February 2004#367
February 2004
#367
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.
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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 all who worked diligently during the busy (E/green timetable) period. It was a huge effort that was put in by many volunteers during the most challenging time of the year. Some people worked long hours and it is a particular thanks to those individuals. John Shaw was quoted as saying that we had as good an overall staffing (volunteers and staff) over six train running as he had ever seen. We still acknowledge that we need to recruit more volunteers in most areas.
The shelter for customers at the front of the Booking Office and more presence of staff helping out (including on weekends) received positive feedback from volunteers.
Overall passenger numbers were not quite as good as we were hoping but still quite high, vis:
| 2003/2004 actual | 21,444 |
| 2003/2004 budget | 25,017 |
| 2002/2003 actual | 26,443 |
That's more passengers in 17 days than we carried in the entire months of October (22,489) or November (22,084) and roughly double the patronage for August (11,615) and September (14,607).
The access tracks into the workshop were lifted on 10/11 January to allow construction of the extension to commence. As mentioned last month, we ask everyone to be patient during this difficult operating period and not try and enter the fenced works area
Inside the workshop G42 is on two road and 8A is on one road. Naturally work on the Garratt will be continuing during this period. It could be up to six weeks (depending on weather, etc), ie 1st week of March, before the track is re-connected.
G42 is committed to be in operation on Great Train Race date (Sun 2nd May) and there will be a series of workshop commissioning tests, loco running familiarisation trials, and official return-to-service activities during March and April. They will be widely publicised (to volunteers members & staff initially and then to the public for later events) as soon as dates can be 'locked in'.
Readers of the local newspapers will have noticed several letters criticising Puffing Billy over the last few weeks; about the shed extension and apparently we do not provide enough customers to some traders. In relation to the shed we worked through the Shire, who advised that due to the area being zoned for Railway purposes and as it was an extension of an existing shed it did not need a permit. We have scheduled some works to reduce the glare off the roof.
Puffing Billy made no promises to the traders of Gembrook despite what the newspaper article says. I don't know of another place where a volunteer organisation delivers 21,000 visitors to a small group of traders who then complain. It would be preferable if we could work with the traders to provide our customers with a good experience when they get to Gembrook; and this is what our CEO is trying to do at present.
| Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au | John Thompson, PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au | Ray Leivers, CEO ray.leivers@pbr.org.au |
No report this month.
The week and half leading up to xmas was bedlam trying to get my job up to date but what made the process bearable was all the lovely phone calls, e-mails and hugs given on the platform from staff and volunteers alike. I was still running around like a 'headless chook' on Christmas Eve when many of my puffs friends turned up for a farewell arvo tea. So if I seemed a little distant I do apologise to the point that I neglected to thank every one for coming out to say good bye to me and for the lovely send off gift let alone it all happening on Christmas Eve! I plan to spend my gift voucher on a swanky brief case so when I'm swanning around the hills I will at least look like I know what I'm doing when I'm working for Bell Real Estate in Belgrave.
You will still see me around the railway as a volunteer and my first job for the new year will be the rostering for the Great Train Race 2 May 2004. Call me at home 9757 0716 or woodward@net2000.com if you want to assist on the day or help in the office before hand. Don't worry I'll be calling you anyway if you are a regular!
Many thanks once again to one and all and I truly appreciated all the kindness that has been shown to me.
Deb Woodward
Currently GTR man-power co-ordinator
The Society's latest pictorial publication featuring photographs from the Ted Downs Collection is now being printed. Titled 'Focus on Victoria's Narrow Gauge BEECH FOREST LINE' Part One, the book is the fifth in the series that began with 'A Day in the Life of G42', published in December 2001.
Delivery of the new BEECH FOREST LINE book is expected around the end of January and will be mailed out promptly to those buyers who took advantage of the pre-publication discount offer.
Unfortunately rising costs of materials from paper suppliers over the past year or two will necessitate an increase in both wholesale and retail prices of the new book, so pre-publication buyers have made a greater saving than they expected!
For those who missed the pre-publication offer, the book will be on sale in Puffing Billy shops for $38.95 incl. GST.
Contributions are invited for possible inclusion in the March issue due for preparation soon. Readers of the magazine will be familiar with our policy of including a variety of content material covering history, current news, progress on works projects, future directions and miscellaneous items of Victorian narrow gauge interest.
The June issue will be a special production to coincide with the official launch of G42 back into service and will focus exclusively on the Garratt, possibly enlarged with extra pages. Contributions for this special issue are invited. We would like to hear from you if you have any photographs featuring G42 that may be worthy of inclusion, ranging from its earliest years in service through to its preservation and restoration.
Please contact John Thompson (Acting Editor)
The June issue is likely to be a collector's item. Non-members should join the P.B.P.S. to ensure getting their copy.
Just a quick reminder to all that overnight accommodation is available for any volunteer who is working and the distance home makes the option of staying locally preferable. You must pre-book - this can be done by contacting Sue Ham at least three (3) working days prior to your required stay date. If you need to get accommodation closer to your work day than that, then please ring Sue Ham.
Orders are being taken for a new Climax Coffee Mug similar to the NA mug currently sold. Proceeds from the sale will go to the Climax Locomotive Restoration Fund. The cost will be $16 with a name on it, Or $14 without a name. Orders will be taken by Email to jfgconway@yahoo.com or by mail to Mug Order, c/o John Conway at PO Box 451 Belgrave 3160
. Orders will be received up to 20 February 2004.NOTE: If you want a name on the mug please provide the name in BLOCK LETTERS. Delivery and payment (on delivery) will be April 2004.
The Climax locomotive is currently sitting unused and unusable in the Nursery at Emerald. It needs major work to be done before it can return to running condition.
It needs YOUR HELP.
It needs your money and/or your time and effort. The loco will require either major repairs to the boiler or possibly a new boiler. An improved brake compressor will also be fitted before the Climax is used to haul trains again.
The Climax Locomotive Restoration Committee, (The Climax Committee), is a group of Volunteers who have decided that the time is right to start raising money to help fund the work that will get this magnificent piece of railway history back on track. We aim to get the Climax going again as soon as possible and performing useful work once more.
Over $7000 has already been raised towards the project. This is a very good start but much more is needed to ensure a speedy return to work for our slowest engine. Towards this end we are planning to have a catalogue of Climax souvenirs and mementos, including mugs, shirts and pens. These will be for sale locally and internationally via our Climax web site. The website will be used to keep supporters up to date with how the project is going. We will be organising various fundraising events.
The Climax Auxiliary is another group dedicated to seeing the Climax restored to running. They contribute to the cause by selling merchandise and raffle tickets, embroidering scarves, and encouraging the committee. Over $1000 has already been raised through the sale of scarves specially embroidered by Nola Garner, a keen member of the Climax Auxiliary.
We are organising a Teddy Bears' Picnic Day in April 2004. This will be an exciting day with bears, children, bears, adults and more bears taking over the railway from Emerald to Nobelius. Booking forms will be available in early 2004.
How can you help? You can support the cause by
Orders can be placed for your own personalised Climax mug priced at $12.00 for members. Please forward the correct money and your name by the 27th of February, 2004. (See General News)
New Products| Silver Pocket Watch | $69.00 |
| Gold Pocket Watch | $149.00 |
| limited edition numbered 1- 50 | |
| Train chocolates | $5.00 |
| Thomas chocolates | $1.50 |
We have also introduced a new range of food products such as Roast beef rolls, cheese and ham rolls, wraps etc please feel free to familiarise yourselves by purchasing them.
I would like to say a special "Thankyou" to all of the volunteers who work tirelessly over the six train day period. It was a pleasure to work with you all.
April Williams
See the job advertisement in the Human Resources section (Positions Vacant #3).
With Deb Woodward moving on to new challenges, I would like to welcome Jean Clowes to the team at Train Ops. Jean has offered to assist us whilst we search for a replacement. Her approach to issues and abilities in dealing with people makes her a valuable addition to our team.
| All Sessions will be from: | 1000-1200 & 1300-1500 | |
| Classes will be conducted in the Conference Room, Belgrave NG Station. Individual Lesson Plans will be advertised. | ||
| Sunday | 08/02/04 | Drivers Class Lesson 1 |
| Sunday | 29/02/04 | Drivers Class Lesson 2 |
| Sunday | 25/04/04 | Drivers Class Lesson 3 | Sunday | 30/05/04 | Drivers Class Lesson 4 |
| Sunday | 04/07/04 | Engine Cleaners Class |
| Sunday | 29/08/04 | Fireman's Class |
| Sunday | 19/09/04 | Drivers Class Lesson 5 |
| Sunday | 21/11/04 | Drivers Class Lesson 6 |
Instructors: Lance Adams & Cliff Simmons
Those who have been on the railway recently will have noticed that some changes have occurred in the back half of the shed. The next project is to look at upgrading the ash disposal areas, we will ascertain what options are available and sort out what we think is best for us. Before anything goes ahead any suggested changes will be discussed via the Footplate group meetings.
We now have approval from the Board to move forward on the first stage of this project, which is to get concept and design drawings completed. A lot of work has already been done, in consultation with the footplate group, as to the user requirements for this new facility and once we have drawings etc the plans and details will be put on the notice board for comment.
I hope that everyone had a great Xmas & New Year. I would to thank all those who worked at PBR during this period, your efforts, as usual, were terrific and much appreciated.
Greg Hanslow
On a number of occasions recently the 'Staff Locked Away' Box has been used for the storage of the train staff even after the 'Acre' message has been received. Please remember that this is not its function - it should only be used for 'Locking' the Staff away until an 'Acre' message has been received. After that (and at other times) it should be kept in the Staff Exchange Box provided.
Rob Emmerson
A big thank you to all Passenger Operations volunteers, Conductors, Head Conductors, Station Masters and Booking Officers, from the Management Team and Roster Officers for all your assistance over the busy six train period. Thank you also to those people who worked the queue during this time. While there were a few vacancies, overall we had an excellent period with very few occasions where we had long queues at the Booking office.
We are currently conducting a survey of our Gembrook passengers to have a better understanding of what they do, where they go and how much they spend while at Gembrook. There is a folder in the Belgrave Station Masters office and we ask that all Station Masters ensure that the Head Conductor or Conductor on the Gembrook train takes the folder with them and conducts as many surveys as possible on the UP train from Gembrook to Lakeside. Instructions are on the front of the folder however if anybody has any queries, please contact David Eaton
Would all Conductors and Head Conductors on the Gembrook DOWN trains ensure that at Lakeside, when passengers are required to change trains for Gembrook, they walk the length of the train advising passengers of this fact. Don't rely solely on the PA system as it is not always possible for passengers to hear it when there are in a crowd or with other background noise.
We are urgently seeking Roster Officers for Conductors, Station Masters and Booking Officers. As most of you would be aware we have had a vacancy for a Conductor Roster Officer for some weeks and Nina Wenzel who has been looking after SM's and Booking Officers is going overseas in February. If anybody has any questions about the roles or is interested, would you please contact David Eaton on by email to david.eaton@pbr.org.au.
A new staff manual has been produced for use by all Night Train staff and volunteers. It is being progressively issued to people as they are being rostered. This manual now puts together in one place all of our instructions together with our legal obligations covering liquor service and health and safety issues.
As you receive your copy would you please read it and make yourself familiar with its contents. If you have any concerns please telephone.
Larry James.
A volunteer roster clerk is required by the Refreshment Services division for the rostering of volunteers in our refreshment rooms at Belgrave, Emerald and Lakeside. Telephone access is essential, an answering service will be provided. Access to e-mail would be of assistance but is not necessary. Rostering is normally done from home. Training available.
All further enquiries should be addressed to April Williams on 9757 0782 or by e-mail on april.williams@pbr.org.au
Sue Ham
See the Passenger Operations Branch Section.
A vacancy exists within the Train Operations Branch for the above position.
The role is a Full Time salaried position working in the PBR Belgrave offices and reporting to the Manager Train Operations.
Excellent communication and people skills are essential as the role requires the person to liaise with, and assist, staff and volunteers with rostering and operational issues. Good computer skills are required, as is experience in all aspects of rostering. A three months probation period will apply.
A good working knowledge of PBR would be an advantage. Current PBR safeworking qualifications are preferred, but not essential.
For a position description please contact Ray Leivers - ray.leivers@pbr.org.au.
Applications close 26th February 2004
No report this month.
Hugh Markwick
Cockram Builders Pty Ltd have commenced work on the extension of the workshop at Belgrave. Please note that there is a fence around the work-site and Puffing Billy Personnel are not permitted within that fenced area. The Puffing Billy project coordinator is John Shaw and if you have any queries or suggestions direct them to him. DO NOT APPROACH OR INTERRUPT any of the contractors or their staff.
The track in front of the workshop has been removed, a new sewerage connection installed and a huge amount of materials and equipment which was sitting outside the workshop has been removed.
At the time of writing, a drilling rig was pre-boring holes for piles and a pile driver was on site to drive the piles which will support the building.
Work is now underway to design the earthworks for our carriage shed at Belgrave. Current proposals have a shed 120m (about 400') long over three tracks, capable of holding all of our current passenger rolling stock (just). We plan to have the track within the shed level, although it will be about 1.2m (4') higher than the track in the platform. This work is building on previous plans prepared some years ago which proposed the shed be smaller and on the existing 1 in 35 slope.
The design has reached the stage of applying for a town planning permit for the development work.
Road-rail vehicle NRR2 is now on the Railway for testing and fitting of communications equipment and should be commissioned by the end of January. This vehicle is slightly different to NRR1 in being four wheel drive which has improved both traction and braking. A very short familiarisation will be required for trolley drivers before they take it out on the Main Line. To arrange this please contact Henry
Fire Patrols commenced in earnest just before Christmas but the unusually cool and damp Summer to date has allowed us to cancel them for most of the first two weeks of January. However the cool spell has come to an end and we are back into regular patrols.
Many thanks to those who have volunteered to run patrols and then found themselves not being needed. We appreciate you making yourselves available, but as we are sure you will realize we don't run Fire Patrols unnecessarily as they have a delaying effect on trains and put a fair amount of wear and tear on our ageing trolley fleet.
Hopefully by the time you read this EBR26 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.
Belgrave station building has a new room added upstairs. Part of the stairwell has been turned into an enclosure for our network computer.
The volunteer crew room on Belgrave station has a new sink, bench and hot water system and access has been changed to the end door. It is now a much nicer place to congregate.
Substantial work has been carried out in the existing Belgrave Locomotive Running Shed to improve its workability. The internal platform has been shortened and the floor improved in one section to make it suitable for preparing locomotives. Whilst the finished result made the job look easy, there were major drainage and plumbing problems to be overcome.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 21st February. 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
"King Steam" is a numbered edition of "selected railway paintings and drawings by C. Hamilton Ellis". Numbered 2149 (out of 3000 copies), this hardcover edition was produced in 1971, is enclosed in a hardcover sleeve and is currently further protected by the substantial mailing cover. It is in near original condition and contains 78 pages that are just larger than A3 size. There are considerable colour renditions and all paintings and drawings contain substantial detail.
This book (generously donated by Mr. David Russell to aid the Belgrave Signalbox Fund) will be sold to the best offer received, in writing, by March 31st 2004. Please send your offers to "PBPS - Signalbox "King Steam" Book, P.O. Box 451, Belgrave VIC 3160. A moderate reserve has been placed on this item and only the successful bidder will be notified.
A trio of "Power Parade", "Victorian Railways Centenary" and Vacancies for Apprentices - 1959".
"Power Parade" describes, with drawings or photographs, all Victorian Railways motive power from 1854 to 1954 & includes a photo of 3A and G42. It has a one page addenda from 1958 with the then new "S" and "T" class diesels. "V.R. Centenary" gives a good narrative of the first 100 years of the Railways in Victoria (1854-1954). The 48 pages are generously supplied with photographs of interest (including 8A on a down mixed train at the landslide water tanks). "Vacancies for Apprentices" provides an insight into the skill and trades in use on the V.R. in the 1960's. These 3 books are in reasonable condition and will be sold to the best offer received, in writing, by March 31st 2004. Please send your offers to "PBPS - Power Parade Books, P.O. Box 451 Belgrave 3160. It is intended that all 3 books will be sold together, unless individual bids are received which provide a greater benefit for the fund. A moderate reserve has been placed on these items and only the successful bidder(s) will be notified.
The telephone pole numbers are progressively being replaced. The numbers are on pre-printed steel sheeting and are being suspended from the cross-arms for increased visibility, reduced vandalism and ease of maintenance.
The next S&T Branch meeting will be held on Saturday Feb 14th commencing at 9.30 a.m. at the Kings Rd offices and all branch members are encouraged to attend.
The usual work days on the 14th and 28th Feb. The work day on Feb 14th will follow the meeting. On the 28th please meet at the Depot at 10.00 a.m.
Work is progressing on improving the signalling arrangements at Menzies Creek and all operating staff are advised that several changes to the signal frame layout are required. The changes are necessary in order to prepare for the final arrangement. Each change will occur with an "A" circular being issued and the related diagrams etc. will be altered as each stage is completed.
The Wig Wag was commissioned on December 22nd last year and is working very well. I would like to thank all those who have assisted in this project. It is a fitting heritage addition to a crossing which is used by the majority of our passengers at Lakeside.
Andrew Wheatland.
As part of the ongoing overhaul of the Railway's Management structure, new 'Terms of Reference' have been adopted by the Board for the former 'Heritage Committee'. The re-named 'Heritage Advisory Committee' now has clear guidelines as to its function and interaction with both the Board and Management. The composition of the group has also been defined, with the new line-up formally appointed:
| Chairman: | John Thompson |
| Minutes Secretary: | Lyn Wade |
| Archives Team Leader: | Geoff Tasker |
| Heritage Standards Manual Document Controller: | Andrew Rayment |
| Historical Adviser: | Peter Cuffley |
| Infrastructure Division Representative: | Ray Williams |
The Committee meets at Belgrave at 8pm on the first Tuesday of each month except January and may invite guests to attend as required to participate in specific-subject discussions.
John Thompson
Chas Bevan has donated photographs of Menzies Creek taken during construction of the island platform.
Work is continuing on classifying and recording our collection.
Hugh Markwick
Work on the restoration of this engine to exhibition standard is continuing with the engine being repainted in the original blue that it carried at the sugar mill. The colour was matched from the colour found on the body during rubbing down. We have needle gunned the body and removed all rust and carried out body filling where needed. The majority of the work has been executed by David Baker ably assisted by his father
We have completed the foundations of the gang shed and the concrete floor is planned to be poured over January.
With the departure of the Abt Engine to Tasmania, we now have a display hill, which ultimately will be removed, and the area levelled. In the short time until we have completed our plans to construct a display building, we will leave the mound on site as it will provide a useful amount of fill to level the site chosen for the display shed.
This engine is being restored on the land adjacent to the museum. The Museum's fencing is being extended to encompass the engine and the area of the museum has consequently been extended. The engine will be taped off from the Museum's exhibits but work carried out by the Workshops Branch can be viewed from within the Museum.
The next running day is scheduled for Saturday 6th March 2004.
The Museum is open for a short time every day that the Luncheon train runs at 12.30 pm. This may change when the revamped Luncheon Train starts running.
John Frost
No rweport this month.
No report this month.
| December | 2003 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,636 | 4,493 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 4,625 | 4,620 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 278 | 317 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 96 | 91 |
| Carriage kilometres | 38,773 | 39,006 |
| Carriage Days for month | 941 | 892 |
| Highest kms operated loco | 1,302 | 1,497 |
| Highest kms operated pass vehicle | 1,593 | 1,629 |
| Highest kms operated wagon | 31 | 19 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 52% | 35% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 246 | 244 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 292 | 295 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 9 | 11 |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 87% | n/a |
Bob Wilson