodward (deb.woodward@pbr.org.au) if you would like an email copy sent to you.
Note. The prerequisite for this course is that applicants must have attended an "Introduction to Safeworking Course" in either 2002 or 2003.
Ray Williams - Safeworking Training Officer.
On Wednesday 8th October the Drivers Selection Panel, along with Ray Leivers, John Shaw, John Thompson and myself, met to review the applications.
The selection panel assessed the applicants based on the selection criteria, then each candidate was evaluated, and rated against this criteria by each member of the panel.
All of the candidates will be invited to an interview with Ray, John and myself so that we can discuss their application and advise them of the selection outcomes. These interviews are scheduled to take place at the Belgrave offices on Wednesday 22nd of October and Sunday 26th of October.
I would like to thank all those people who have applied to be a trainee driver, your contribution to the successful operation of Puffing Billy Railway is greatly appreciated.
Greg Hanslow - Manager Train Operations
Following the Board's acceptance of a Commercial Business Plan aimed at improving our revenue from souvenirs and food it is proposed to advertise a paid permanent part-time position for a manager. This will be advertised in The Age and the PD etc will be posted on all notice boards.
If anyone is interested in further information please contact Ray Leivers or Sue Ham
Just a reminder that the wheelchairs provided at Belgrave, Lakeside & Gembrook are primarily provided to assist those passengers unable to walk long distances in getting to and from the train. Please do not 'lend' them out to someone to use for an extended period - ie to use around Emerald Lake for a couple of hours.
Just a reminder for anyone who has not yet sent your 'Volunteer Availability' form back - can you please do so by the 3rd December please. This will enable us to make a head start on the rostering for the very busy December - January period. Thank you to the 50 or so volunteers who have already sent their forms back already.
The hard work of the volunteers and staff at Gembrook on Sunday in trying conditions has again done the railway proud. To each and every one a very big congratulations and thanks.
The 'weeds and seeds' group on the Railway are on the lookout for more volunteers to help in the maintenance of Puffing Billy Railway gardens and the ongoing removal of trackside weeds.
Comments such as 'you will never get rid of the Angled Onion' were made when we first started work on the Zig Zag gardens in Belgrave. Wrong!
The secrets are: Persistence, Mulching, Planting and don't let your weeds set seed. (try it in your own garden).We have a small group working in the Trestle Bridge area. Persistence in action!
The Free Press Leader newspaper published a letter in March this year and this comment was made of the Puffing Billy Railway.
'How many locals know that environmental science students ride Puffing Billy to study the effects of degradation from garden plant invasion, or that a trip to the hills is now also known as 'a trip to the weeds' .
Well, the weeds and seed group needs more volunteers to help change this public opinion. Thankfully, over the last couple of months we have been able to work with volunteers from 'Volunteering Australia's Pilot Employee Team Challenge'. We have had 'teams' of 'office workers' who have 'taken to the bush' with enthusiasm. Ivy & Cestrum have been removed or poisoned but you can hardly seen where we have been! If you would like know how you can help please contact:
Merle Mathisen
e-mail: kandmgem@bigpond.com
We are pleased to announce that Sharon & Alan Gardner are now the proud parents of Ryan Shane, born on the 12th October. Ryan weighed in at 5½ lbs. (Not sure what that is in these new fangled grams - Ed.)
Peter Walker has spent a stint in hospital recently. He is improving slowly and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Peter Priestly has also been in hospital and has had a pacemaker fitted. He is also improving slowly and we wish him a speedy recovery also.
Just a reminder that the Puffing Billy Preservation Society Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Sunday 16th November at the Belgrave Masonic Hall, commencing at 2.00pm. See elsewhere in Monthly News for more detailed information.
We have introduced a trolley which is in the shop and can be taken down the platform with souvenirs. The wheels need improving for an easier ride, which we hope to do before Christmas
A book signing by Gwen Ryder was held on the 30th September. This is the first time we have tried this within the Belgrave shop to create interest in the book.
We would like to thank all involved in placing and operating the CafT Car, our customers appreciated the comfort and experience, and we gained some interesting thoughts from the customers on the type of CafT to provide.
We have many exciting new products in the shop for the run up to Christmas, so please have a look the next time you are at the Railway. Don't forget, we have the biggest selection and best prices for Thomas products in the southern hemisphere.
If you arrive and find that a shop is not able to be opened because of a lack of staff, please contact Sue Ham on 415 or Kevin Stanes (mobile number in list at end of Monthly News) to arrange staff as it is very important to the Railway as a whole to have the shop open. Our passengers expect the shops to be open - please ensure that they are.
Sue Ham
See note re: Trainee Driver Selection in General News above.
Could Signalmen at Menzies Creek (and other locations) please communicate with the Stationmaster at Lakeside to advise him/her of departure times of trains heading toward Lakeside. This will assist the SM to keep prospective passengers informed of any late running etc. Thanks.
The final course for the year is to take place on Saturday 15th November 2003 commencing 9:00am at the Belgrave Station Conference room, running for approximately 3 hours.
Interested Conductors and volunteers are invited to attend this course, which will be the final one before the 2004 Safeworking Course starts.
If you intend applying for a place in the 2004 Safeworking Course, you need to attend this Course as a pre-requisite. If you have already attended an Introductory Course you need not attend another one.
Even if you do not intend to apply for the 2004 Course, the Introduction Course will give you an excellent overview of Safeworking.
To register your interest for the "Intro to Safeworking Course", please contact Deb Woodward
Up coming weekends in November are in urgent need of the help of Conductors. If you can spare a day or even a half-day please contact the Roster Clerk. Your help will be greatly appreciated.
SM's & Booking Clerks are reminded that due to the way the trains operate it is no longer possible to send passengers to Menzies Creek as there are only 8 Carriages travelling beyond Menzies Creek to Lakeside. Please also note that the passenger capacities shown in the TSM Booking System are being set daily by the upstairs staff (excluding last minute bookings) and so must be adhered to. The figure shown is therefore the maximum number of casual passenger spaces available and are not to be exceeded.
During October & November, a number of Thomas the Tank Engine shows were held at Emerald Station under the direction of Dan O'Connor.
A wide range of volunteers from Loco crews, SM's, Conductors, Kiosk & Thomas Souvenir sales assistants, Signalmen, Booking Clerks, Sound Controllers, The Fat Controller aka Sir Topham Hat, Yard workers plus other participants busily and enthusiastically laboured away to provide a safe, enjoyable and fun filled day for our valued patrons.
By their efforts, a substantial amount of funds are raised. In addition, the Thomas Days promote Puffing Billy as a whole.
A 'Thank You' is also extended to the Conductors who helped with the Thomas Fun Run Day at Gembrook on the 19th October. Well done to all for a terrific and indispensable contribution!
If you arrive as Stationmaster and find that a Refreshment Room/Shop is not able to be opened because of a lack of staff, please contact Sue Ham on 415 or Kevin Stanes (mobile number in list at end of Monthly News) to arrange staff as it is very important to the Railway as a whole to have the shops open as this is an important source of money. Our passengers expect the shops to be open - please ensure that they are.
Conductors (and all volunteers) should have by now received a letter and form sent with their copy of the October Monthly News from the CEO requesting assistance with availability during the busy December/January period which includes 6 train running.
From a Roster Clerk's perspective, if you could complete the form and return it in the self-addressed envelope provided, it will be greatly helpful.
Each hour that YOU volunteer is appreciated and enormously valued. By your effort a safe, informative and enjoyable day is not only provided to patrons but for everyone from volunteer through to staff.
SMs are reminded to ensure that as part of their departure routine they check that the door to the Crew Room on the platform is closed and locked prior to their departure. It has been left unlocked on more than one occasion with the possibility of vandalism and theft.
The next Head Conductor & Conductor training day is scheduled for Saturday 22nd November 2003 at Belgrave Station conference room. The course duration is approximately 3 hours. The Head Conductor course starts at 9.00am and that for Conductors starts at 1.00pm.
Qualified Head Conductors & Conductors are invited to apply to attend the course by contacting Keith Buckland. Alternatively, apply through the Conductor Roster Clerk, Terry Lee.
Places are on a first come, first served basis.
No report this month.
As Summer approaches and more volunteers may be using Moondarra, it is appropriate to restate the rules for staying at Moondarra.
Susan Ham
Manager, Human Resources.
No report this month.
Work continues on fitting new tyres to rolling stock wheel sets.
Hugh Markwick
During a recent dry spell we were able to improve the drainage around the new track work at Belgrave. Whilst there is more to do, the number of puddles and 'pumping' sleepers has been substantially reduced.
Tenders have been called for construction of the Workshop Extension and subject to suitable responses work could start as early as 20th November.
Design work is under way for the new Permanent Way Depot in Stanley Street and we hope to get design work going on improved locomotive servicing facilities before the end of the year.
If you wish to be considered for the Trolley Driver's course to be held later this month you must apply in writing to Dan O'Connor by the 7th of November.
Major work was carried out on the Main Road level crossing at Emerald. This involved partial closure of the Main Road on a busy Saturday morning. The road now has a new, hard and deep layer of bituminous concrete which should last for many years.
Our track gang has also been working hard to re-build the Emerald to Lakeside section and work is approaching the Home signal at Lakeside. You are welcome to join them any weekend.
A second road rail vehicle is now in the process of being fitted out. This is a Ford Courier four wheel drive vehicle fitted with a crew cab. It is currently being fitted with its road-rail equipment and is expected to be completed by Christmas.
EBR 26 has been undergoing a complete re-build for some time now. A new chassis has been constructed (fitted with springs and shock absorbers) and the engine and transmission has been re-fitted. When it returns it will still be fitted with its old cabin, but a new one is being built to replace it. This work has been done by motor mechanic Joe McCaroll of JMC Motors as a volunteer project. Thanks Joe.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 15th November between Nobelius and Lakeside 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 Innes Road shed has been extended by 36 metres making it 61 metres long (200 ft). Bidding for use of the extra space is under way. (Who is he kidding - Ed!)
The manual is now complete and work is under way to develop a course for gangers based on it.
John Shaw
Andrew Wheatland has returned from his holiday. There is nothing specific to report this month other than that work is continuing on the new Up home signal for Menzies Creek.
(Compiled by Rob Emmerson in Andrew's absence.)
Rob Emmerson has forwarded more samples of the tickets we have printed on a regular basis for our archive collection.
Work is continuing on classifying and recording our collection.
Hugh Markwick
The large 2' diesel is having a long over due heavy overhaul. The engine is again operating after a heavy overhaul of the radiator and injectors. The next task being undertaken is the full refurbishment of the body and associated panels. The cab interior has been stripped and is being repainted to exhibition standard. It will take several months of work to fully restore this engine.
The work on the gang shed has started and the floor area has been constructed using scrap rail. The floor will be concrete. Once the floor is in position, the job of erecting the former historic Kilmore shed will start. It will house our fleet of historic KS trolleys.
With the imminent departure of the Abt engine to Tasmania, the gardens in the Museum are being recast. Through the skills of David Baker senior, we have been able to save all of the shrubs formerly planted to beautify the Abt area and these have been replanted elsewhere in the Museum.
A report has been prepared by the Strategic Planning Committee and the Lineside Attractions Committee on the Puffing Billy Railway Museum Collection. The report set out proposals for the integration of the museum activities into the entire Museum activities of the railway and provides a working scheme for the long-term future of the museum and its exhibits. A copy of the report is available on all notice boards.
The next running day is scheduled for Saturday 6th December 2003.
Our usual barbeque will also be held on Saturday 6th December 2003. It is a 'bring your own' BBQ.
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 starting from Melbourne Cup day as well as every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday.
John Frost
Steam Media's latest video, "The Year in Steam - 2002" is available from Belgrave Shop for $44.95. Re-live the railway events of 2002 in their usual fine quality video.
Look out for the "Victorian Railways T Class (2 nd Series)" book due for release soon. The "New South Wales 35 Class" book is now available. Other Train Hobby books are 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 is on Saturday 1st November between 1pm and 3pm. This will be the last opening date for 2003. Other openings can be arranged by phoning 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 Neil Mathieson, Ray Marsh and John Sheridan for the donation of items to the G42 Shop at Emerald.
Collection Boxes The collection box figure for September is $34.65. Thank you very much to all the volunteers and staff who have ensured that the RED G42 collection boxes were put out.The boiler has been installed in the main frame therefore your donation is needed more than ever before, to complete this long running project.: Phil Asker / Croydon Travel, P. Binks, J.W. Bradley, K.J. Collin, K. Eisfelder, M.D. George, W.L. Hanks, G. Harris, G.R. Houston, L.V. King, D. Knuckey, J. Marr, P. Marsden, M. Moharich (N.T.), A.J. More, M. Moresby, R.M. Morgan, M. Parle, J. Pavey (UK), J. Robins, K.E Sandercoe, C. Shaw, C.C. Shiels, E.C. Sibly, K. Streeter, B. Thomson, N.E. Wadeson, D.H. Wymond.
Thank you to those who have continued to appear over the years of fundraising. Your continued support is helping to achieve its goal.
Bruce West
New Year's Eve Train - Wednesday 31st December 2003
What better way to see out the year. By train from Belgrave we will enjoy dinner with musical entertainment at the Packing Shed and celebrate New Year with champagne & cake at Menzies Creek during the return journey. Last time around this event was immensely popular and we intend to make this year's event at least as memorable. Book early to ensure you get a seat !!
Sunday 29th February: By train from Spencer Street to Maldon with a DERM. Further details next month.
April : Staff & Volunteers' BBQ (Date to be advised). The Railway's 'Thank You' to the members and volunteers for all their efforts during the year to keep Puffing Billy running.
Sunday 30 th May: By train from Spencer Street to Bendigo behind an R Class. Our annual main line steam excursion.
Saturday 7th August: Our very popular annual film night.
Saturday 11th September: Meander through the museums : Williamstown (train) & Hawthorn (tram)
15th - 17th October: Weekend trip to sample the delights of Tasmania. If sufficient demand exists, we may charter our own DC-3 aircraft and fly across to Tassie in style. Watch this space for further details soon.
Saturday 20th November : Around the Bay in many ways.
If you have any questions regarding these events, or is you have your own suggestions for future events, please ring Jeff Goodwin 9873-0420 (evenings 8.30 - 9.30 only please)
Jeff Goodwin
| SEPTEMBER | 2003 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,587 | 3,423 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 3,444 | 3,516 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 348 | 93 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 77 | 76 |
| Carriage kilometres | 27,635 | 26,557 |
| Carriage Days for month | 762 | 708 |
| Highest kms operated loco | 1,221 | 1,366 |
| Highest kms operated pass vehicle | 1,463 | 1,434 |
| Highest kms operated wagon | 216 | 35 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 55% | 82% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 188 | 185 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 201 | n/a |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 33 | n/a |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 79% | n/a |
The Gembrook end of the line had a couple of busy days during the month. Nine cars were rostered for the regular train on the 8th with a group of New Zealand railfans on board. Eight days later on the 16th a sixteen car special ran to Gembrook double headed with an NA and D21. This was in addition to the normal Gembrook service. I believe that to be the biggest train to Gembrook since the official opening day.
Bob Wilson