August 2004#373
August 2004
#373
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 Puffing Billy Railway & the 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 .
CONFIDENTIAL: Content details herein are for official Railway use only and are not to be used for other purposes.
An Information Night will be held for all volunteers and staff at the Masonic Hall in Belgrave on Wednesday 25th August 2004. Ray Leivers will talk for about 40 minutes on what is happening around the railway. At least an hour will be available for questions and discussion, including a period for issues not on the presentation list. Subject to be covered include the new Marketing Plan, a review of our Ten Year Plan, the next stages in capital development, and what locomotives are in the restoration plan and when. Arrive any time after 7.30 pm for an 8 pm start and 10 pm 'tea and social talk'.
Thanks to those who have made comments about issues with our existing timetable. If anyone wishes to raise issues please do so by email or drop a note to Ray Leivers by 10th August 2004. We will start work on the next timetable in the second half of August. Please don't wait till the draft is out to make your points!
During September 2004 Ray Leivers and Sue Ham will be writing a 'Strategy for the Recruitment, Training, Support and Rewarding of Volunteers on the Railway'. A number of volunteers have expressed a desire to have some discussion about various matters relating to these issues. Ray Leivers is inviting volunteers to discuss any issues relating to the operation of the railway. This night is proposed to be held on Thursday 12th August 2004 at 7.45 pm in the upstairs room of the Belgrave CFA building.
Attendees are asked to advise their attendance, and identify issues they would like discussed, so that an agenda can be prepared. The only presentation will be an introduction of about 10 minutes after which your issues will become the agenda for the meeting. All are invited.
Most of you will be aware that the Museum has been closed. We have had a report relating to some contamination of that site and the Museum will be re-opened once one source has been removed and another secured. Thank you all for your patience in this matter.
Alan Gardner and his team have now occupied the Workshop extension which has been completed other than some painting of doors, window frames and spouting. This will make a huge difference to the efficiency of the workshops now that they have a crane to do heavy lifting in the extension. Please do not wander into this area as it remains a worksite with inherent dangers.
Puffing Billy Railway is co-operating with Shire of Yarra Ranges and Parks Victoria to remove ivy from the rail line and adjoining areas in a co-ordinated day on Saturday 23rd October 2004, commencing at 10am. Volunteers are invited to participate and give a big help to Vicky Boyle and Merle Mathieson and their teams to remove as much ivy as possible and have some fun. Various prizes will be offered as part of the day. More details will be given but please put this event in your diary.
New fares have come in to effect during July 2004. Excursion Train fares have increased on the basis of inflation (about 3% rounded down). The adult return fare for 4 sections (eg Belgrave to Lakeside or Lakeside to Gembrook) is $29.50 ($28.50 last year), while a family ticket is $60 ($58 last year). The Return adult for 6 Sections (Belgrave to Gembrook) is $40 ($39 last year and a family is $81 ($79 last year). Luncheon Specials have increased a similar amount. Night Trains have been restructured to reflect a new structure where patrons pay for train and meal and receive drinks on the train as before but purchase drinks at the Packing shed at bar prices. This is far more equitable for our guests and is expected to reduce the level of over indulgence our hosts need to put up with on the home journey.
If anyone would like a full schedule of fares please drop Ray Leivers an email or seek a copy at the office.
Donations have been made to the railway from the estates of Chris Bell and Ian Wright from Heathmont, of a large volume of books and magazines; the latter coming to the railway fortunately as member Rob Dawson was in the right place at the right time. Watch this space as some may be available for purchase.
At a special meeting of the Society's Executive Committee on 12 th July, a secret ballot was held to select four Society nominees for appointment to the Emerald Tourist Railway Board. A 'new' Board is appointed by the Government every three years on the anniversary of its original formation on 1st October 1977.
Since then, the PBPS has continued to enjoy the privilege of nominating four of the seven Board members, the three others being nominated by the Government.
On this occasion, the four successful candidates in the ballot were, in order of election: Graeme Breydon, John Thompson, John Hoy and Henry Brohier.
These nominations have been submitted to the Minister for approval which, when received, will result in their formal appointment, effective from 1st October.
John Shaw, who has given some 15 years of exemplary service as a Society-nominated Board member was, unfortunately, not successful in the ballot on this occasion. John will continue as a member of the Board for the remainder of its current three-year term, ending on 30th September.
On behalf of the Society and everyone involved with the Railway, I wish to thank John sincerely for the benefits of his skills, knowledge and experience that he has contributed at Board level over a period of so many years.
John Thompson
| Graeme Breydon ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au |
John Thompson PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au |
Ray Leivers, CEO ray.leivers@pbr.org.au |
On passing my Fireman's Exam recently, I would like to thank all Firemen and Drivers who assisted me during my training period; and to all members at PBR who have made me feel most welcome. I would like to say a personal thank you to a few fireman who took me under their wing on a regular basis at PBR. Ron McKinna, Ray O'Callaghan, David Campbell and Nick Anchen.
Thank you all.
Mark Banfield
We would like to thank Peter Stranks and Peter Binks who have taken on some regular days outside the booking office at Belgrave to assist the passengers prior to them purchasing tickets. This service assists the booking officer, as the passengers have the experiences available explained to them prior to reaching the window. The time taken to buy tickets is reduced and thus the queue length.
If you have assisted during six train operation and would like to hone your skills, please contact Jean
The following volunteers were inducted to our railway on July the 7 th. Please make them welcome. Paul David, Luke O'Shannassy, Ken Brumby, Keith Ross, Charlotte Pike, and Andrew Gray
In an attempt to more accurately record buildings, grounds and electrical maintenance performed on the railway a new procedure has been instigated within the railway.
As of 1 st July 2004 a new system was set up to overcome oversights in the maintenance department. All reported faults are now entered into a database and a Work Order issued to the appropriate person. The database will be monitored regularly to ensure works are completed as defined by their category.
Each reported defect will fall within one of the four categories below:
All buildings, grounds and electrical defects should now be reported in writing, preferably by email to Deb Lyons (deb.lyons@pbr.org.au) or by IDR to the Manager Civil Engineering.
In the past, such defects may have been passed on verbally. Unless the defect is "Category 1 (Emergency)", there can be no future guarantee that defects reported verbally will be actioned.
Category 1 (Emergency)" defects reported by phone will need follow up in writing, by the person reporting the fault, to ensure the works completed enters our database.
If the defect is "Category 1 (Emergency)" and is detected outside of standard office working hours then the "Weekends and After Hours Callout Procedure" located in all stationmasters offices should be used
NB. ALL Graffiti should still be reported directly to the cleaners as is the current procedure.
Deb Lyons
G42 is headed for Gembrook on Sunday 5 th September. This will be its first run there with passengers and may be the only run there for some time to come. G42 will haul a mixed train which will have close to a full load and there will be a number of photo and listening stops along the way.
See the enclosed booking form or ring Alex Mondays to Fridays (8.00pm - 9.30pm only).
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Margaret Whatman on her appointment as Manager of Menzies Creek Station Refreshment Rooms.
Anyone wishing to volunteer at Menzies Creek, please call April Williams
If you would like to apply for the position of Rostering Officer for Refreshment Services, please contact June Ilett as soon as possible.
SALE 50% off< selected items - will be crossed through with red pen.
A range of Socks, Sleeveless windcheater, selected t-shirts, picnic sets and travelling rugs etc.
April Williams
"A Garratt Goes Again" - 90 minutes covering the test trains and the launch weekend in April of G42. Another quality production from Steam Media. DVD $44.95, Video $39.95.
"Just Victorian Trains" - 60 minutes. Filmed throughout Victoria and South Australia between 1998 and 2003, with flash backs to the 1980's. This much asked for title has now been released by Train Pictures and is available on DVD at $39.95 or on Video for $29.95. (The DVD has additional features.)
"Maryborough Victoria's Last Steam Strong Hold" - Just released by Channel 5 Productions. It features Maryborough and surrounds in the 1960's filmed by Ken Fishley. 55 minutes in duration, covering a variety of steam classes in action, including both goods and passenger trains. DVD $34.50 (with extra features) Video $29.50.
"Train Pictures Sampler" - This CD Rom has two hours of exciting rail video files and articles. This comes with a warning that it has excessive amounts of train videos on it priced at $19.95. A bargain for the home/office computer.
April Williams
The candidates of Safeworking Course 25 have completed, in total, some 319 theory and practical assignments as part of their training and I take this opportunity to congratulate all candidates on their dedication and co-operation which at times stretched family relationships to near breaking point. As a result of their dedication and their high marks we have again been able to cancel the written examination, thus allowing them to concentrate on completing their Practical work. We should see some new Safeworkers appearing on the roster in the next few weeks.
Peter Walker
Examination Officer.
This course finished in July with all achieving excellent results. Congratulations to the following participants:- John Bell, Adam Burrage, Craig Fitzsimons, Graeme Kidgell, Stephen Nichols, Paul Sparks, Chris Tasker, Lachlan Thomson, Kyly Walker, Mathew Watt and Ken Whatman. They will be completing their qualifying duties over the next month or so and we hope to see them out there working as Guard, Signalman, Fireman, Trolley Driver, etc.
I would also like to thank the following Trainers who freely gave their time and expertise to conduct a successful course:- Alan Bridge, Rob Emmerson, Ray Leivers, Greg Michael, John Shaw, Cliff Simmons, Geoff Tasker, Peter Walker and Andrew Wheatland.
Please note that applications for the next safeworking course (No 26), which commences in February 2005, will close on November 15 th 2004.
Application forms are available from the Station Masters office at Belgrave.
Contact Fleur Barrell (fleur.barrell@pbr.org.au) or Ray Williams (rssjwilliams@bigpond.com.au) if you would like an email copy sent to you.
Note: - Prerequisite for this course. Applicants must be a member of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society and have attended an "Introduction to Safeworking course" in the last 2 years or will be attending an introduction to safeworking course in 2004.
Ray Williams.
Safeworking Training Officer.
The August Guards' roster contains quite a few vacancies - particularly on weekdays and night trains. Let me know if you can help.
Several of our regular weekday guards are away at the moment, in some cases enjoying a better climate than Melbourne has to offer at this time of year. Others, unfortunately, are experiencing the less pleasant environment of hospital and subsequent post- operative recovery. To them we wish a speedy recuperation and look forward to their not too distant return to the railway.
The Lunch Train has reverted to its normal consist - i.e. with 2NBC at the up end doubling as a service car and guards' accommodation. There had earlier been some dissatisfaction with this - mainly from weekend guards who are not used to it! Obviously it is not ideal but until some shelving is temporarily placed in 2NBC, (and in the longer term, the ex-SAR van is restored and converted to a service car), it is something which we can and will put up with. A bit of co-operation and compromise on the part of all concerned is necessary - we are, after all, working towards the same goal - the successful operation of the train and the welfare of our passengers.
Cancellations. There have been an abnormal number of cancellations during June and July. I recognize that this is sometimes unavoidable when illness or urgent business intervene but please try to give us as much notice as possible - it often takes a lot of time and phone calls for me or Fleur to find a replacement guard.
Rostering Matters. I will be in Tasmania (again!) from 24th August to 2nd October, although I will be in Melbourne briefly from 14th to 18th September during which time I will ring guards and prepare the October roster. During my absences, please address all rostering matters to Fleur
Finally, Train Running Statements are still not up to scratch in many cases. Please ensure your statements are filled out correctly and that ALL relevant details are completed. There is a comprehensive guide to what is required on display in the safeworking room at Belgrave. Main omissions seem to be loco numbers (against every train, please!), T.R., Car dock & Loco dock times and consists. Please double check your sheets before handing them to the SM. Incomplete running sheets can cause Bob Wilson a lot of work in trying to piece together the jigsaw. The information on these sheets is important not only for statistical purposes but also to work out the distances covered by vehicles relative to when next servicing is due.
Bob Cochrane
Would all crews please assist us by ensuring that the following takes place:
Graeme Daniel
Congratulations to John Forrester and Barry Rogers, both of whom have recently passed their Fireman's Examination, and are now fully-fledged Firemen.
Well done to Peter Stowell who recently completed his 1000 th firing turn. What an amazing achievement.
Thank you very much to Lance Adams, Cliff & Anthony Simmons, and Team for conducting the Footplate Training Day on the 4 th of July. The 15 interested attendees received excellent hands-on experience of lighting up, greasing and oiling and general preparation of the Locos for the days running. The group was able to utilise 12A for further lessons, and it was a very worthwhile day. Thanks to all involved, and we look forward to seeing a number come through as Trainee Firemen.
Last but not least, we would like to give a warm welcome to Barry Rogers, who is taking over the position of Fireman Roster Clerk. Best of luck and I am sure that you will have the same co-operation from the Team that was shown to me.
Ray O'Callaghan
A big thank you to all the cleaners for their efforts and to those not rostered but turning up as time is available to them.
I'm sure all the loco crews appreciate the band of cleaners and firemen who cut the old sleepers up at Clematis to make the light ups so much easier.
Congratulations go to John Forrester who on 14th July left the ranks of the engine cleaners roster and joined the ranks of the firemen.
Allan Johnstone
Deborah Woodward has volunteered to do our minutes and joined us at our last meeting on July 14 th. Thanks Deb.
The railway has conducted four investigations to date this year.
Greg Hanslow
We have an urgent need for a Stationmaster on the 1st Sunday of each month. If any qualified person is able to assist on a regular basis, monthly or even every second month, even for part of the day, I would love to here from you.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Stationmaster to get a permanent position. Having a permanent day allows you to build a smooth running team for that day.
Jean Clowes
Introduction to Safeworking. Bookings are still available for the next session, which is to be held on Monday 23 rd August commencing at 5.30pm in the Belgrave Conference Room. Bookings are to be made in writing to Peter Walker, Training Officer via email to peter.walker@pbr.org.au
You must have completed this course in the last 12 months if you intend applying for 2005 Safeworking Course.
Only 5 candidates attended the Course ran on the 26th June which was most disappointing for the instructors and other attendees. The next course is scheduled for Saturday 18 th September commencing at 9.00am. Applications are to be made in writing to Peter Walker as above by 4.00pm, Friday 10 th September. The course is subject to cancellation if there are insufficient numbers.
Peter Walker
Train Running Officer
On 9 th July, the responsibility for Conductor training was passed over by Les Fenwick to myself (Ron Kelly). I'm sure that all of you will join me in congratulating Les on a job which was handled very professionally and many of us, including myself, will have benefited from his valuable and comprehensive Conducting knowledge.
In conjunction with this comes the introduction of the new training scheme following correspondence and discussion with many Head Conductors. Each trainee will come into contact with several Head Conductors to assist in the mentoring process which I will facilitate (and sometimes participate!) in conjunction with a (new) Training Record form - located and to be left in the Conductor Roster Book in the Belgrave's SM Office - to monitor the progress of all trainees in the various practical and theoretical elements up to and including Head Conductor level. The Training Record should be reviewed and signed off at the end of each mentoring session and replaced in the Conductor Roster Folder. As there is some catching up to do in terms of possession of the basic tools of the trade for new Trainees (Square Keys, M Keys, Conductors Information & Note Books, Ticket Punches and Cap/Hat Bands) for Trainees, Conductors and Head Conductors, please contact me if you require any of them. (Note that spare M Keys are now available on daily loan from the Station Master.)
Also, all Trainees are requested to ascertain that their Training Record form is in the Conductor Roster Book. If it is not, please advise me (I may not have generated it yet!). If there any Trainees or Conductors who consider themselves sufficiently experienced to become Conductors or Head Conductors respectively, could they please contact me too.
At the last Conductor Training Day, it was stated that it is important that the batteries used in the Guard's Vans are relocated back into the steel cupboard at Belgrave such that the battery number aligns with its charger number. This is because the batteries may be slightly different from each other and therefore require different charging rates.
Following clarification from Ray, this is to confirm that non-booked passengers are allowed to travel in the NALs (Mt. Lyell coaches) on the Lunch Train provided that the on-board Catering Officer's permission is given and a payment of $7/adult or $3.50/child each way is paid. However, the Head Conductor may use his/her discretion to allow passengers in the NAL's, again subject to on-board Catering Officer approval, at nil cost if all the standard seating is fully occupied on safety grounds.
We are getting insufficient people to roster for some of the weekends again - Saturday 14th August in particular. Could you please consider doing at least one weekend day per month, especially when the Roster shows several "Vacant's", in order to alleviate pressure on those who do Roster for these traditionally busy days. Volunteering for a Lunch Train or one Shuttle would be one suggestion where your PBR time would be minimised if time was a problem.
Ron Kelly
| Conductor Training | ||
| Saturday 18 th September | 9.00am till Noon. | |
| Saturday 20 th November | 9.00am till Noon | |
| Wednesday 24 th November | 9.00am till Noon. | |
| Stationmasters' Seminar | ||
| Wednesday 10 th November | 9.00am till 3.00pm | |
| Saturday 13 th November | 9.00am till 3.00pm | |
| Introduction to Safeworking | ||
| Monday 23 rd August | 5.30pm till 8.30pm | |
| Wednesday 15 th September | 9.00am till Noon. | |
| Saturday 27 th November | 9.00am till Noon. | |
Peter Walker
Training Officer
No report this month.
For some 21 years the railway has operated The Night Train as part of our product range.
Some time ago, we asked readers of Monthly News to consider a new name for this product to reflect more of what the product was all about. Previously, when some people have inquired about our product by phone, many didn't know that it consisted of a 3 course meal.
Many suggestions from volunteers came forward but none really covered what we wanted in the minimum number of words. Consensus now is to re name it as "The Dinner Special".
Thank you to all who took the time to forward suggestions.
Since our change in drinks policy at the Packing Shed, our new bar arrangements have been working well. We now have a broader range of beverages to offer our customers. Our bar people Mat and Bryan are doing a great job and customers have taken to the change very well.
Larry James
Volunteer workdays will commence on Saturday the 7th of August (first Saturday of every month only) and will continue until 8A is completed. If you intend to work please ring Belgrave workshops before the workday so work can be arranged.
The following lifts were carried out in July: 2NBD, 22NBH, 1NAL and 4NBH
Alan Gardner.
Finished and occupied. Minor defects are being attended to.
Work is well under way to improve the electric power supply to our various Belgrave buildings. This work has been prompted by the increased load associated with the Loco Workshop Extension. Pits, conduits and cabinets are now in place and a new main switchboard is being constructed. Once the new supply is in place, restrictions on power use in the Workshops can be lifted.
A new pit is being constructed at the front of the Loco Running Shed at Belgrave. This pit should improve ash handling and help to keep the inspection pit area clean.
Work will commence shortly to divert two sewer mains which cross our Stanley Street properties and which are in the way of our depot proposals. A design brief has also been put together for structural design of the buildings.
Work between the Monbulk Creek trestle bridge and Selby has continued with about another 100 sleepers left to replace. Once that is finished we will start work on digging out and replacing the old ballast.
At the other end of the line we have finished lifting and lining the track between Lakeside and Cockatoo and after dumping a little more ballast we will start on the section beyond Cockatoo.
Work is about to commence on replacement of the retaining wall behind the platform.
Re-building of the ex-Fitzroy footbridge at Moorooduc is progressing well. Concrete foundations have been completed and fabrication of the piers is well under way. Volunteers who wish to assist in the bridgework should call John Shaw.
You are reminded that inspection of the bridges along the line requires that you dismount from the vehicle and check under the bridge for damage etc.
During the operation of Timetable O (Winter mid-week), No 11 Pass operates via No.1 Road at Menzies Creek to allow the simple detaching of surplus cars. Please assist by setting the points at both ends of Menzies Creek yard for No.1 Road.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 21 st August. Work will continue on refurbishing track between Selby and Monbulk Creek bridge, commencing about 300 yards beyond the bridge. The usual sumptuous BBQ lunch will be provided. Please let Roster Officer Henry know if you can attend.
John Shaw
Thank you to all who continue to donate to the fund. Your donation, small or large, is greatly appreciated.
Works continue to progress on this project. Anyone who has an interest in helping with this project is welcome to contact us and attend one of our regular workdays. These are now normally on Mondays and Saturdays, although other days can be accommodated if required.
The next branch meeting will be held at Kings Rd on Saturday August 14 th - 9.30am start. All branch members are encouraged to attend.
With access to the workshop extension now available, we hope to progress the email and internet connections in the near future.
Andrew Wheatland.
The Museum has been temporarily closed for an audit of asbestos materials to take place & on completion of that, it will not be open for a while to allow maintenance to exhibits to take place.
We have some poles on buildings to replace and other work such as the completion of the gang shed and total occupation of our site to allow these maintenance works to be completed will be advantageous.
The second of our Fyansford signals, the three-aspect signal has had an improved mechanism placed in on it and it now changes aspect automatically. This has been constructed by our Supervisor Special Needs group, Neil Kingswood. It is interesting to note that our Museum is now the principal repository in Victoria of artefacts from the former Geelong Cement works and narrow gauge railway line as we have as exhibits signals, engines, and rolling stock. The last of the buildings from the cement works was demolished at Geelong recently.
During the closure for audit, we will be carrying out work on the maintenance of gardens at Menzies Creek Station and will be using a small area in the workshop at Belgrave to restore exhibits. In addition, QR 129 will receive some refurbishment at Emerald
The Commonwealth Government called for applications to be made for funds for volunteer organisations to assist them in their community works. The Museum has had a long-standing need to obtain some scaffolding to allow us to maintain our exhibits and comply with new legislation. Following the advertisement by the Commonwealth Government of this round we decided to make an application for $4,830.00 for scaffolding. I have subsequently been advised by Mr Bob Charles's electorate office, who is our local Federal Member, that our application was successful.
John Frost
From this issue the G42 Committee column will be bi-monthly.
Victorian Railways - The Shunting Locomotives E-F-H-M-RT-V-W-Y 1955-1995 by Train Hobby Publications. Available from Belgrave Shop at $30.00 or $33.00 posted anywhere in Australia.
If you are looking for a particular Train Hobby book and it is not on the shelf at Belgrave Shop, then contact us and subject to availability, we will get it in for you. Just write to G42 Sales, PO Box 451, Belgrave, 3160.
Selling pre-loved books, magazines and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald car shops in the Thomson building near the playground, our next openings dates will be Saturday 7 th August, 2004, Saturday 4 th September, 2004 and Saturday 2nd October, 2004 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be made by phoning Peter Medlin to arrange a suitable time.
We would like to thank Chris Bell estate, Weston Langford, Tim Morgan, David Sheppee and Bruce West for their recent donation of books and magazines.
The collection box figure for May was $54.31 and June was $36.90. 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 keep G42 Going. Recent donors are: N. Atherton (UK), R.E. Barker, R.K. Beare, J. Bell, C. Blencowe, R.C. Brooks, K.J. Collins, R.M. Cropley, J. De Gu Douglas, H. Du Guesclin, F R. Everett, R. Farnsworth, G. Gould, D. Knuckey, A. Linden, G. Michael, W.C. Piper, L. Rickard, D.A. Sargent, G. Shakespeare, K.N. Shand, J.D. Shaw, J.B. Sunman, D. Thompson, J.E. Thompson, R.L.S. Topp, J.C. Tunks, K. Walker, P.N. Walker, B.J. Webber, B.J. West, B.B. Worthington (NSW), Lon Wymond.
Bruce West
A final reminder that our popular film evening is coming up soon at the Daimler Chrysler premises in Lexia Place, Mulgrave. As usual we will feature film and video covering a wide and fascinating range of subjects, locations and dates. Cheese and wine will be served during the interval. Places are limited and we cannot guarantee ticket sales on the night, so please return your booking form without delay.
For last minute enquiries please ring Jeff Goodwin (evenings)
A visit to the ARHS Railway Museum at Williamstown followed by a tour of Melbourne's heritage tram fleet at the historic Hawthorn tram depot. Look for the booking form with this edition of Monthly News.
Unfortunately we have received insufficient demand to run the Mount Gambier weekend which we advertised last month.
We are currently looking at options for this weekend and will announce details and enclose a booking form next month. Keep this weekend free in your diary!
Including a visit to the Mornington Peninsula & Bellarine Peninsula Railways for rides on their trains.
Back by popular demand. Following numerous requests from members and volunteers who enjoyed last year's event, we are organising another New Year's Eve Train. The format will be similar to last year: train from Belgrave to Nobelius Siding, buffet dinner with dessert, tea and coffee in a convivial atmosphere at the Packing Shed before we return to Belgrave, stopping along the way for champagne and cake at Menzies Creek at midnight. Tickets are expected to be around $35 per person.
Further details & booking forms to follow nearer to the time.
Jeff Goodwin
| June | Financial Years | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2003 | 2003/04 | 2002/03 | |
| Train kilometres for the month/year | 3,022 | 3,030 | 45,609 | 46,168 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 2,940 | 3,042 | 45,567 | 45,574 |
| Loco kilometres -diesel | 262 | 143 | 3,536 | 4,831 |
| NA locomotive days for month/year | 42 | 73 | 933 | 1,032 |
| G 42 days for the month/year | 30 | n/a | 70 | n/a |
| Carriage kilometres | 25,940 | 20,900 | 380,554 | 372,250 |
| Carriage Days for month/year | 806 | 669 | 10,109 | 9,508 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,011 | 1,101 | 12,775 | 13,285 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,492 | 1,408 | 17,432 | 17,683 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 85 | 95 | 636 | 246 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 94% | 47% | 58% | 59% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 169 | 157 | 2,515 | 2,521 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 167 | 169 | 2,838 | 2,855 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 25 | 22 | 194 | 132 |
| Locos docked on trains by due times | 96% | n/a | 80% | n/a |
The above statistics incorporate the full financial year as well as the month of June.
7A ran the highest kilometres for the year (12,775kms) followed by 6A (11,574kms), 12A (11,154kms), 14A (7,429kms) and G42 (2042kms).
Diesel distances were D21 (1,939kms) and DH59 (1,572kms).
5 NBD recorded the highest carriage distance for the year (17,432kms) and was used on 361 days for the year. 2 NBD was the next most travelled carriage. The average length for all passenger trains during the year was 9 vehicles.
NNN 1 (formerly NQG 3) recorded the highest distance for non passenger vehicles (636kms) and was used on 20 days.
83 Night and Wedding Trains were operated as against 96 the previous year.
All the above figures have been compiled from data extracted from Train Running Sheets throughout the year. For yet another year, I have extracted many, many thousands of pieces of data from those sheets so the writings of guards (and others on works trains) are not wasted and are important. Thanks once again to all people who have accurately recorded the happenings of the trains that have run throughout the year.
Bob Wilson