June 2004#371
June 2004
#371
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 introduction of the seven-day Lunch Train has been a great success for the first few weeks with an average number of 36 customers a day (21.7 for the previous 12 months).
Thanks go to the Booking Officers that have done so well up selling.
Our longer term objective is to achieve an average of 40 by June 2005.
Choices include a gourmet hamper with a return fare to Lakeside for $62 for an adult (this must be prebooked), whilst a quiche and Devonshire tea, with return train fare can be booked on the day for $52. Groups can order a cheaper package for 20 or more at $45 per person. Please feel free to let people know of the availability of Lunch on the train seven days a week from now on.
A big thanks to all those who helped out on 2 May, to make the 23rd race a great success, despite having 2660 runners and their supporters this year. This compares to the previous record of 2403 runners. The magnificent team effort of all who worked that day ensured that it went without any major hitches.
If you want to know how you can make suggestions as to how to improve something, what is an OIC and how that varies from a Duty Officer or Station Master come to the Seminar at 7pm on Wednesday 23 June 2004, in the Belgrave Station Meeting Room . You will have a chance to ask the question that is bugging you! If you are interested please register your interest with Jean
| Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au | John Thompson, PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au | Ray Leivers, CEO ray.leivers@pbr.org.au |
We are seeking Roster Officers for the Booking Office and for Station Master. Many of these rosters are filled by regular volunteers and Jean Clowes (who is doing these rosters at present) is prepared to help ease someone into the role. If interested please ring Ray Leivers
.For those looking for a torch, they are now kept in the Station Masterts Office in a cupboard directly behind where the SM sits.
No report this month.
A paid position exists for 15 hours per week for someone who is a good communicator and has good computer and organising skills. The successful applicant will report to Ray Leivers and be responsible to implement an Action Plan to deliver a series of issues to assist volunteers in the Passenger Operations area.
Please discuss any interest with Ray Leivers. Email ray.leivers@pbr.org.au
A vacancy exists for a Casual Cleaner to assist the Railway's cleaning team. The successful applicant will not have regular hours initially but will be trained to fill in where casual vacancies occur due to absences or increased workload. The work is physically demanding and involves early starts and working outdoors in most weather conditions. An indicative duty statement is available
Applications close on Friday 11th June 2004 and must be in writing to John Shaw, ETRB, PO Box 451 Belgrave 3160.
A short memorial service for our late colleague Chris Bell will be held at the down end of Belgrave platform at9:30 a.m. on Saturday the 5th of June 2004 . All volunteers are invited to attend. The service will be conducted by Rob McUtchen.
For those not lucky enough to participate in the Great Train Race held on the 2nd May 2004 now is your opportunity to obtain a souvenir of G42's First Major Event or impress your friends or family by purchasing a T-Shirt featuring the G42 and boast how you beat the G42 to Lakeside.
For volunteers and Staff it is available at the special price of $16.00
Available in Small/Medium/Large/X-Large from the Belgrave Shop.
If this is not convenient please ring June and we can arrange to send one out for $20.00 including postage and handling.
Aura Tearooms at Menzies Creek will be servicing the Lunch train only as from the 19,sup>th of April, 2004 until further notice.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Refreshment staff for their contribution over the G42 weekend, it was very much appreciated.
Opal jewellery ranging from $25.00 - $75.00
Introducing Australiana soft toys - range includes key rings, puppets and soft toys all sizes.
Get your G42 Key rings for only $8.95 each.
Popular DVD's and Videos are now in stock in time for Autumn viewing -
| "The Hills are Alive" | DVD $39.95, | |
| "Pilbara Trains" | DVD $39.95 | Video $29.95 |
| "Steam Times - 1" | DVD $38.00 | Video $33.00 |
| "Steam Times - 2" | DVD $38.00 | ideo $33.00 |
| "West Coast Wilderness Railway" | DVD $29.95 | Video $29.95. |
| "D3 100 Years" | no DVD | Video $29.50. |
| "Steam in Queensland" | no DVD | Video $39.00. |
| "Mary Valley Railway" | DVD $39.95 | Video $29.95. |
Aura Tearooms at Menzies Creek will be servicing the Lunch train only as from the 19 th of April, 2004 until further notice.
If you would like to apply for the position of Rostering Officer for Refreshment services, please contact June Ilett as soon as possible.
Person required by the Refreshment Services division to manage our refreshment rooms at Menzies Creek Station. Telephone is essential. Training will be included. An invitation is extended to attend Refreshment Services meetings third Thursday of every month.
All further enquires including position description can be addressed to April Williams by e-mail on april.williams@pbr.org.au
Closing date Friday 18thJune, 2004
April Williams
The Hand signals that are used during Shunting operations are a vital communication method between the Guard and the Driver so it is important that they be given clearly and in the proper form so the movement is made safely.
The Safeworking Committee, comprised of Greg Michael, Alan Bridge, Rob Emmerson, Peter Walker, Andrew Wheatland & Ray Williams will be monitoring the giving of Hand Signals and providing feedback to those who hand signals are below standard and to those who are giving proper signals.
One of the points that will be monitored is giving Hand Signals whilst standing under the awning at Belgrave Station. It is difficult to see persons in this location from a distance when it is in deep shadow so Hand Signals should be given from a location out from under the awning including the Green Hand Signal to depart a train.
Greg Michael
The Committee have developed an Action Plan to address several outstanding issues in the Passenger Operations Area. A copy is on the Notice Board at Belgrave. Note the Conductors/Head Conductors Training Courses listed in the Date Pad in this Monthly News.
No report this month.
Night trains will be sold with limited alcohol (welcome drink on the down journey and a port on the way home) from 1 June; although the first train is middle of June. We will sell a limited range of drinks over the bar.
We are seeking Expression of interest to be trained for these duties. If interested please call me.
Larry James
No report this month.
No report this month.
With the completion of G42, our focus is now on the NA fleet.
Adam Taylor
The steelwork was erected in early May and since then much of the carpentry, roofing and plumbing has been done. Effective completion is currently expected in mid August.
A lot of sleeper replacement has been carried out between Selby and Monbulk Creek trestle bridge. Recent work has been concentrated in the area immediately beyond the Monbulk Creek trestle bridge.
Work has also started in the Lakeside to Gembrook section with the addition of ballast and tamping. This section has had very little work done on it since re-opening in 1998 and we aim to improve the line and level of the track now that it has had plenty of time to settle.
A lot of work has been carried out in attending to trees which have split or fallen. Most of the work was at Menzies Creek and/or either side of it.
The platform at the Packing Shed is about to get a major upgrade with a new retaining wall, improved fencing and more gravel on the platform. Included in the works will be some landscaping to improve the appearance, particularly at the Up (Belgrave) end and some interpretive signage inside the building.
Road-rail vehicles NRR 1 and 2 are both in service and performing well.
NK3's hydraulic transmission is now worn out after 17 years and a complete new system is to be fitted.
Still no sign of EBR 26.
We have been successful in winning a contract to relocate a timber footbridge which used to span the North Fitzroy goods yard to a new home at Moorooduc on the Mornington Tourist Railway. Work is expected to commence by the end of May and be finished in July.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 19 th June. Work will continue on refurbishing track between Selby and Monbulk Creek bridge commencing about 200 yards beyond the bridge. The usual sumptuous BBQ lunch will be provided. Please let Roster Officer Henry know if you can attend.
John Shaw
No report this month.
Andrew Wheatland.
No report this month.
Hugh Markwick
The restoration of this engine to exhibition standard is almost complete. New door curtains have been made and fitted. The engine sports a very musical chime whistle. The screens on the engine compartment have all been rebuilt, painted, and fitted. The engine looks very smart and only the motion is waiting on painting. This may need to wait until the spring as the weather is now too cold for painting.
The pour of the floor was completed on Saturday 20 March and work started on the rebuilding of the frame and walls of the gang shed. The first of the walls have been planted and once the walls are finished, the roof will be put on. We will paint the shed to make it respectable and blend into the environment.
This is proceeding and we are looking at the possible dual gauging of the demonstration track into the Museum to allow the 2' engines to operate.
All the tubes have been removed from the boiler and work is proceeding on the refurbishment of the cab. The boiler looks to be in very good condition.
The next running day is scheduled for Saturday the 5 th of 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
Just a reminder that all donations over $2.00 towards G42s maintenance are Tax deductible. Donations can be sent to PBPS G42 PO Box 451 Belgrave 3160.
The Get G42 Going Committee having achieved its objective held its last meeting on Wednesday 5th May, bringing to a close 30 years of fundraising to restore G42 - 21 years under this Committees leadership.
A new G42 Committee has been formed. The aim is to help clear the money still owing on G42's restoration and then raise funds for G42's maintenance and its first overhaul which is due in approximately 10 years time.
Selling pre loved books, magazines and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald car shops in the Thomson building near the playground, our next openings are Saturday 5 th June, 2004 and Saturday 3 rd July, 2004 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be made by phoning Peter Medlin to arrange a suitable time.
We would like to thank Bruce West for his recent donation of books and records.
The collection box figure for April was $61.75. Thank you very much to all the volunteers and staff who have ensured that the RED G42 collection boxes were put out.
Thank you to those who continue to contribute to the up-keep of G42. Recent donations have been: Norman Atherton, U.K.
Bruce West
As in previous years, this very popular event will be held at the Daimler Chrysler premises in Lexia Place, Mulgrave. We will look at film and video covering a wide range of subjects, locations and dates, in a contemporary ambience, surrounded by some of the world's latest and finest motoring technology. Cheese and wine will be served during the interval.
For further details please ring Jeff Goodwin
Due to a lack of demand, the weekend in Tasmania which we had advertised for this weekend has been postponed until 2005. Instead, we are proposing a weekend in Mount Gambier, including train travel to Warrnambool, coach to Mount Gambier and a ride on the local tourist railway, overnight accommodation and return on Sunday via Portland.
including a visit to the Mornington Peninsula & Bellarine Peninsula Railways for rides on their trains.
| APRIL | 2004 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,674 | 4,147 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 3,687 | 4,393 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 237 | 158 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 67 | 97 |
| G 42 locomotive days for month | 18 | n/a |
| Carriage kilometres | 32,975 | 35,733 |
| Carriage Days for month | 908 | 857 |
| Highest kms operated loco | 1,154 | 1,378 |
| Highest kms operated pass vehicle | 1,564 | 1,561 |
| Highest kms operated wagon | 61 | 23 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 82% | 63% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 204 | 246 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 231 | 269 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 14 | 8 |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 91%* | n/a |
* Guards please note: Where recorded. 27% of loco dockings not recorded. Please show in future.
April was the second significant month for G 42. Another test run hauling a van was operated to Lakeside and return on 6 April. The next day G 42 took 16 vehicles to Gembrook and back. On 13 April another test run operated to Lakeside and back.
I am told that the best of the test runs was left until the evening of 14 April when a trip was operated to Lakeside and return for spark emission and load trials. The load was 19 vehicles for 135 tons. I believe this to be the longest train (but not the heaviest) operated by the Puffing Billy Railway.
Saturday 17 April was a special day for donors, members and guests when G 42 hauled its first passenger carrying train to Cockatoo and return. The formal official launch of G 42 took place the following day when the locomotive hauled a train of invited and paying guests to the Packing Shed for a very pleasant celebration and luncheon.
G 42 commenced regular revenue service on Monday the19 th of April when it hauled the first of the daily lunch trains.
Bob Wilson