September 2004#374
September 2004
#374
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.
Thanks to the 12 people who came to the meeting on 12 August, and the others too who wrote to say what the issues were for volunteers on Puffing Billy Railway. The meeting was very constructive and raised issues like recruitment of volunteers; how we introduce volunteers to the railway; training; support for volunteers; benefits; rewards and facilities for volunteers.
Ray was also able to tell the group about a few things happening, including that in 2002/03 that we inducted 74 new volunteers, and 2003/04 101 volunteers were inducted. Poor retention in 2002/03 resulted in us introducing a 'mentor system' where new volunteers are matched up with experienced volunteers, to introduce them into the Puffing Billy family and to host them around the railway to let them know what options they have for volunteering. We are looking for more people to act as mentors in the future.
A draft Volunteer Strategy Plan has been prepared to pick up a lot of these areas. This will go to those who contributed to the forum for comment, then be updated and offered widely for volunteers to make comment.
A Draft Marketing Plan has been prepared and distributed to the Management Committee for comment. This plan sets out the approach and mechanisms to be used for our marketing for the next twelve months.
This plan puts more emphasis on the domestic passengers for the Excursion Train and also proposes more emphasis be put onto 'selling' than awareness marketing, with emphasis on the Luncheon Special and Night Trains.
If anyone would like to make comment, please contact Ray Leivers for an Email or hard copy of the document.
It is with sadness that we advise of Peter Priestly's passing on Friday 13th of August 2004. For those who have not heard, Peter requested that his death not be publicised until after his funeral. For those who would like the opportunity to say goodbye to Peter, it is proposed to have a brief ceremony at 9.30 am on Saturday 18th September 2004 in the garden next to Moondarra. Following this his ashes will be taken on G42 to 'Superman' corner and scattered.
We have spent a bit of time chasing sponsors over the last couple of months. Unilever is signed up as a silver sponsorship for the supply of pies and ice creams, Tru-Blu has agreed to terms for the supply of oils and lubricants and we are chasing deals with Coca Cola or Schweppes, Angove's wines and with Toshiba.
A couple of people have volunteered for the ivy removal project along the railway on the Weed buster day (23 October 2004). We would like a strong group here on behalf of the railway so please let Ray Leivers know of your interest by 20 September 2004. Remember good prizes are available on the day.
| Graeme Breydon ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au |
John Thompson PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au |
Ray Leivers, CEO ray.leivers@pbr.org.au |
A vacancy exists for a fully qualified Fitter & Machinist at the Belgrave Workshops. All enquires to be forwarded in writing to, The Manager Workshops, PO Box 451, Belgrave Victoria 3160. Applications close on Wednesday the 15th of September.
Alan Gardner
Manager Workshops Branch
After recently qualifying as a PBR Safeworker, I would like to thank the following people for their training, guidance and patience, All SWC 25 Trainers and Class mates. A special thank-you to Alan Bailey, Keith Lierse, Allan Johnstone, Dave Conlan, Graham George, Ian Newman, Alexander McCooke, Herb Warren, Terry Lee and the Ways and Works team lead by Tom Kilner.
Paul R Sparks
The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International has awarded Puffing Billy a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of the work and support that Puffing Billy gives to its local community and to the people of Victoria. This award is one of the highest made by Rotary International and was presented to Puffing Billy at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Emerald and District. Each year the railway is involved in a number of community events, and for the last two years we have provided the infrastructure and many volunteers for Rotary's "Kids Fun Run with Thomas" event. This event has raised thousands of dollars for the Starlight Children's Foundation and looks set to become an annual event. We are justly proud to have received this recognition.
Russell Bowen
To all Locomotive Crews, Safeworkers, Head Conductors and Conductors, please get in touch with your roster officer if you wish to be rostered on any of this year's specials (December 4th, 11th and 18th, with a sunset special running on the 11th in addition to the day train).
David Sheppee.
Santa Special Committee
Prices up to 50% off , selected items - Price will be crossed through with red pen. Items include Socks, vests, selected t-shirts, picnic sets and travelling rugs. Some of the stock is in the Refreshment office, please ask staff if you are interested in purchasing a bargain.
Purchase your signed copy of Tim Fischer's Transcontinental Train Odyssey for $32.95 - only 25 copies available. Please ask refreshments staff as they're not on display.
A communication book will be available upon request at each station.
This will enable better communication between volunteers, staff and myself.
Please ensure that they are read before the commencement of each day.
Thankyou for your co-operation. If you have any suggestions that would make day to day procedures run more efficiently, please call April
The floats will be increased at both Belgrave and Lakeside to cope with increasing demands.
We now have 2 wonderful heritage trolleys which we can put to good use on the Belgrave platform. After minor repairs, they will be back in action. We will be able to offer our visitor's that don't have enough time to purchase in the shop, a second chance to purchase a memento, food or beverage.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to man these trolleys please contact April. Your time will be much appreciated.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to work at Menzies Creek, especially on weekends, 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.
| Book - What a Journey - Life in the Victorian Railways | $49.95 |
| DVD - 15 Miles to Gembrook - No narration | $29.95 |
April Williams
This month's Guards' Roster contains a lot more vacancies than I would have liked. Please have a good look at the vacancies and ring Fleur if you are able to fill any of them. There are two or three "regulars" who I was unable to contact --- sorry about that! --- please grab a vacancy if days suit.
I am going to be away most of the next three months. Consequently we really do need somebody who is prepared to assist between now and early December, particularly with dealing with unfilled positions and cancellations. I will be back for a few days in mid-September (14-18/9) during which time I will be preparing the October roster. I will also be home in October to prepare the November roster. The December roster (which includes rostering to the end of 6 train running in mid-January) will require preparation in mid- November. If there is anyone prepared to take this on, I will be happy to " show you the ropes" during October. I am planning to relinquish the guards' rostering at some stage during 2005 so if there is anyone out there "thinking about it" this is an ideal opportunity to give yourself a trial run without any on-going commitment. Greg would be happy to talk to you further about this.
With the timetables changing in late September and the return of Thomas in October - November an increased number of guards will be required, so please keep this in mind, look at your other commitments and, if at all possible, pick up that extra run here and there.
Lunch train guards when locking up the 5 Road compound need to check that the small pedestrian gate at the up end of the compound is locked as well as the double gates at the down end.
Train Running Statements ---please destroy all "old" versions of this form, and use the current edition (obtainable in the Belgrave Safeworking room). The older forms are unsatisfactory as they do not make provision for the inclusion of all the information that is required.
Bob Cochrane
Please note that applications for the next safeworking course (No 26), which commences in February 2005, close on November 15th 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 and have a current Level 2 First Aid certificate or be prepared to attend a course.
Ray Williams.
Safeworking Training Officer.
Graeme Daniel will be away on annual leave from 12th September to 12th October, 2004. Allan Johnstone will be doing the October roster in his absence.
Would all drivers please ensure that the spare loco tool boxes are locked after use.
Graeme Daniel,
Locomotive Operations
Night Train Run Through at Lakeside in July. As a result of this incident the driver has been counselled, reflectors will be fitted to the point indicators to improve visibility and the lighting will be reviewed on the locomotive.
Any personnel who become aware of an incident or breakdown must ensure that the appropriate managers on the railway are notified as soon as possible.
Welcome back to the railway to Tom Murray and Geoff Tasker who have recently requalified as Safeworkers.
Bob Evans has been appointed, effective from the 1st August, as the new Enginemen's Examining Officer.
The new ash pit is now operational in the running shed. It is intended to remove the internal walls of the old pit by the end of September.
Greg Hanslow
Peter Walker is providing a Weekly Operations Diary which has helped people to know what consists we are using etc. Feed back is that this is very helpful. Each morning Train Operations and Passenger Operations are meeting the SM at 9 am and advising of anything different occurring on the railway that day, like works trains, carriages for Emerald and what group bookings we have and from where they come.
In recent weeks you may have noticed there have been some changes on the notice boards in the Booking Office. The board closest to the shop has only latest information, so if you could check this board each time you are on duty.
The large board as you come into the Booking Office has examples of all current special offers/discount vouchers etc that are currently valid.
After a long period of time we are reinstating a Belgrave Booking Office information book. This book will be indexed and include copies of all the vouchers and notices that are on the boards as well as copies of all standing orders. We will try to avoid pinning any instructions on the boards or window areas. Any information you are unsure of please check the information book.
For any urgent or important information this will be pinned on the board closest to the shop. If you have any notices or sugestions you feel should be included please refer them to me.
I welcome any suggestions or thoughts you may have that will help improve how our Booking Office operates, I can be contacted jean.clowes@pbr.org.au
If any one needs to borrow the keys from this float please make sure they are returned to this float tin. Many Thanks
Could all conductors please check that you have the current fares sheets in your books , dated from 12/07/04. If you need copies they are available in the SM's office in the white "conductors roster book" or else let me know and I will post you a copy.
Jean Clowes
| Stationmasters' Seminar | ||
| Wednesday 10th November | 9.00am till 3.00pm | |
| Saturday 13th November | 9.00am till 3.00pm | |
| Introduction to Safeworking | ||
| Wednesday 15th September | 9.00am till Noon. | |
| Saturday 26th November | 9.00am till Noon. | |
Peter Walker
Training Officer
It would be appreciated if SM's or Head Conductors who are aware that we have a wheelchair on board could advise Lakeside or Gembrook personnel so that they can have the ramp out and ready for their arrival.
This was a wonderful event organised by Nick Anchen, with help from many people. It was an event that was enjoyed by all who travelled and delighted many who just saw the mixed as it meandered along to Gembrook. A big THANK YOU to Nick and all his crew and the Workshop staff who organised the day and helped prepare the engine. 12A has seldom been seen in such a disgusting state. Nick's crew also cleaned it up after the event - mostly.
We are also indebted to Bob Farr, Derek and Nola Garner who stepped in at short notice to help us put on the BBQ dinner and magazine sale at Sunny Gembrook.
Thanks also to those who supported the event and bought magazines at Gembrook. We look forward to a similar event next year. Well done to all concerned.
You are invited to a Cup Eve extravaganza. Come along and enjoy a great evening celebrating a great event and helping the Climax. Your ticket gets you travel and tucker, BYO drinks. Book early on the form included.
We are launching a new range of Climax Clothes. We have polo shirts with the Climax logo for only $25 - white, gold, red and blue. Stainless steel mugs with a black logo available soon.
Only 74 certificates available. You can choose which boiler tube to support.
We have many pre-loved railway magazines for sale - Newsrail, Railway Modeller, Light Rail and others.
During our last workday, we cleared the soil from around the base of Nobelius Station to stop rusting, split lots of wood, rolled up blinds to help the Conductors and cleared drains around the Way and Works and tractor sheds. A lot of work from the younger Volunteers - well done. Our next day will be on Tuesday 28th September. Please book in a few days beforehand.
No report this month.
Volunteer workdays are on the first Saturday of each month. Please ring The Belgrave office buy the Wednesday prior to the workday, to confirm your attendance.
Adam Black
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. Detailed design is also under way for the buildings. Commencement of works is planned for later this year but depends on overcoming some land issues.
Re-sleepering work is complete between Monbulk Creek bridge and Long Pockitt Lane in Selby. We are now well into digging out and replacing the old ballast.
Tamping of the track from Lakeside to Gembrook has now passed Fielder and is progressing at the rate of about 400m per day.
Work is now under way on replacement of the retaining wall behind the platform.
Re-building of the ex-Fitzroy footbridge at Moorooduc is progressing well and should be completed in early September.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 18th September. Work will be near the School Road level crossing on the UP side of Menzies Creek and will involve repairing a number of minor track faults. The usual sumptuous BBQ lunch will be provided. Please let Roster Officer Henry know if you can attend.
John Shaw
After a somewhat excessive period as a casual employee, it gives me great pleasure to advise that Mr. Ian Newman has entered an employment contract with the railway. Whilst providing security for Ian, it also ensures that the railway meets our statutory requirements for long term employees.
A reminder to all persons that the Security Control Room can be accessed by the use of speed dial "400". This facility should save you having to dial the 11 digit number previously required when the control room was to be contacted.
Work is continuing to provide computer access, telephones, light and power to the new workshop offices. Several days work have been carried out so far and we aim to complete this project in the near future.
A "beep" at the end of each transmission has recently been introduced. All staff are reminded to wait for the "beep" before attempting to send a new message.
An important additional reminder that you wait about 1 second after operating the "press to talk" button before commencing to speak. This will ensure that the radio transmitter has sufficient time to turn on and will ensure that transmission of the beginning of your message occurs properly.
Trials of the new "internet based" telephone interconnection system are currently underway. When installed, this new equipment will replace our 40 year old rural carrier network. Whilst the existing network has performed exceptionally over the years, the internal components are corroding away with age and this new system will once again place us at the forefront of technology.
Works are progressing to install an electric lock on lever 1 in the Belgrave Signal Frame. Following the serious incident earlier this year, the new lock will provide an improved margin of safety. Whilst the details will be fully set out in the "A" Circular, the basic operation will become;
Lever 1 will normally be locked in either position. To release the lock, a foot operated push button needs to be pressed and released. This will electrically release the lock for around 10 seconds, enabling Lever 1 to be operated.
The push button is located at the up end of the steel deck and the operators will be required to turn and observe the crossover about to be operated. This process will assist in avoiding as repeat of the incident earlier this year.
Works are proceeding well and it is planned to commission the new Up Outer Home Signal in the near future.
Our workforce has reached 6 persons on Mondays recently and with warmer weather now upon us, any additional offers of assistance would be most welcome.
Andrew Wheatland.
The Heritage Committee has been busy recently providing heritage input with the design of the extensions to the Belgrave Locomotive Workshops and reviewing various other proposals, some of which are:-
Work is progressing by one of our volunteers (a civil engineering student) on the provision of diagrams, photographs and sketches of references for sections 5 to 8 of the heritage manual. These sections should issue shortly.
Our Archives have been received a donation of many photograph albums from the estate of the late Chris Bell (a former member) and a Platform back lamp from another donor.
Research is being carried out on the provision of carriage roof lamps for carriage NB 1 presently being restored in the Emerald Car shops.
Members are reminded that we have a secure repository for all items of archival interest and if they have any items e.g. old VR Newsletters, Weekly Notices or Victorian Railway Magazines amongst other things that they would like to donate they should contact our Archives team leader, Geoff Tasker to arrange for their collection.
No report this month.
"Riding the Beechie and other Narrow Gauge Lines" - 58 minutes covering G42 on the Beech Forest Line, the Fyansford Railway at Geelong, early footage of our Railway, the Mt. Lyell Railway plus bonus material. It is available on DVD for $34.50 and Video $29.50. The DVD has additional features.
"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 through out Victoria and South Australia between 1998 and 2003, with flash backs to the 1980's. This much asked for title and has now been released by Train Pictures. It is available on DVD for $39.95 and Video $29.95. The DVD has additional features.
"Maryborough Victoria's Last Steam Strong Hold" - Just released by Channel 5 Productions it is Maryborough and surrounds in the 1960's filmed by Ken Fishley. 55 minutes covering a variety of steam classes in action. Having 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.
Bruce West
What a fantastic evening this was, with over 70 people attending, some excellent refreshments and a raffle at the interval and of course a wide range of subjects covered in the films shown. Thank you to all who turned out on a cold and wet evening for making the event so successful - see you all again soon.
A visit to the ARHS Railway Museum at Williamstown followed by lunch and a guided tour of one of MelbourneR17;s best kept secrets, the heritage tram fleet housed in the historic Hawthorn tram depot.
The booking form went out with the August Monthly News, but for last minute enquiries and bookings, please phone Jeff Goodwin.
Paddle steamers, lolly shops and a drink with your mates from Puffing Billy. This attractively priced excursion will see us travelling from Spencer Street in our own chartered 'Sprinter' to Echuca. This will be followed by the opportunity to take a trip on the river, buy some lunch or simply stroll around the streets of this historic river port before we rejoin our train for the return journey to Melbourne.
Look for the booking form with this issue of Monthly News or, for further details please ring Jeff Goodwin
Including a visit to the Mornington Peninsula & Bellarine Peninsula Railways for rides on their trains. Watch for further details next month.
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 the time.
Jeff Goodwin
| JULY | 2004 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,359 | 3,262 |
| Loco kilometres -steam | 3,431 | 3,407 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 166 | 114 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 62 | 80 |
| G 42 days for month | 17 | n/a |
| Carriage kilometres | 26,640 | 25,466 |
| Carriage Days for month | 776 | 726 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,567 | 1,254 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,542 | 1,477 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 77 | 66 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 97% | 36% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 187 | 174 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 201 | 191 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 34 | 16 |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 95% | 82% |
| Carriages sets docked by due times | 73% | n/a |
Bob Wilson