January 2004#366
January 2004
#366
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CONFIDENTIAL:
Content details herein are for official Railway use only and are not to be used for other purposes.
Cockram Builders have been engaged, at a cost of $750,000, to construct the Belgrave workshop extension, commencing almost immediately. About 30 people attended the pre-tender site inspection and six conforming tenders were received. Cockrams have good experience with the type of construction involved, were the lowest tender and are known to our consulting engineers.
Throughout the construction period NO Puffing Billy people are permitted within the fenced works area, and there will be significant periods during which one or all tracks into the existing workshop will be isolated. There will be unavoidable congestion in Stanley & Ferguson Streets due to deliveries and equipment deliveries and parking will be at a premium. We will be constructing additional staff parking off Old Monbulk Rd, downhill from the level crossing to partly compensate. We ask everyone to be patient during this difficult operating period.
A prototype of the proposed upgraded carriage seating has been delivered and will be fitted to one carriage on a trial basis. The upgrade consists of a padded moulding that fits onto the existing NBH wooden seats. Once all user groups have had an opportunity to provide feedback, the project to upgrade all our NBH car seats will commence in full.
Continuing our policy of selective external contracting, our Workshops Branch will be overhauling broad-gauge loco J541 for its private owner.
Contrary to this tongue-in-cheek Internet forum comment, the movement was by road, to the Museum compound at Menzies Creek. Work will not commence until the majority of work has been completed on locomotive G42.
| Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au | John Thompson, PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au | Ray Leivers, CEO ray.leivers@pbr.org.au |
As a result of a disagreement between Puffing Billy personnel prior to the departure of the Night Train on Friday 5 December 2003, I had occasion to speak with Terry Lee, Dillon Scott and Matthew Gardner.
I have been subsequently made aware that Terry and Matthew found my approach, considering the positions I hold on the railway, to be rather confronting. Terry, Matthew and I have discussed the incident and I unequivocally apologise to them for any behaviour that they found inappropriate. My intention was only to resolve an issue which had the potential to have a negative impact on the railway.
John Thompson
Former President Lon Wymond had a couple of weeks in hospital recently, but is now home.
Volunteers at Belgrave on Melbourne Cup Day were delighted to be able to catch up with former Stationmaster/OIC John Topp to say hello. Son Michael brought John up to the railway to see progress on G42 and other developments for the first time since John moved into a nursing home a couple of years ago.
We also extend our sincere sympathy to Roger Lockwood and family on the recent passing of Rogers father who was 84.
Dan O'Connor
No General News this month.
"Tasmania's West Coast Wilderness Railway" available in either format for just $29.95. Produced by Peter Richmand Productions.
On DVD only "The Hills Are Alive" by Series 567 for $39.95.
"Steam Times 2" by Trains Alive on DVD for $38.00 and Video $33.00.
"Just Pilbara Trains" by Train Pictures on DVD for $39.95 and Video $29.95
With the 2003 Santa Specials run and with the imminent completion of G42 we now wish to fill the positions of Organiser, Booking Clerk and Emerald Supervisor. Any volunteer interested is asked to contact me as soon as possible to begin work on the Santa Special trains for 2004.
Ray Leivers
No report this month.
The team at Passenger Operations would like to take this opportunity to wish all Conductors, your family, partner and friends a peaceful and safe Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2004.
Thank you for your terrific efforts throughout the year, often under difficult circumstances. Each hour that you have contributed has made an important contribution to the safe and enjoyable operation of passenger services.
At the recent Puffing Billy Preservation Society (PBPS) 2003 Annual General Meeting, Keith Buckland, Terry Lee, Ron Peach, Nina Wenzel and Paul Sparks were recognised for their long-standing volunteering efforts with a 'Certificate of Achievement'. Over the next few months we will profile one of these recipients.
Over many years Keith has supported and befriended many volunteers and in particular Conductors. Because of his cheerful encouragement and unquestioned integrity, many continue to enjoy a fruitful association with Puffing Billy.
Currently, Keith undertakes the Conductor & Head Conductor courses as well as being a regular Monday Station Master. Many of Keith's 'graduates' can be seen filling a variety of roles around the railway.
Without fail when on duty as Belgrave SM, Keith will be found greeting and farewelling passengers, thanking them for travelling on Puffing Billy and recognising that by their patronage the heritage of Puffing Billy continues to be preserved. A feature of the way Keith works with other volunteers is that he always makes a point of thanking everyone rostered on for the day for their effort and never hesitates to go in to bat in their support.
In addition to his volunteering work at Puffing Billy, Keith has a vast knowledge of railway lore and is a mine of information not only about Puffing Billy but historic railways (and current railways) in general.
Well done Keith, it is terrific that your unselfish efforts have been recognised. From the many you have supported over many years it is our privilege to count you as a friend, mentor and colleague.
If you are helping your colleagues board passengers (you may be on the following train as a Conductor for example) have with you plenty of journey guides and timetables and hand them out to passengers who may not have collected a copy when purchasing their tickets. This will give you the opportunity to greet and make passengers feel at home prior to their journey commencing. It will enable you to deal with questions that may be asked of their journey and often you will be asked to help take photographs or appear in them yourself!
Some useful tips in relation to Batteries:
Now that colder weather seems to finally fleeing, despite some odd aberrations when exhortations by management to the Sun-God have not been religiously followed, the issue of Sun protection dawns (so to speak).
Some useful tips, mostly learnt from painful experience::
Do not press on when you feel unwell. Stop, get out of the heat, drink plenty of water regularly, do not hesitate to obtain Medical attention. Nothing is more important than your health.
This question was recently asked of the 'Update' and based on our experiences a good rule of thumb to have in your Connie Bag is:
It's also a good practice to make sure you bring your Square Key to enable carriage doors to be opened and closed. Your 'M' Key so as to open the dual carriage doors to enable passengers with a disability to travel, to operate the crossing gates at Lakeside and open and close toilets.
As can been seen in the Roster, the above date has only 2 Conductors rostered on. Any assistance that Conductors offer will be enormously appreciated. Please contact the Roster Clerk if you can help.
It is not generally recognised around Puffing Billy the contribution of a number of the younger volunteer Conductors.
On most weekends and during school holidays many give their time to participate in Conducting runs, often as solo Conductors. Their enthusiasm and willingness to do the hard yards that is often the lot of the Conductor is greatly appreciated and the feedback from passengers is appreciative and supportive.
Conducting is one of the entry-level positions where the younger set can participate and gain useful skills that will be of benefit to them throughout life as well as being a part of an upcoming generation, which will contribute to the survival of Puffing Billy for many years to come.
In particular, a thank you is extended to Ivan Hon, who though only 16, nearly every Sunday undertakes a Conducting run. In addition to Ivan, volunteers such as Chris Trikilis, Matthew Dunkley, Anny Huang, Matthew Swanton, and recently Matthew Conway regularly undertake Conducting runs both at the Conductor and Head Conductor level. Our apology if anyone has been inadvertently left out, (this is what happens when you get older).
Thanks to all the younger volunteers and of course of older, 'mature vintage' Conductors too!
A welcome return to Hans Brantjes, who has returned after an extended break in sunny Queensland. Hans is a valued member of the Friday Conducting crew and just in time for 6 train running too!
Just a reminder that if there is a general power failure then Belgrave Booking Officers and SM's should be aware that it will be necessary to revert to a manual system. The power supplies backing up the Booking Office Computers at Belgrave are only designed to enable to you to complete an orderly shutdown, not keep them running for hours on end. Please refer to the Emergency Procedures Manual for full details.
On a recent Luncheon Special Train, a Head Conductor contributed to a child's Puffing Billy experience by making the child his 'Assistant Conductor' for part of the journey.
The Head Conductor, (checking with the Guard first), enabled the youngster to give the 'tip' after yelling out a few 'All Aboards' and having (under a watchful eye) check that all the carriage doors were closed at a couple of Stations.
Between Stations he had the youngster 'sell' some tickets to members of his family, record some arrival and departure times, make carriage checks by looking up and down the length of the train at regular intervals and hand out some brochures to the encouragement from other passengers.
Upon reaching Belgrave on the return, he arranged for the youngster to be photographed in the cab of the Locomotive wearing his Head Conductor's cap, holding his (much prized) Fob watch and ticket clippers beside a clearly delighted Loco Driver (who seemed to be having as much fun as the child).
Another example where that little extra, which volunteer Conductors offer, that help make for an unforgettable experience for passengers, particularly the younger ones.
Again, this demonstrates why volunteering is such an important, precious and priceless component of the Puffing Billy experience.
No report this month.
Deb Woodward has advised that it is time for her to move on to greener pastures. Deb will finish up with the railway on Christmas Eve. We all wish Deb all the best in whatever endeavours she wishes to pursue.
Expressions of Interest for the paid role acting in Debs position are sought. If you are interested please see Greg Hanslow before Christmas.
Sue Ham
No report this month.
Hugh Markwick
As reported elsewhere, a contract is now under way to construct the Locomotive Depot extension.
Work is also under way to improve facilities at the Running Shed in recognition that a new depot may be some time off. This work includes improving the floor conditions in the area beyond the servicing pit.
Design work is now complete for the new Permanent Way Depot in Stanley Street and plans have gone to Council for planning approval.
Master Planning has progressed to the stage where a draft showing where major facilities might go has been produced. This will be made available for anyone to comment on when completed. The biggest building is likely to be a carriage shed over Nos.3, 4 and 5 Roads. An engineering investigation is being re-visited to determine whether lowering and levelling of the area is technically feasible and affordable. It will go on display for comment when completed.
A course was completed at the end of November and the newly qualified drivers are: Stephen Backway, Bob Cochrane, Matthew Gardner, Terry Lee, Peter Marshall, Dylan Scott and Simon Walker. Congratulations to those who gained their 'tickets'.
At the time of writing, the Fire Danger season had not yet been declared and was not expected before early January. However that may have changed.
Our various gangs have been working for over a month to complete slashing and burning in preparation for the Fire Danger Season. This rather unglamorous task has to be done every year and has been completed to a very high standard. Congratulations to the team of employees, volunteers, 'Back On Trackers' and 'naughty boys' for a job well done.
Hopefully by the time you read this NRR2 will be in service. This vehicle is fitted with a 'crew cab' to seat 5 people. A short familiarisation course will be run but as the vehicle will be very similar in operation to NRR1 it should pose no problems for existing trolley drivers.
Hopefully by the time you read this EBR 26 will be in service. Apart from a brand new 'undercarriage' there are some changes incorporated so drivers will need a little re-familiarization before using it. Please contact Tom, John or Dan before hopping into it and driving away.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 17th January. 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
No report this month.
David Eaton has provided archive material including old timetables and associated data.
Work is continuing on classifying and recording our collection.
The old air-conditioning unit has been removed from the archive room and this will enable the last of the shelving to be installed.
Hugh Markwick
No report this month.
Welcome to a New Year "where dreams do come true" with G42 being returned to service this year.
We would like to thank all those who assisted us with the 2003 Santa Specials. The train on December 20th was our 53rd and the last before G42 returns to service. Without your support these very special trains would not have run at all and G42's return to service would be just that little further away.
To those members of the Santa Special organising committee who are retiring after such a long time, please accept our sincere thanks for a job well done. The fruits of your labour will see G42 in steam in 2004.
The Victorian Railways T Class (2nd Series) and the New South Wales 35 Class are now available and selling well. 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. Due to the Railways busiest time of the year our next openings will not be until Saturday 7th February 2004 and 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 obtained books in the last month and have helped G42s restoration by doing so.
We would like to thank Gavin Clark, Ray Marsh, Rob McUtchen and anyone else who may have been missed for their donation of items to the G42 Shop at Emerald.
The collection box figure for October was $ 16.79. Thank you to all the volunteers and staff who have ensured that the RED G42 collection boxes were put out.
With work on G42 nearing completion, your donation is now needed more than ever before. P Degrees, D Kruger, D.C. Sibyl, A. Wales.
Thank you to those who have continued to appear over the years of fundraising. Your continued support is helping to achieve the goal.
Bruce West
Our friends at Pichi Richi have advised us of a special event which will be happening in January to celebrate the opening of the Ghan through to Darwin.
They are planning to operate 2 special trains between Stirling North and Port Augusta to celebrate this momentous occasion.
These special trains will be in the form of parallel runs of the new Ghan and the old Ghan between Stirling North and Port Augusta. One of the runs will be between a diesel hauled Pichi Richi freight train and the inaugural Darwin freight into Port Augusta. The other will be between a steam/diesel hauled Pichi Richi Passenger Train and the inaugural passenger train to Darwin.
Bookings can be made by contacting Pichi Richi or to Wadlata, 41 Flinders Terrace, Port Augusta
Rob Emmerson also has a 'pdf' version of the flyer sent by Pichi Richi. If anyone would like either a hard copy or a copy via email, please contact Rob.
No report this month.
| November | 2003 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,179 | 4,139 |
| Loco kilometres: steam | 4,194 | 4,429 |
| Loco kilometres: diesel | 348 | 222 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 91 | 87 |
| Carriage kilometres | 35,043 | 34,989 |
| Carriage Days for month | 867 | 848 |
| Highest kms operated loco | 1,556 | 1,461 |
| Highest kms operated pass vehicle | 1,505 | 1,600 |
| Highest kms operated wagon | 72 | 16 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 58% | 73% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 234 | 228 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 262 | n/a |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 15 | n/a |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 81% | n/a |
NRT 1 ventured out of its Emerald territory for the first time in a while when on Monday 10 November it took 125 NQR loaded with a signal mast to Menzies Creek.
On Saturday 29 November the regular train plus a special were combined at Gembrook to form a 17 car train hauled by 6A and 14A.
My grateful thanks to all guards who have helped me with my statistical tasks for 2003, particularly when that little bit of extra information is supplied for things out of the ordinary. Careful recording of loco details on the front of Train Running Statements and rolling stock details on the rear over the busy period will be particularly welcomed by me.
Bob Wilson