May 2004#370
May 2004
#370
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.
Thomas (aka Sir John Grice, 1711, the Peckett, etc) suffered a crank pin failure during a trip on Sunday 21st March for which major work will be required. Due to some smart teamwork the passengers were returned to Emerald by Graham the Grumpy Green Bus, and the train was subsequently rescued with minimal disruption to the public. Congratulations must go to Dan O'Connor, Bob Farr and their support volunteers for a magnificent recovery, under very difficult circumstances.
We wrote to patrons for all subsequent days of the current season and very few decided to cancel, having been told that Thomas would still be available for photos although one of his friends (Danielle - AKA Carbon) would have to stand in for the shows and shuttle trips.
Sunday 28 th March was a Total Fire Ban - and a day on which we had over 800 bookings for Thomas shows at Emerald. After careful consideration, and extensive consultation with the local fire brigade we decided, for the first time since re-opening in 1962, to operate a steam locomotive on a TFB day but only under restricted conditions. Our work last year on bushfire risk reduction (see N.G. Issue No. 169) has given us a far better understanding of the issues involved and we decided after consultation with the Brigade that operating the Emerald-Nobelius shuttles with an NA would present a low risk. Our call centre staff contacted the intending patrons and most elected to still come to the show. The Diesel locomotives were used on the 'mainline' services as usual and an NA on the Thomas shuttles.
There were a few glitches in our communication of the decision and operating procedures due to the lateness of the decision. Thanks to those on site, these were coped with. The decision was made having regard to the very specific circumstances of the operation and predicted conditions on the day.
Despite all the above woes the current Thomas season has been quite successful with 5,935 patrons over 30 shows on 8 days (vs a budget of 4,550 patrons and actual attendances of 5,769 and 3,114 over the past two seasons). This upturn is attributed largely to a re-focusing of our advertising implemented after analyzing data collected when telephone bookings were made.
We are aware that we rely on a relatively small group of volunteers to deliver Thomas. A special thanks to all those who have helped this season.
Graham and Carolyn Bienvenu have decided not to continue with their lease of the Aura Tea Rooms at Menzies Creek. The railway will run the Menzies Creek operation mainly for food preparation for the lunch train and will make further decisions on leasing it when the Belgrave Caf‚ is complete and we can service the Luncheon Special from Belgrave.
We cannot operate this facility unless we have volunteers. If anyone is prepared to help out, please contact April at Belgrave. We will support you to get required food handling certificates.
Since the last Monthly News report our newest steam locomotive has been to Emerald for turning and completed a number of commissioning runs including several trips to Gembrook. Our workshops team did a magnificent job attending to various problems without track access to the workshop. The per-way gang produced a wheel drop facility in the former running shed on 5 road at Belgrave at short notice to address a hot box. Our footplate training team was busy ensuring that many of our Drivers and Firemen were familiar with its preparation and operation before the introduction of scheduled operations.
From the feedback we have had, the internal launch, to thank donors, fund raisers and volunteers, those participating in the first trip on Saturday had a great day. As anticipated the opportunity of stalwarts of the railway to have the time to chat at Cockatoo was a great success. Some members of the Society have expressed a desire to go to Gembrook with G42, as originally planned. We would be interested to know if there is interest in a night activity to Gembrook with G42 in the near future. Please email ray.leivers@pbr.org.au if you would be interested.
On Sunday, the official launch was performed by The Hon. Tim Fischer, former Deputy Prime Minister and well-known rail enthusiast. We were delighted that we made the TV News on 2, 7, and 9, and had coverage in the Sunday Age.
G42 will now haul the new seven-day operation of the 12.20pm Luncheon Special service from Belgrave. This is planned to continue until 18 th July when G42's first 'B' exam is due.
President's footnote: Hearty congratulations and thanks to all members, volunteers and staff who were involved in the organising and conduct of the G42 Launch Weekend. Despite the effects of a few oversights in detail planning and the inevitable 'hiccups' and technical glitches on both the Saturday and Sunday, the weekend was very successful. Special thanks are due to Ray Leivers and other members of the office staff who worked very hard to pull numerous 'loose ends' together and greatly assisted in ensuring that all participants enjoyed their G42 Launch experience.
Have you ever wondered:
The President and Treasurer/Board Chairman will reveal all (!) at a free seminar at the Belgrave station meeting room on Sunday 23 rd June (from 7pm) .
The seminar is highly recommended for anyone considering standing now, or in the future, for a position on the Society Executive Committee or who serves on a branch committee and wants to see the bigger picture. It is open to anyone who is interested in making suggestions about the way the railway functions.
Victoria has recently suffered a significant loss with the passing of Sir Rupert Hamer. Sir Rupert was a great supporter of Puffing Billy railway and was Premier when the Emerald Tourist Railway Act (1977) was passed.
Graeme Breydon ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au John Thompson PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au Ray Leivers, CEO ray.leivers@pbr.org.au| Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au | John Thompson, PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au | Ray Leivers, CEO ray.leivers@pbr.org.au |
AURA TEAROOMS at Menzies Creek will not be open to the public until further notice .
As you are all aware, the winter and flu season is once again upon us. As staff and volunteers are exposed to the public on a daily basis there is a small risk of picking up the flu.
As a service to both staff and volunteers, the Railway is offering free flu vaccinations to hopefully provide some protection.
If you would like to receive this seasons vaccination Dr Steven Kaye will be attending at Belgrave Moondarra Belgrave on Thursday the 13 th May 10 am to 11.30 am
Could you please advise Susan Ham by Monday 10 th May either by return slip ( leave with SM Office Belgrave)or by leaving a message on voicemail or e-mail sue.ham@pbr.org.au
Important! If you have an allergy to eggs or feathers, you may also have a reaction to the vaccine, we would advise checking with your local GP if you have any doubts.
It is with great sadness that I must announce my "temporary departure" from the Puffing Billy Railway.
Sunday May 2 2004 will be my last appearance on the railway, as four days later, I shall be leaving the country and heading back to the UK.
This is mainly due to family concerns that cannot be dealt with from Australia.
However, I have to say that the railway and everybody involved with it have been instrumental in getting me to where I am today. For this I am eternally grateful to you all. I also thank you for your encouragement, support and good humour over the four years that I have been involved with PBR (Volunteer and Staff Member).
I will miss you all, but hopefully I should be back regularly to play trains. I wish all of you the very best wishes for the future, and perhaps, if your over "my way", pop in and say G'Day!
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING
Sincerely yours,
Adam Wickens
(Admiral Penguin)
A special thank you to all our Puffing Billy friends who expressed their sympathy to us on the passing of our little grand-daughter 'Ella'.
Regards,
Margaret and Ken Whatman
Soft toy Australian animals including keyrings, puppets, toys assorted sizes all Australian made.
Try our new mint kit-kat, honeycomb picnic and kid's pop top cordial.
With Easter and the school holidays nearly upon us, we desperately need staff, even if it is for half a day, an hour at lunch or a full day. Any time you could give would be gratefully appreciated.
Could you please call either Sue or June or leave a message
Could all staff also please ensure that the Belgrave shop is open by 9.00am every morning, especially on weekends. Thankyou
April Williams
Fleur Barrell will be commencing with Train Operations on Monday 26 th of April. Fleur has a background in operations in the tourism industry and is looking forward to joining the Puffing Billy Family. Please make her welcome.
Procedures are now available for both the new Orange and Purple Time tables. Copies will be placed in the Station Masters office and the Belgrave Safe Working room.
Drivers and Fireman who have yet to be endorsed on this locomotive need to contact Graeme Daniel to arrange a day to go out on the lunch train so that they can be accredited.
On Monday the 19 th April Reg examined his last driver on our railway, after many years as the PBR Examining Officer Reg has retired and is going to live in Mildura to be closer to his family. On behalf of all at PBR I thank him for his contribution over the years and wish him well in his retirement.
Congratulations to Kevin Taig and Rob McUtchen who recently passed their drivers' examination, and to Barry Rogers, Mark Banfield, John Forrester and Chris Hyde have recently passed out as Fireman. It is also good to see some new faces on the Engine Cleaners roster.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this event, it went very well due to the enthusiasm and cooperation of all who were involved.
As most people would already know, I am now the Conductors' Roster Clerk, taking over from Terry Lee, and more recently, Jean Clowes. As part of my picking up this responsibility, I have attempted to contact all the Conductors to re-confirm their preferences as well as their availability for May. However, I know my Conductor volunteer listing is not up to date, especially where new volunteers have come along in the past few weeks and I would like them to contact me, either by phone or by email rrkelly@primus.com.au as soon as possible.
I have also asked if the recently introduced system whereby a blank Roster sheet for the following month could be left in the SM's office for people to complete. This will not only make my task easier each month by transferring the information to the Monthly News Roster but volunteers can positively identify when they wish to work which may be different to their stated preferences.
Being new to the job, I have had first hand experience of how difficult it is to staff the weekend trains and I would appreciate how best to address this. With the winter season timetable in force (2 train day running), there are plenty of Connies for the weekdays so perhaps some consideration could be given to perhaps giving up a weekday or two and nominating for a weekend shift. Are there any inducements which could be considered? Please let me know (contact details as above) or by seeking me out on my normal roster days (Tuesdays and alternate Sundays).
Ron Kelly
Thankyou for you co-operation.
April Williams
Thankyou for you co-operation.
April Williams
No report this month.
For 21 years the Night Train has operated successfully as an all inclusive product i.e. food, drinks and train travel.
From 1st June we have decided to change the structure of Night Trains in that complimentary drinks will be provided as part of the ticket price on the forward journey and a complimentary port on the return journey.
However, at the Packing Shed, alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase only. There will be a range of beers, and red and white wines which will be available by the glass or bottle. We will have a rostered person at the Packing Shed as "barman". This change reflects the importance that we place on Responsible Serving of Alcohol to our patrons.
We already sell a range of pre mixed drinks and these have been selling well.
To recognise the change, the price per person on Night Trains has been reduced to $65.00 per head on Fridays and $75.00 per head on Saturdays.
Initially, we will be providing complimentary soft drinks and orange juice to tables. Water of course is always available free.
An Eftpos facility (located at the bar) is being installed by the Finance Department prior to the change.
A new brochure is also being printed to reflect the change.
Larry James
No report this month.
No report this month.
No report this month.
Fire Patrols have at last finished for the season. Thanks to all our Fire Patrol crews who have done an excellent job through this very extended season.
The slab was poured in mid April and the steel is taking shape.
Road-rail vehicles NRR 1 and 2 are both in service and performing well.
NK3's hydraulics have once again died and we are assessing whether re-building it is worthwhile. There is still no sign of EBR 26.
At Belgrave the ramp for loading coal into G 42 has been completed.
A lot of painting has also been done recently including the picket fence at Belgrave and the inside of the toilets at Lakeside.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 15 th May. Work will continue on refurbishing track between Selby and Monbulk Creek bridge. The usual sumptuous BBQ lunch will be provided. Please let Roster Officer Henry know if you can attend
John Shaw
The usual work days are on the 8 th and 22 nd May. Please meet at the Depot at 10.00 a.m.
At the time of writing, the Kings Rd offices had been connected to the ADSL network via a radio link from the S&T depot to the top of the Water Tower. Many volunteer hours have been expended in achieving this first step towards the full integration of the Belgrave and Emerald computer networks and work continues towards achieving completion of this project.
Complementary works are also continuing at Belgrave.
We anticipate meeting the request to provide the race start commentary onto the platform area at Belgrave and additionally (if all goes to plan) we hope to broadcast the race start at Lakeside.
Andrew Wheatland.
No report this month.
Hugh Markwick
The restoration of this engine continues and the side panels are now being repaired and painted. We had an unusual event happen when the engines transmission suddenly failed. To repair the engine we had to find 8 metres of thick rope to tie things back together. It is impossible to buy hempen rope today and we were able to get some sisal rope instead. Then we had to call on John Knight's memory from his scouting days of 70 odd years ago as to how to splice the rope together. Once the splice was made, we were able to tie the transmission up and hopefully it will work for years to come.
The final pouring of the floor has taken place and we are now working on the frame and cladding of the old Kilmore Gang shed before setting it up on the steel and concrete foundations. We hope to have it completed before the winter and then house our historic trolleys in their permanent home. Once the shed is erected, we will fit the shed up with all the tools that you would find in a 1920's gang shed. We will open the shed to visitors, as it will be an integral part of our displays.
A site plan has now been prepared of the entire Menzies Creek area and the Museum. We are now studying the plan and determining a master plan for the entire Museum site to make the best use of the entire area including where the J is being worked upon by the Workshop's Division. If you would like to make a submission to help our deliberations, please do so, the Museum belongs to us all, and your involvement is most welcome.
Work is continuing on the stripping of the J to allow the reconditioning of small parts and preparatory to the re-tubing of the boiler.
The next running day is scheduled for Saturday 5th June 2004.
The Museum is now closed during the week. However, arrangements can be made for parties to see over the Museum on weekdays provide adequate notice is given. Please contact the Belgrave Office in the first instance if a party wishes to visit the Museum on weekdays.
John Frost
The last Get G42 Going Committee meeting (No. 131) will be held on Wednesday 5th May, 2004. After 30 years of fundraising - 21 under the Get G42 Going Committee, it is time to drop the fire and close the doors to the shed. Thank you to those who have supported the campaign.
Bruce West will continue to manage the distribution of Train Hobby books and acknowledge funds directed towards G42. Peter Medlin will continue to operate the Emerald G42 Shop. Funds raised will continue to be placed in the G42 Account to ensure that G42 will operate for future generations.
Train Hobby have released two new books titled "Country Stations Victoria" Part 4 and "C Class Diesels" Part 2. Both available from Belgrave Shop for $30.00 each or direct from G42 Sales for $35.00 each posted anywhere in Australia.
Due May is New South Wales Country Stations Part 4 and Sydney Suburbans Part 1. Remember if you are after a particular Train Hobby book, if still available, we can get it for you.
Selling pre loved books, magazines and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald carshops in the Thomson building near the playground, our next openings are Saturday 1st May, 2004 and Saturday 5th June, 2004 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be made by phoning Peter Medlin to arrange a suitable time.
We would like to thank Weston Langford and Rob McUtchen for their recent donation of books and magazines to the G42 Shop at Emerald.
The collection box figure for March was $168.95. Thank you very much to all the volunteers and staff who have ensured that the RED G42 collection boxes were put out.
will be acknowledged in next edition of Monthly news.
We would like to thank all who participated in the launch of G42 on Saturday April 17 and Sunday April 18. It was great to see so many who had contributed to this locomotive over the years, come and celebrate its return to service.
On behalf of the Get G42 Going Committee,
Bruce West
By train to Bendigo for a visit to the Central Deborah Gold Mine and a ride on the famous Bendigo Talking Tram.
For last minute enquiries, please contact Philip Sutherland
Our annual film evening - further details next month
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 DC- 3 (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.
Anyone interested and who has not yet submitted their (refundable) deposit, please ring Jeff Goodwin NOW
Around the Bays in Many Ways - including a visit to the Mornington Peninsula & Bellarine Peninsula Railways for rides on their trains.
| March | 2004 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,335 | 4,331 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 4,290 | 3,811 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 481 | 970 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 85 | 77 |
| G 42 locomotive days for month | 4 | n/a |
| Carriage kilometres | 35,335 | 36,541 |
| Carriage Days for month | 886 | 888 |
| Highest kms operated loco | 1,085 | 1,329 |
| Highest kms operated pass vehicle | 1,709 | 1,617 |
| Highest kms operated wagon | 48 | 10 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 55% | 51% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 233 | 245 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 298 | 262 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 14 | 6 |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 81% | n/a |
March was one of those of those wonderful months the Puffing Billy Railway occasionally enjoys, this time due to the return to operation of locomotive G 42.
As reported in the last Monthly News, G 42 moved under steam in Belgrave yard on 10 th March for the first time after its restoration. On Tuesday 16 th March it successfully ventured out on the main line to Emerald for some tests, checking of clearances and turning. Alan Gardner and Adam Black were on the footplate and 2 NBD was attached for the trip.
3 further trips were made during March on 23, 29 and 31, to Emerald once and Gembrook twice. 2 NBD went on the Emerald trip again whilst 2 NC went on the first Gembrook trip.
Things got better for the second Gembrook trip with 12 cars being taken to Cockatoo. 6 cars went on to Gembrook, then returned to Cockatoo where the other 6 cars were added for another trip back to Gembrook.
More testing followed and that will be detailed next month.
Bob Wilson