December 2003#365
December 2003
#365
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.
The agreement between the PBPS, ETRB, ARHS (Vic) and Tasmanian Government for return of Abt Loco #5 & van to Tasmania was finalised in mid-November, as announced at the AGM. The following Wednesday the vehicles were lifted onto low-loaders for delivery to the Hobart engineering firm responsible for the mechanical rebuilding. Once restored, the loco will be leased by the Government to the operator of the West Coast Wilderness Railway under similar terms to sister loco #3. We understand that the Abt Railway Society will be involved in the body restoration of the van, which will then be used on special occasions on the wilderness line.
Our railway is being reimbursed for all costs including dismantling of the display structure at Menzies Creek and a sum to reflect the past investment in acquiring, displaying and maintaining the items. In addition, the ARHS Victorian Division (owner of the items) has generously agreed to donate all sale proceeds that they are due under the agreement to us. All these funds, plus a matching allocation from our Victorian Government CSF grant, will be re-invested in improvements to the PB Steam Museum site at Menzies Creek.
Throughout the entire process the Tasmanian Government has made it clear that they appreciate that our 4 Mt Lyell carriages are an important part of our business operations and have therefore specifically not sought their repatriation.
The Society AGM on 16th November saw the announcement that Messrs John Shaw, James Cron, Hugh Markwick and Mal Hanson were the successful candidates in the postal ballot for ordinary committeemen. In addition, gold passes were awarded to Eric Platt, Ron Gunn, Jean Clowes and Graeme Breydon. Mel Elliott was also presented with his honorary life membership plaque. Other people were presented with certificates of appreciation (see page 2). Congratulations to all recipients!
Following a submission by heritage Committee and consideration by Management Planning Committee it has been decided that the diesels (D21, DH59 and NRT1) will be painted blue with yellow trim, as they were for 'T', 'Y','X', and 'M' Class VR locomotives.
| Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au | John Thompson, PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au | Ray Leivers, CEO ray.leivers@pbr.org.au |
Marie Dewar, mother of Ian Dewar, passed away in early November. Marie was 90 years of age and had been a member of the Society for some years. Our sympathies are extended to Ian & his family on this sad occasion.
Dan O'Connor
The following were presented with Certificates of Appreciation at the 2003 Annual General Meeting:
John Brady, Alan Bridge, Keith Buckland, Frank Clark, Colin Cowling, Bronwyn Francis, Grahame Gardner, John Hoy, June Ilett, Allan Johnstone, Neil Lewis, Terry Lee, Jim Lucas, Merle Mathisen, Greg Michael, Prue Murphy, Ron Peach, John Rossiter, Paul Sparks, Bernie Stevenson, Steve Strangward, Terry Thiele, Nina Wenzel and Bob Wilson.
Congratulations to all of those who were awarded certificates and passes. Well done, and well deserved.
It is pleasing to report that 3 safeworkers have recently qualified. They are John Forrester, Jason Kemp & Dylan Scott. Chris Hyde has also been passed out as a 'solo' fireman.
Congratulations to you all for your continued commitment to Puffing Billy.
Dan O'Connor
Please note that applications for the next safeworking course (No 25), which will be held in the first half of 2004, close on December 19 th 2003. Application forms are available in 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. If you are interested in doing the safeworking course but have not met this requirement please contact Greg Hanslow.
Ray Williams - Safeworking Training Officer.
All of the candidates have now been interviewed, the selection process has been completed, and the following people have been successful: Steve Holmes, Kevin Eisfelder, Emile Badaway, Lachie A'vard, John Hoy, Peter Stowell & Gavin Clark
The selection of the new trainees was a difficult task, but the input from the footplate panel, the one on one interviews, and our own observations ensured that each applicant was assessed on their current performance with regard to their suitability to handle the position of locomotive driver on Puffing Billy Railway.
It was made clear to the successful applicants that their selection was the first step towards achieving their goal of becoming a driver, and that their performance would be monitored on a regular basis. Areas that will be monitored include relationships with passengers, fellow volunteers and staff, attitude to safety, commitment and availability for training.
I would like to congratulate all the fireman who applied to be trainee drivers, as the quality of the applicants was impressive.
Greg Hanslow
Manager, Train Operations
The Puffing Billy Great Train Race (GTR), conducted for the past twenty two years, is one of the oldest fun runs in Victoria. The event consists of up to 2,200 runners attempting to beat the train on its journey from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park.
The part-time contract position of GTR Coordinator reports to the Marketing Manager for the set-up, operation and co-ordination of the 23rd GTR to be held on Sunday, 2nd May, 2004.
Employment will commence in late February 2004. The number of hours worked per week will vary in relation to the preparation for the race and will include weekend work on the weekend of the race. The hours worked per week are not expected to exceed an average total of 24 hours although the actual hours worked will be significantly higher in the three weeks prior to the race and week following the race.
The role includes the completion of all post race activities including an event debrief, the printing and dispatching of all Runners Certificates and filling of all merchandise orders if applicable. These activities are expected to be completed within four weeks of the race.
If you feel you can meet the challenge, please forward your written application to:
A 'Position Description' is available from Glenda Rae Further information of a technical nature about this position, can be obtained by contacting David Eaton or by email at: david.eaton@pbr.org.au
Remuneration: Hourly rate by negotiation
Applications in writing close 5.00pm, Tuesday, December 31st, 2003.
The Board is seeking a part-time person to co-ordinate, manage and operate "Day out with Thomas" events in 2004. The person should have experience in event set-up and management and staff rostering, together with a good working knowledge of all aspects of the railway's operation.
The person should have good people skills and will be accountable to and report to the Marketing Manager.
The position will be part-time for a fixed contract period until the completion of the last "Thomas" event for the Autumn and spring periods of 2004 and will involve the set-up, coordination and operation of each event during 2004. The number of hours worked per week will vary in relation to the preparation and staging of each event and will involve weekend work as and when the events occur.
A detailed Position Description is available by contacting Glenda Rae at the Belgrave office and any enquiries should be directed to David Eaton by email at: david.eaton@pbr.org.au.
Written applications only will be accepted by Tuesday, December 31st, 2003 and should be forwarded to the e-mail address above or mailed to:
Last month I asked for any archival film of our railway and of G42 for two forth-coming videos. I would like to personally thank Norm Wadeson, Ralph Cleary and Greg Goold for generously loaning me their 8mm films which have been a great help in the making of these productions. I would also like to ask, once again, for any 8mm or 16mm (or 35mm if you are rich) film of our railway and any other 2ft 6inch lines. If you can assist with this please call Jon Newton.
The last drivers class was held on the 23rd of November and Jon Newton was there again to get it on film. If any trainee drivers or qualified firemen wish to attain copies of these 6 classes, then contact Jon Newton. The video's are available for $20 each, or the entire 6 for $100. For all those who have ordered these videos already, they should be ready soon now that the last class has been and gone.
Jon Newton
Staff, please note that we have moved to the environmentally friendly paper cups but at both Belgrave and Gembrook we have a supply of real cups for use by the staff & volunteers, so please ask the staff for a real cup to help save the environment.
Lakeside staff please note we have a new fridge thanks to Coke, which we will be using for drinks and fresh pastries.
Streets have provided us with a van for Lakeside, which is located near the safeworking room. If you can assist during the busy season we will be able to man the van as well, with the same products that are in the shop.
Potato Pies, Chicken and Veg Pies & Quiche (egg & bacon)
We would like to welcome "Craig Currie Catering" who have taken over the Council Kiosk at Lakeside. They are open every day except Christmas Day.
Sue Ham
Six train days are not far away, so if anyone can give an extra day or two it would be much appreciated. I have been working on a "Special Six Train Day Roster" to try to ease the pressure of long days, if I can get three people each day to cover each kiosk I would be able to break the workday down to a 7 hours, on the other hand with four people the workday could be reduced to about six hours. Anyone wanting to have a look at what I have in mind can see either June Ilett or myself. If you have an email service I could forward you a copy on request.
Also those people who have email, other than those who I already have on file. If you wish to get the regular monthly updates of the Shop Roster forward your name and email address to me at: moama152@yahoo.com.au
Kevin D Stanes
The method of crossing the above 2 trains to minimise any delays (Timetable A) is as follows:-
Rob Emmerson
Following 2 recent incidents where handbrakes were left on, resulting in 'flats' on wheels and the subsequent need to have the wheels re-profiled, it is timely to remind all Drivers (& Guards) to ensure that ALL handbrakes are released prior to departure from terminal stations. The cost to the Railway to have the wheels re-profiled is quite considerable and so I ask all to be vigilant in ensuring handbrakes are released.
Greg Hanslow
These cards are going missing or are being left behind to face the perils of the weather of the Dandenong Ranges or pinched by Guards trying to improve their linguistic skills.
A suggested method of use of Cards is as follows:
From the daily Booking Sheet determine the number of carriages to be reserved for each booking.
Obtain the pre-printed Reservation Cards from the Reservation Cards Box (a small grey box with alphabet storage indicators) located in the Belgrave SM's office, where possible. If a Card is not pre-printed make one up using a blank Card (located in the cupboard near the Connie Bags).
Once the booked group is on board and just prior to departure of train from Belgrave, remove the Cards and hand to the SM as the SM walks the platform preparing to wave off the train or hand to the Conductor of the next train.
Alternatively, upon arrival at the destination of the group (i.e. Menzies Creek, Lakeside etc), remove Cards, place in your Connie Bag.
Upon your return to Belgrave at end of day, remove Cards from your Connie Bag and put in Reservation Cards Box in alphabetical order.
It's also a good idea to completely remove all items from the Connie Bag such as unused brochures and personal items. If the Connie Bag is damaged in anyway, please bring it to the attention of the SM who can organise to have it repaired or replaced.
If a carriage is 'Green Carded' (as requiring repairs) and is being transported to the Emerald workshops, it's a good idea to place a blank Reserved Card on both sides of the carriage and lock the doors (on both sides) so passengers do not use the carriage either at Belgrave or at Stations en-route. Try not to leave Cards on carriages (once the group has left) as this unwittingly gives the impression to arriving passengers that the now vacant carriage cannot be used.
At the end of the day, please ensure that the portable phone is properly placed in the charging cradle. The red/green light must be showing to indicate that it is on charge. Please note that the range of the phone does not extend beyond the down end of the platform.
If the SM's phone rings it can be picked up from other phones (ie the shop) by dialling '1'. This will pick-up the call. This also applies in the reverse direction. Most phones within the Lakeside station should be able to be answered by this method.
A few spare 'M' Keys are available for use by Conductors on a day only basis from the Belgrave SM. To obtain one of these keys approach the SM who will sign out the key for you for use on the day.
All Conductors should have access to a 'M' Key to enable them to open toilets, the carriage doors on the modified (disabled passenger) NBH carriages plus open the Crossing gate controls at Lakeside. Once qualified as a Head Conductor, you will be issued on loan, your own 'M' Key. It should be noted that 'M' Keys are an 'accountable' item.
With the recent upgrade to our 'Server' at Belgrave, it is now a requirement to enter a 'user name' & 'password' to gain access to the system. The user names are fixed but the passwords will need to be entered when turning on the computers in the morning. There is a notice in the Booking Office detailing the 'user names' & 'passwords' etc. Please read it.
Even though the Roster has been finalised (on paper that is) a number of vacancies, as is evident, still exist.
This is the busiest time of the year and the most extensive Roster to fill. Any additional help that Conductors can volunteer over this time will be greatly valued.
You can either turn up on the day or better still give the Roster Clerk some notice by telephoning or e-mailing first.
Unbelievably, we are starting to experience warmer weather!
With this welcome return of 'mosquito weather' the need to drop curtains diminishes.
The decision in relation to curtains rests with the Station Master of the day, who depending on the likely overnight weather, may decide to leave curtains up except on soft seat carriages and the disabled carriages.
Windows on NBD, NAC and NAL carriages always are to be closed (and secured where possible) and the doors secured by locking with a Square Key. Don't forget to remove the Batteries and place them on charge too.
If you are interested in helping as a Conductor, please let the Roster Clerk know. There are only a few vacancies now left for these very popular trains.
A special ceremony was held at Belgrave Station on 3rd November where Max Miskin was recognised for his long volunteering service as a Conductor by becoming the first appointed 'Passenger Guide'.
Attending the ceremony were all of Max's Monday Conducting crew colleagues in addition to members of staff and other volunteers. Max was presented with a new Hatband and certificate by David Eaton (Mgr. Passenger Operations) and the CEO, Ray Leivers.
Over many years and continuing for hopefully many more years, without fail, on the Monday Gembrook train and on the Thursday Luncheon Special train, Max is found regaling passengers with his wonderful tales and exceptional good humour. Max has also welcomed and befriended many new Conductors who because of his guidance coupled with his unquestioned integrity, have gone on through Conducting ranks into other areas of the railway.
The newly created role of Passenger Guide (at the discretion of the CEO) enables Max to enhance his invaluable presence around the railway, particularly meeting and mixing with passengers.
Max you are much appreciated by those fortunate enough to enjoy your company riding the rails. From all of your Conducting colleagues, congratulations on your new role and thank you for your generous friendship, support and reliability.
Though we do have one question - How come you get all the girls to kiss you, when for most of us we have to settle with a smile from the Station Master?
From the management team at Passenger Operations and the Roster Clerks we would like to wish all Conductors, Booking Clerks and Station Masters, their family and friends best wishes for a Happy Christmas and a safe, prosperous New Year.
Thank you for your generous and greatly valued volunteering effort over the past year.
A Merry Christmas is extended to all catered trains volunteers and their families. Thank you for your efforts during the year and we wish you all the very best for the New Year.
Following requests from our passengers, we are now serving a limited variety of mixed drinks in cans at the Packing Shed.
We currently have scotch, bourbon, brandy and alcoholic green ginger wine available at $5-00 per unit. Please note that these drinks are only available at the Shed and are not included in the price per head.
We are now into the busy season of Night Trains and from 1st November until the 23rd December we are running 24 trains including one wedding reception. This is the time of the year where we can certainly make a difference to the bottom line (profit wise) and we ask everyone who has worked on Night Trains or who would like to, to think about volunteering for this important area.
Please let Henry Brohier know if you can work. Henry's phone number is in the contacts section at the back of this edition.
Larry James
No report this month.
No report this month.
Adam Taylor was a finalist in this years 'Apprentice of the Year' awards. An event was held at 'Eden on the Park' on Wednesday 12th November where Adam received his certificate and a cash prize. Well done Adam and congratulations from every one at Puffing Billy.
This years Xmas Break Up for Workshops Branch staff and Volunteers (and family) will be held at Ken Tait's 12" gauge railway at Hoddles Creek on 6 December at 12 noon. BYO drink. Please call Alan Gardner to confirm attendance where address details will be provided
Hugh Markwick
We are waiting to see how successful our tendering for construction of the Workshop Extension has been. If it is successful then work may already have started.
Design work is almost complete for the new Permanent Way Depot in Stanley Street and plans will go to Council for planning approval shortly. Construction should start in the early New Year.
Upgrading of the existing locomotive running shed is planned and could also start in the early New Year.
Master Planning has concentrated on the engineering area so far but a complete master plan for Belgrave is being produced. It will go on display for comment when completed.
A course was completed at the end of November. Congratulations to those who gained their 'ticket's. Keys and certificates will be issued shortly.
Once again we will be employing a small number of casual workers to assist in this very important work. An ability to work in uncomfortable conditions involving the slashing of grass is essential and people subject to allergies from grass seed and pollen should consider whether the risk is worth it. The work will run for approximately six weeks. For further details contact Tom Kilner
.A short training session will be conducted as usual to train new Fire Patrollers and re-familiarise existing ones. The only conditions are that you are over 16 years of age and are fit enough to get in an out of fire patrol vehicles.
The course will be conducted at the Belgrave Trolley shed at 1 pm on Saturday 13th December and booking in is not necessary.
Our track gang has been working hard to re-build the Emerald to Lakeside section and work for this year is now finished.
It is currently being fitted with its road-rail equipment and is expected to be completed by Christmas. A short familiarisation course will be run but as the vehicle will be very similar in operation to NRR 1, it should pose no problems for existing trolley drivers.
EBR 26 should hopefully be available for testing shortly.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 20th December. As the location has not yet been finalised please ring Henry for more details. The usual sumptuous BBQ lunch will be provided. Please let Roster Officer Henry know if you can attend
John Shaw
A reminder that the S&T Branch end of year function will be held at Blarney's Restaurant, Monbulk immediately after the next Branch meeting on Saturday December 13th.
All Branch members and their partners are invited to attend and it would be appreciated if you could contact the S&T Depot or sig.supvr@pbr.org.au so that we can advise approximate attendance to the restaurant.
The next S&T Branch meeting will be held prior to the social afternoon. As usual we will commence at 9.30 a.m. at the Kings Rd offices and your attendance is welcomed.
The official weekend works days are cancelled this month due to the social afternoon and the intervention of Christmas, however, more than likely, there will be staff around, so feel free to contact the depot and your time will be put to good use.
As most will have observed, 2 of the new signal posts were delivered and stood on Monday Nov. 10. Work will commence on fitting them out when time permits. Whilst at Menzies Creek, the opportunity was taken to recover the bracket mast which had been placed at the up end of the station and transfer it back to Emerald, on the same train, for refurbishment.
We are working towards the Wig Wag being brought into service prior to the 6 train running period. Several minor jobs are yet to be completed and an "A" circular will be issued to explain the operational requirements.
Two trees recently fell onto and demolished the phone line in the Menzies Creek forest and also in the wooden pole section just beyond the Packing Shed. The Menzies Creek section was restored on Sat 8th Nov., however the wooden pole section involved substantial complications due to the breaking of one of the wooden Telstra poles and the subsequent condemning of 2 additional wooden poles. This resulted in a Telstra contractor (8 men and 6 trucks) spending the whole of Tuesday 11th (12 days after the tree came down) to stand 3 new (steel) poles and replace their cable. Only when they were clear could we access the poles to start rebuilding our line. Our thanks to all staff who worked around the loss of the Fax at Lakeside and the station phone at Nobelius during the interruption.
Andrew Wheatland.
Greg Hanslow has provided material from Train Operations Branch, Will Renfrey has donated a set of gradient books.
Work is continuing on classifying and recording our collection.
Hugh Markwick
The restoration work on RMP attracted the vandals who recently visited us and relieved us of the batteries, which start the unit's diesel engine. We now will build a compartment which is thief proof. The unit is running well and for the first time since we have owned the engine, there are no water leaks or water collecting in the air cleaners.
By the time you read this update, the Abt engine No5 will be in Tasmania and will be shortly starting a major rebuild in Hobart preparatory to entering service on The Abt Wilderness Railway in 2004. The Abt has been resident in the Menzies Creek Museum longer than it ran in Tasmania. Major work has been done to provide access to the site and work is to be put in place to remove the mound and open up the space near the umbrella shed.
The Museum has successfully displayed and operated the Malcolm Moore engine at the Alexandra Timber Tramway and Museum for their Malcolm Moore special event. A triple headed special train was run using the resident railway's engine, an engine from the Caribbean Gardens and our Museum engine. It was the first time for years that our engine was able to work to its full capacity.
At the conclusion of this event, the engine was displayed at the Historic Commercial Vehicle's open day.
With the departure of the Abt engine to Tasmania, plans are being prepared to provide further shedding and display space to place all our precious exhibits under cover.
The next running day is scheduled for Saturday 6th December 2003.
Our usual barbeque will also be held on Saturday 6 December 2003. It is a 'bring your own' BBQ.
The Museum is open for a short time at 12.30 pm every day that the Luncheon train runs. In addition, the Museum is also open with a curator present each Wednesday as well as every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday.
The Lineside Attractions Division wishes all members of the railway and their families, a Merry Christmas and a very Happy 2004. Thank you to all those people who helped the Division in 2003.
John Frost
To all who have supported our efforts to raise funds to restore G42 back to service during 2004 - Never thought we would get around to saying that! We wish you all the compliments of the season and a very happy and safe "Garratt" 2004. The end is nigh! From a very grateful Get G42 Going Committee.
Released just in time for Christmas are two Railscene books from Train Hobby. Titled "More Blue and Gold" - a real must have, and "Memories", a book on New South Wales covering the period 1952 to 1961. Both of these books are $50.00 each or $54.00 each posted anywhere within Australia. The VR "T Class - 2nd Series" book priced at $30.00 or $33.00 posted within Australia, was released in November and is selling very well. If you are looking for a particular book please write to PBPS - G42 Train Hobby Books, P.O. Box 451, Belgrave, 3160. All 3 new books plus other releases are available from Belgrave Shop.
Steam Media' latest video, The Year In Steam 2002. Available from Belgrave Shop at $44.95. Relive the railway events of 2002 in the usual fine quality produced video.
Selling pre-loved books, magazines and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald car shops in the Thomson building near the playground. Due to the Railways busiest time of the year our next openings will not be until Saturday 7th February & Saturday 6th March 2004 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be made by phoning Peter Medlin to arrange a suitable time. Thank you to those who purchased books in the last month and has helped G42s restoration by doing so.
We would like to thank Peter Binks, Mel Elliott, Kevin Findlay, Ray Marsh, Trevor Penn and Ben Reid for the donation of items to the G42 Shop at Emerald.
The collection box figure for October was not available at the time of typing and will be given in the January issue. Apologies for any inconvenience. Thank you to all the volunteers and staff who have ensured that the RED G42 collection boxes were put out.
With work on the locomotive nearing completion, your donation is needed more than ever before. E.H. Austin, Mitcham Baptist Church Seniors.
Thank you to those who have continued to appear over the years of fundraising. Your continued support will see G42 return to service in 2004 and who said dreams don't come true!
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!! Please use the booking form enclosed with this issue of Monthly News.
Sunday 29th February : By train from Spencer Street to Maldon with a DERM. Details to be confirmed.
April: Staff & Volunteers' BBQ (Date & venue 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 30th 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)
15 - 17 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
| October | 2003 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,449 | 4,329 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 4,604 | 4,805 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 423 | 216 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 91 | 96 |
| Carriage kilometres | 35,556 | 36,620 |
| Carriage Days for month | 902 | 875 |
| Highest kms operated loco | 1,473 | 1,479 |
| Highest kms operated- pass vehicle | 1,632 | 1,658 |
| Highest kms operated -wagon | 135 | 74 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 61% | 84% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 239 | 240 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 320 | n/a |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 27 | n/a |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 79% | n/a |
Bob Wilson