April 2004#369
April 2004
#369
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.
If you find a problem with them please contact me first. No other person has the ability to alter these pages.
If you want to be notified when Monthly News changes send me an e-mail. My e-mail address is bill.russell@optusnet.com.au .
Due to a computer crash I have lost the list of those who want to be notified when this page changes. My apologies for not notifying you. Please ask again if you haven't asked since Dec the 1st. 2003.
CONFIDENTIAL:
Content details herein are for official Railway use only and are not to be used for other purposes.
The railway has great opportunities to attract funds to assist our programs and developments from sponsors, beneficiaries, corporate sponsorship and various levels of Government.
It is important that this be co-ordinated to avoid the situation where one person cuts across a strategic approach by the railway to attract funds. For example, we could put a lot of effort into developing a relationship toward seeking a grant of several thousands of dollars. If a committee or individual was to unknowingly seek a few hundred dollars from the same company, the company is likely to grant the smaller amount and disqualify the railway from further funding for a period.
In order to ensure that all efforts are to the maximum benefit of the Railway, Committees and individuals who propose to chase funds from a sponsor or grantee are asked to advise and discuss their proposal with Ray Leivers (ph 9757 0718) before contact is made. An appropriate funding body might also be identified through this contact.
The Executive Committee has resolved to:
The Society is now in the process of obtaining professional advice concerning a policy for a diversified spread of investments for the fund.
All active volunteers and staff of the railway and their immediate family (spouse and children) are invited to the Annual Volunteers and staff BBQ at Emerald from 5 pm onward on 2oth March 2004. Those attending are invited to travel on the 3.15pm train, with a return service at 8.20pm, arriving back at Belgrave at approximately 9.00pm. If you are interested please fill out the Invitation which is an insert in this Monthly News. We have it on good authority that Management are preparing the food and serving.
Following the above positions being advertised, Dan O'Connor has been appointed to carry out both part-time paid positions. Congratulations to Dan! I hope everyone will support the railway to deliver on these important activities.
Events and a volunteer associated with the railway won Australia Day Awards in the Cardinia Shire. The event of the year was the 'Kids Fun Run with Thomas'. We would also congratulate Merle Mathiesen on receiving an individual award.
The Board at its February Meeting agreed to a series of actions progressing the restructure of the railway.
The last point will be reviewed in 12 months. Other than this the restructure is virtually complete.
| Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au | John Thompson, PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au | Ray Leivers, CEO ray.leivers@pbr.org.au |
Vale Ron C Andrews
The Society only recently learnt that Ronald C Andrews passed away on 20th Dec 2003.
Ron established Pakenham Blue Metals which became part of the CSR Readymix group in the mid 1990s. For many years Ron channelled PBM profits into the Andrews Foundation. Grants from the Andrews foundation totalling $270,500 were the largest single source of Society fundraising for the Lakeside-Gembrook rebuilding project. In addition, the project benefited by a further $125,000 in discounts from PBM and CSR-Readymix for ballast purchases due to the association between the quarry and the foundation.
The Emerald Tourist Railway Board purchased a two bedroom house on a large block of land on the opposite side of Old Monbulk Road to the station some years ago. The Board has now decided to sell this property.
The property is to be sold by tender. It is a solid timber dwelling with the original front rooms in good condition, and bathroom etc. as an addition. The latter needs some attention. The land is 50 feet wide and 271 feet long on the shorter north side and 344 feet long on the south side.
Interested parties can arrange an inspection of the property and viewing of the contract by contacting Ray Leivers e-mail ray.leivers@pbr.org.au
Tenders need to be lodged by close of business on 31 March 2004. Lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.
Christine and Max Muller are keen to sell the Model train business as a going concern. If anyone is interested in owning the largest model railway in the southern hemisphere they can contact Christine or Max.
I intend to run a train to collect locomotive light-up wood on Thursday 4th March 2004. The train will depart Belgrave at 6.00pm and I intend to work mainly in the Lakeside to Gembrook section.
Please contact me if you are available. I will consider using an NA if enough people are interested in helping put it away at the end of the shift.
David Conlan
Work continues on the 'Stationmasters Walk' area in Gembrook.
We are looking to plant more 'Mother Shield-fern' (Polystichum proliferum) ferns on the banks overlooking the walk area. These ferns are easily propagated from the 'plantlets' which grow on the fronds of the parent plant.
If you have the Mother Shield-fern in your garden, would you like to assist with this project, either by 'potting up' the plants yourself or supplying the plantlets to me?
Please phone Merle Mathisen if able to help
The long awaited launch of G42 is drawing closer as the restoration is nearing completion, as I write the regulator valve is being tested and installed which should be the last major piece of work to complete the restoration. Following the successful completion of extensive "in-traffic trials" and a formal handover from the Workshops to Train Operations it is planned to launch G42 in mid April 2004.
It is proposed to have two functions, firstly a Donors/Committee Function comprising approximately 100 people who have donated funds, materials or services to the restoration and it will comprise of a train to run on the Saturday of the launch weekend. The train will to journey to a suitable location for afternoon tea and perhaps a speech or two. If there are any spare seats on this train members will be invited to purchase a seat at a nominal cost on a first come first served policy.
The second function will be a VIP/Public Train Launch with Federal and State MPs, Mayors and Councillors, Media, ETRB and PBPS executive and of course the Get G42 Going Committee and the GTR Committee. This train will run on the Sunday of the launch weekend. As with the first train any unused seating will be available to the public for purchase.
The revenue from these trains will go to spares and maintenance for G42.
Booking forms for available seating will be with the April edition of Monthly News.
Watch this space for further information and precise dates and times.
Hugh Markwick
Orders can be placed for your own personalised Climax mug priced at $16.00 for volunteers and members. Please place this order in writing and with the correct money by the 27 th of February, 2004.
| Ladies t-shirts | $45.00 |
|---|---|
| Ladies Vests | $65.00 |
| Scarf | $25.00 |
We've also introduced a new range of children's t-shirts, polar fleece windcheaters, bucket hats and beanies, all reasonably priced.
Sunglasses - adults are selling at $14.90 & children's at $9.90 are now available in the shop.
A new soft toy bird with authentic sound is priced at $14.90 and is selling very well.
Try our new range of food products which has expanded to include yoghurt, muffins, Up & Go, coffee and cinnamon scrolls.
April Williams
The Guards' roster for March contains many vacancies -- as did that for February. It is appreciated that many guards are also working as fire patrollers and that the long weekend and the demands of three weekends of Thomas considerably increase our staffing requirements. Nonetheless WE STILL NEED MORE GUARDS! So, if you can do one or two extra shifts --- please don't hesitate or wait for someone else who may or may not put up their hand ---- RING BOB NOW Your phone call could save him twenty!
NB URGENT !!!! Three vacancies Sunday 29th February Ring now !!!
Bob Wilson has again brought to our attention that many guards are not taking sufficient care in ensuring that these are fully and correctly completed. Please double-check forms before handing them in to the SM at the end of the day. Common omissions are 'T.R.' and 'Dock By' times, Loco numbers and change of Locos in the Loco column, incomplete times, consists not completed and alterations to consists not shown. All of this information is important one way or another --- particularly the monitoring of loco and rolling stock mileage, so we do ask that you spend that very short extra time in ensuring that all details are fully and correctly completed.
All operating staff are reminded of the need to check by either visually observing the signal or by using the indicator (where provided) that the signal has operated correctly. There have been several instances recently, where the signal levers at Menzies Creek in particular have not been operated sufficiently to cause the signal to go properly to "Proceed". In all cases, the indicator above the signal was clearly showing "Wrong". This should be interpreted that the signal is not displaying its intended position correctly. With hotter weather, please be reminded that operation of the lever to the 2nd or 3rd notch may be necessary to ensure the correct indication is displayed.
All operating personnel are reminded that the radio system relays messages with the use of 2 separate repeater stations:
An additional position ("3") is provided on the Hand Held units. This can be used to talk directly between hand held units only or directly to the base station at Belgrave (Note: Direct connection to Belgrave only works to about the trestle bridge due to the low transmit power of the hand held radios)
Please remember that it is NOT necessary to keep the faxed copy of either the Staff Ticket or the acknowledgement slip once it has been received and verified and entered in the T.R. Book. Keeping the faxed copies is only creating work for someone else who has to go along periodically and dispose of them. If the 'Acre' had been transmitted verbally there would be no record of it at the receiving station other than the entry in the T.R. Book, so there is no need to keep the copy received by fax.
Please remember to ensure that you are vigilant that there is no vehicle, loco or trolley sitting on or passing over a set of double-ended points before you move them.
The next conductor's training seminar will be held on Saturday the 3 rd of April, 9:30 - 12:30 at the Belgrave Library. This is located behind Safeways and has a large parking area.
Those who would like to become Conductors or those who would like a refresher course are invited to attend. Please contact Sue Ham e-mail sue.ham@pbr.org.au.
We are in urgent need of anyone who would be willing to take on these very important rostering roles within the Branch. Currently the Booking & SM's Rostering is done by one person but it can be split up and done by two people. Please consider offering to assist the Railway in one of these vital roles.
Contact David Eaton (david.eaton@pbr.org.au) for further information or with any questions.
Our thanks to Nina Wenzel who has been doing the Booking & SM's Rostering up until now.
Bring along your children and your bears for a fur-filled day at Emerald. Train rides, pantomine, music, stalls - everything aimed at a great day out in support of the Climax locomotive.
Our shop is now open for business. We are selling a small but high quality range of items. Ask about other products. These include Climax ceramic mugs, Climax stainless steel mugs & Embroidered scarves. An order form will be out soon.
John Conway
Expressions of interest are called from interested people to work as Train Hosts on the Luncheon Special which will be running 7 days a week from mid April.
We have paid vacancies for both permanent part time and casual positions.
Excellent communication and people skills are essential together with certificates in food hygiene and handling and Responsible Serving of Alcohol. Prior experience in the hospitality industry would be an advantage. Applications close on 26th March 2004.
For a position description please contact Larry James larry.james@pbr.org.au.
Larry James.
On February the 14 th, 20 people were given an introduction to Puffing Billy. Some have already started volunteering on our railway and the rest are expected to start soon. Please make them welcome when you meet them.
There are more potential volunteers to be inducted. It looks like being good year for new volunteers. Treat them kindly.
We are planning to hold seminars for prospective Roster Clerks. Those who may be interested in becoming a Roster Clerk are invited to contact for Sue Ham e-mail sue.ham@pbr.org.au.
It is proposed to offer the seminars at various times (am, pm, evening) and days to meet the needs of attendees.
Roster Clerks are key people in the day to day running of Puffing Billy. It is a demanding and continuing task and we have a constant need for suitable volunteers. Most of the Roster Clerk's work can be done from home.
Sue Ham
No report this month.
Construction work on G42 is now completed. Testing of the regulator valve assembly using the old Fyansford steam dome has been completed and the valve has been hydraulically tested to 360psi. The regulator valve will shortly be fitted into the boiler. The next stage will be the testing and commissioning. Test plans have been forwarded to the DOI and approved.
Hugh Markwick
Fire Patrols had a break in early February due to wet weather but were back in action in mid February.
Fire Patrollers are reminded that the primary task is to REPORT fires. On two occasions we have found fire patrollers have extinguished fires without telling anyone at the time and on another occasion the only report was an IDR which took a few days to work its way through the system.
If a fire - even a very small one - is caused by a locomotive we need to know straight away. If the fire is on the track itself it is probable that the ashpan spark arrestors are faulty or not properly closed. The locomotive should be checked at the very next station it stops at to avoid it setting a string of fires. Please contact the signalman at the next station or the guard of the train ahead and ask him or her to request the driver to check his locomotive. The OIC must also be notified.
On 22 nd January our contractors found petrol under the ground while excavating for the foundations. It appears this petrol was from the old fuel store nearby which we took out of use about seven years ago as a result of discovering leakage. It is apparent that the fuel has seeped into the ground and been trapped in a natural dam about 9 ft (2.7m) below ground. For four weeks we have had engineers working to reduce the hazard and contamination to an acceptable level and hopefully by the time you read this our building contractors will be back at work. The total delay will be about five weeks and the extra cost ????
We have briefed engineering consultants Connell Wagner to carry out the design work on the levelling of 3, 4 and 5 Roads for the carriage shed.
Road-rail vehicle NRR2 has been tested and with some modification is now available for use although it is yet to be fitted with a two-way radio.
NRR1 has had some structural repairs and modifications done to its road-rail gear but has otherwise been performing well.
NVW1 and NK2 have performed well apart from minor problems with dirty fuel which were fixed quickly.
NK3 has had a few problems including the near death of its hydraulic system. Over its 15 year life it has had very little work needed on its hydraulic system. However it is now refurbished and back in service.
Unfortunately EBR 26's re-build has been further delayed and we now don't expect to see it back on the Railway for a few more weeks.
A lot of repair work has been carried out around Belgrave in particular. Work includes repair of picnic tables, doors, shelves, fences and toilets.
At Menzies Creek a new fence has been constructed around the area in front of the Museum, particularly to make J541 more secure while it is being restored by our Workshop team. Also at Menzies Creek new soakage lines have been installed to remove the problem we had of effluent flowing down the hill towards the main road.
At Emerald we have been constructing more new fences, some to replace old ones and some to prepare for the next lot of Thomas events in March. A fair amount of drainage work near the carshops has also been done.
At Gembrook, the shed extension in Innes Road has had its roof painted to reduce the glare from the galvanised iron for one of our neighbours. The gravel floor inside has also been levelled ready for items to be moved in and retaining wall and drainage works completed. A new fence has also been built near the old timber transfer sidings to reduce the chance of someone slipping down a steep bank.
A number of valves have been replaced on various locomotive standpipes to reduce leakage and make them easier to turn on and off.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 20th March. 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
Effective 1 st March and as a result of the further implementation of sections of the modified "Linqage" Report, the Signal & Telegraph branch is now to be referred to as "Signals and Communications Branch"
Readers please note that the closing date for both offers below is the last day of this month!
"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 an additional hardcover sleeve and is currently further protected by the substantial mailing cover. It is in near original condition and contains 78 pages which 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. It includes a photo of 3A & G42 and 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 1960s.
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 VIC 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 usual work days are on the 13th and 27th March. Please meet at the Depot at 10.00 a.m.
Please note that due to the intervention of Easter, we will be holding our April meeting One week early - on Sat April 3 rd. Usual time and place.
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 continue to be altered as each stage is implemented.
Andrew Wheatland.
Thanks to those S&T boys who spent most of the day with me installing computer cabling at Belgrave. There is more to do and I am looking at organising another day in early March to further advance the computer wiring. I hope to see a good turn out again.
Rob Emmerson
Wilma Ratcliffe has provided more examples of old Great Train Race brochures. Wilma has been very good in looking out for such items and we thank her.
Work is continuing on classifying and recording our collection.
Hugh Markwick
Have you seen our new blue engine lately? If you have not, you will never recognize it as it is looking as though it has just come from the showroom floor. The refurbishment is continuing and all the minor fittings are now being refitted after being attended to.
The first pour of concrete of part of the floor of the new gang shed has been done. WE now have to prepare the next section for pouring and once that has been done, we can re-erect the old Kilmore gang shed. Once built, we can place our trolleys out of the weather and set up a display of heritage tools in the racks in the shed.
To allow the planning to continue we have requested a site plan of the Museum showing all our buildings and boundaries.
A fence has been built around the engine to allow restoration work to commence. The fence will be permanent and when the 'J' departs will become part of the Museum site.
The first of our Fyansford signals has had an improved mechanism and it now changes aspect automatically. This mechanism has been constructed by our Supervisor Special Needs group co-ordinator, Neil Kingswood. Neil is working on a suitable mechanism for the three-aspect signal.
The next running day is scheduled for Saturday 6 th March 2004.
The Museum is open for a short time every day that the Luncheon train runs at 12.30 pm. This will change when the revamped Luncheon Train starts running.
John Frost
"Focus On Victorias Narrow Gauge - The Beech Forest Line" book is selling well after being released early February and all mail orders should have been received.
There are now less than 100 copies of the following books left of each title: "A Day In The Life Of G42", "Focus On Walhalla" and "Focus On Whitfield". "Focus On Gembrook" is also selling well. Remember once they are sold out, that's it! So get them while you can!
Selling pre-loved books, magazines and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald car shops in the Thomson building near the playground. Our next opening dates will be Saturday 6th March, 2004 (Moomba long weekend) and Saturday 3rd April, 2004 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be made by phoning Peter Medlin to arrange a suitable time.
We would like to thank Ray Marsh for his donation of items to the G42 Shop at Emerald.
The collection box figure for January will be advised in next month's Monthly News. Thank you to all the volunteers and staff who have ensured that the RED G42 collection boxes were put out.
The list of donors has been held over until next month's issue.
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
Staff & Volunteers' BBQ -- See "Looking Down the Track".
By train to Bendigo for a visit to the Central Deborah Gold Mine and a ride on the famous Bendigo "Talking Tram".
Our annual film evening.
Meander through the Museums; a visit to Williamstown (train) and Hawthorn (tram) museums
Trip to Tasmania. Details to be finalised, but this trip would include air travel to Tasmania (e.g. Launceston) on the Saturday morning using a chartered DC3 (Goony Bird), bus to our first rail journey, accommodation Saturday night, bus to our Sunday train trip, bus to the airport and DC-3 back to Melbourne on Sunday evening. Please see note below regarding this event.
Around the Bays in Many Ways - including a visit to the Bellarine Peninsula Railway for a ride on their train.
The numbers for this trip will be limited by the seating capacity of the DC3, which is 28 people and the cost for the weekend (inclusive of everything except food and drink) is expected to be approximately $550 per person.
To determine the level of support for this event, I would ask anyone who is seriously interested in participating to send me a deposit cheque for $100 by not later than Friday 26 th March 2004. If we have sufficient support to run the event, your cheque will be banked and will form your deposit for the event. If, though, there is insufficient interest to stage this trip, your cheque will be returned to you.
Remember - this trip is limited to 28 seats, so it's definitely "first in, best dressed"!
Please make cheques out for $100.00 payable to P.B.P.S. and forward to
Ring me if you have any questions.
| January | 2004 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 5,055 | 4,725 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 4,830 | 3,978 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 449 | 945 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 99 | 78 |
| Carriage kilometres | 45,769 | 42,449 |
| Carriage Days for month | 1,065 | 923 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,488 | 1,056 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,736 | 1,768 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 8 | 6 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 39% | 32% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 308 | 289 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 312 | 295 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 16 | 8 |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 73% | n/a |
Bob Wilson