November 2004#376
November 2004
#376
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.
Our new Million dollar Belgrave workshop extension will be open for members, volunteers, staff and their families to inspect between 12.45pm to 1.45pm on Sunday 14th November , prior to the Society AGM, scheduled for 2pm that day in the nearby Masonic Hall. During the inspection period the building will be officially opened by the Minister for Tourism, the Hon. John Pandazopoulos, there will be a demonstration of the new 12 tonne crane and key workshop staff will be on hand to provide guided tours and explanations about the projects currently underway.
This open-house will be preceded by an invitation-only event with the Minister in the workshop so please do not arrive for the inspection and opening ceremony any earlier than 12.45pm.
Current financial members of the Society are reminded that the election of four ordinary committee members for a two-year term is by postal ballot only. Ballot papers and a sheet containing statements by the five candidates were mailed in mid-October and completed ballots must be received by the returning officer no later than 6th November. If you didn't receive a ballot the most likely reason is that you have overlooked actioning the subscription renewal notice mailed some time ago. Please send your renewal in now to be added back to the "Narrow Gauge" mailing list, to receive your 2004/2005 members travel passes and (for those with OIC, SM or Safeworking qualifications) to continue to be eligible for rostered duties.
A six-year "gold" level sponsorship agreement has been signed with Coca-cola. The value of this to the railway is equal to running a whole Thomas season, which is particularly important as we are currently struggling to come up with the 50% matching cash required for us to be able to fully utilise the $1.78m CSF grant. Several other potential sponsorship deals are currently being negotiated with various suppliers.
We have also secured a number of small external civil and mechanical engineering contracts recently that are also helping to bridge the funding gap. These include a level crossing reconstruction job as sub-contractor to John Holland Pty Ltd, production of CAD drawings and wheel gauges for the West Coast Wilderness railway, overhauling brake components for the WGR, rebuilding of an air compressor for the VGR and work on the wheels of their J class locomotive.
Volunteer involvement in some of these projects has been especially important to their profitability. If we were reliant only on traditional train and shop revenue we would have to forego some of the CSF grant and some of the current works program such as the workshop extension, running shed improvements, seating upgrade and proposed works such as the new Way & Works depot and new running shed would have to be curtailed.
| Graeme Breydon ETRB Chairman chairman@pbr.org.au |
John Thompson PBPS President editor@pbr.org.au |
Russ Bowen, Acting CEO russ.bowen@pbr.org.au |
Just a quick reminder to all as the busy season approaches that overnight accommodation is available for any volunteer who is working and the distance home makes the option of staying locally preferable. You must pre-book - and this can be done by contacting Sue Ham via e-mail to sue.ham@pbr.org.au or 9757 0715 or 0419 274 652 at least three (3) working days prior to your required stay date. If you need to get accommodation closer to your work day than that, then please ring Sue Ham to check availability.
We were saddened to learn recently of the untimely death of Iain Drummond. Iain was a key person in the organisation of the Puffing Billy Olde Time Festivals (1991 to 1999) and the Gembrook Opening Day celebrations, especially the heritage bus services associated with those events.
He held various positions with the Historic Commercial Vehicles & Fire Engines Association, was a noted bus historian with many articles of his being published by the Bus & Coach Society of Victoria in their magazines, and a keen collector, builder, operator of bus models. He was also active with the Chartered Institute of Transport and known for the organising of heritage displays at the Bus Proprietors Association Maintenance Conferences.
In recent years (since retirement) his wife Jean has been a regular PB Booking Clerk at Belgrave, usually on Mondays.
Video Producer, Jonathan Newton, is looking for 8mm and 16mm (or 35mm is you're well off) archival film of steam the Victorian Railways, either broad or narrow gauge, or films of any other railway based in Victoria. Jonathan will transfer the films at his own cost, give the original films back to the owners as well as a VHS copy of their footage and shall also supply them with a complementary copy of whichever video the films appear in. The videos produced will be sold at the railway and the proceeds will go to the restoration of locomotives such as the Climax and 3A.
For those who are interested in helping preserve these films so that many future generation can enjoy them, and see what the steam age was all about, please contact Jonathan Newton. Steam only please.
This is an explanation of how and why each Monthly News has a deadline, why the date varies, why the Monthly News team need the deadline, and why you should meet it when submitting items. The main purpose of Monthly News is to get the rosters to the volunteers. Other items are included as supplementary material; distributing them is not the main purpose of Monthly News, although they keep many informed.
It seems obvious that volunteers should get the rosters before the month the rosters cover. The calculation of the deadline is based on the need of the volunteers to have Monthly News some days prior to the issue month. The deadline is always a Friday. On the following Saturday and Sunday I assemble Monthly News. It is due at the Belgrave office by 9:00 am the Monday following the deadline.
It takes a working-week of processing in the Belgrave office to get Monthly News ready for posting. This includes:
The actual deadline depends on the end of the month. If this occurs on a weekend, Monday or Tuesday (the worst case) then we allow the last working week for delivery, the previous week for processing, and the deadline is the Friday before that. To illustrate: Feb 2005's last day is a Monday. Allowing two weeks for processing and delivery gives a deadline of Friday the 11th. If a holiday intervenes in the working time then we adjust the deadline backwards. This will happen in December for January's Monthly News.
I know that there have been a few problems receiving items for Monthly News via email and this has been partly due to the way our emails were handled. However, this has been corrected as the email system is changed to in-house rather than via a 3rd party. Any email submission to monthlynews@pbr.org.au will be delivered by the system to both Bill Russell & Rob Emmerson. This is the only email address you need to send Monthly News submissions to in the future.
If you submit your material late then you cause somebody other than you to work harder (and later) to get the processing done You put pressure on every one else down the line to work harder in order to catch up. This is not fair. Please get your information in on time.
On behalf of the Monthly News Team
Bill Russell
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers who are giving up there time to work at the Thomas. It is very much appreciated. A special thankyou too, to the volunteers who have filled the many gaps in our Rosters over the past few months.
New products this month include Puffin Bill Puppets, Bumbags, Keyring whistles, Large Puffing Billy whistles, polystone train magnet, and a rainbow pencil. All are selling extremely well. By Christmas we will also have a new and colourful showbag.
Communication books are now available 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
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.
"From The Otways To The Dandenong's" By Channel 5 Productions, 55 minutes. A brief look at the history of the Victorian Railways Narrow Gauge, film of G42 working in the Otways, the return to service on our railway, including, the first revenue run and the first mixed revenue train to Gembrook . Plus a cab ride to Menzies Creek and other Garratts working in Australia.
Price video $29.50, D.V.D. $34.50 with the bonus footage of Peter Peckett and Puffing Billy.
This is a great companion to "Riding The Beechie And Other Narrow Gauge Lines" see review in October Monthly News. Video $29.50 and D.V.D. $34.50.
"Steam Times 3" DVD by Trains Alive, 65 minutes covers southern NSW 1959 to 1969. The Illawarra 1963, suburban Sydney 1959 to 1974 and private railways in NSW 1957 to 1983. There is no narration but a scene booklet is included. Price $38.00.
"What A Journey Life On The Victorian Railways 1948 -1987. The story of Tom Yates, this book covers Tom's life as a 16 year old Porter through to being the Station Master of Flinders Street Station. A rare insight into the people he worked with and how this station operated during the transition from steam to diesel and electric trains, as they passed through its many platforms. Available from Belgrave Shop for $49.50.
"South Australian 400 Class Garratts" by Train Hobby. A must have for the Garratt enthusiast and a companion to the "Garratts in the Otways" books. Available from Belgrave Shop for $30.00.
THESE DVD's and Video's ARE SELLING VERY QUICKLY
"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. Cost Video $29.50.
April Williams
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. (raynsuew@bigpond.net.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.
Guards please note the sign-on times for various trains on both the Yellow and the Blue timetables, which appear as a separate table at the end of the rosters. The Blue Timetable (mainly weekends) requires comparatively early sign-on times because of the amount of shunting required with this timetable. Note that the guard for 11/10-19/28 (Lunch Train guard) is to commence at 0800 and is to act as second person on the diesel shunting locomotive ("competent person"). This guard is to report to the driver of the diesel (usually the Board driver rostered on that day). All guards should familiarise themselves with the operating procedures for the Blue and Yellow timetables. Copies are available in the safeworking room.
The November roster is in an awful state -- particularly for weekdays. Several of our regulars are out injured or away. Henry Brohier, Norm Wadeson & Errol Herman all have defective knees with red cards attached, Errol's as a result of a nasty dive down the embankment at Lakeside on 13/10. Get well quick, fellas.
As previously advised, I will be away from 23/10 to 5/12, and Fleur will be looking after the roster. It is unfortunate that this coincides with what has been the most difficult period for rostering that I have experienced in my two and a half years in the job. I do ask you to co-operate with Fleur during my absence -- it's not easy trying to find people to fill vacancies. Obviously there are going to be a lot of requests for "extras". Please help if you possibly can.
Any offers to assist Fleur over this period which includes the preparation of the roster for December & the January six train running period would be much welcomed. Talk to Greg or Fleur.
Bob Cochrane
| Stationmasters' Seminar | ||
| Wednesday 10th November | 9.00am till 3.00pm | |
| Saturday 13th November | 9.00am till 3.00pm | |
| Introduction to Safeworking | ||
| Saturday 26th November | 9.00am till Noon. | |
Peter Walker
Training Officer
A notice board has been erected in the Belgrave Station Crew Room for use of Conductor communications as well as spare copies of the Fare Table (A4 and Note Book sizes) and a condensed version of the PBR history. Please take the opportunity to peruse this notice board for up to date notices which may affect Conductor operations.
Over the 2 week school holidays, we ran a Children's Competition aimed at 5 to 11 year olds and 12 to 16 year olds. 94 responses were received, 86 in the younger age bracket and 8 in the older group which gives an indication of who to aim for if we were to repeat it. 17 correct entries were received, 16 of which were in the lower age group with first prizes of either a family pass to either Gembrook or 'A Day Out With Thomas'. Additional prizes of complementary PBR mementos were allocated for 2 runners-up in the lower age group. Thanks to all involved in the running of the competition, especially on those days when I was not at Belgrave to facilitate it.
Currently, transfer from Conductor to Head Conductor is loosely based upon (1) being a Conductor for at least 6 months and being rostered at least 12 times in that period and (2) requiring a sponsor and seconder from the ranks of 'senior' Head Conductors. Attendance at the Head Conductor Theory Course is also considered to be a requirement. Transfers may be initiated by (a) Head Conductor recommendation or (b) a Conductor satisfying the general requirements and seeking greater responsibility or (c) Training Officer review/discussion with conductor.
Notwithstanding that the Pass Ops Meetings are reviewing training and requirements criteria for the various PBR positions, including Head Conductors and Conductors, if anyone wishes to go down option (b) above, could they please contact me. Also, expressions of interest in attending the next Head Conductor's Theory Course is sought - names to me please.
Notwithstanding any previous arrangements, all conductor personnel are requested to be at Belgrave at least 11/2 hours before the departure of the first train such that:
For the Yellow timetable (weekdays), this will be 09.00 hours and for the Blue timetable (weekends +), this will be 08.30 hours. This will be slightly modified for the Green timetable and guidance notes will be noted in next month's edition of Monthly News.
Ron Kelly
Conductor Rosters/Training
A donation was kindly given by Douglas and Shirley Topp, in memory of John Topp. The Omega Radio Club also gave generously to the Restoration fund. Thank you all very much.
Our range of shirts, scarves and caps is now available by using the order forms to be found in Monthly News and around the Railway.
**Newsflash! We now have overalls from only $40 **
Simply fill in the details of garment, size, colour etc and send with your cheque or credit card details to Climax Clothing, PO Box 451, Belgrave, 3160.
Thank you to Greg Little for his very kind donation of the first batch of shirts and his help on organising the embroidery and supply of the clothing.
We are able to offer everyone the chance to sponsor a Climax Boiler Tube. This marvellous opportunity only costs $100 and you get to choose the tube. Please enquire for available tubes - less than 74 left.
We are still working with these and will get prices and availability out to everyone as soon as we can.
The Climax Locomotive will soon be moved from the Nursery, in Emerald, to the Belgrave workshops for stripping down and assessment. This work will be done by Volunteers.
John Conway
Larry James
No report this month.
We are anticipating an early start to the Fire Danger Season this year and we are looking for more volunteers for Fire Patrol Drivers and Assistants. See below for Trolley Driver training.
Fire Patrol Training will be conducted on Saturday 15th December at 1.30 pm at the Belgrave trolley shed.
Not for the train but for a sewer pipe running under the track at Selby. Plans for boring a hole to put a 450mm diameter pipe had to be given up due to rock and tunnelling was resorted to. The contractors did a very professional job and no interruption to train services resulted. This is part of a main sewer running between Cockatoo and Selby which goes under the Railway in three places and alongside the line from Clematis to Emerald.
Some repair work has been carried out but more work will be required during the Summer.
Ballast has been replaced between Monbulk Creek Bridge (Bridge No.5) and Selby and final lifting and lining of the track will have to wait until the New Year.
Tamping of the track from Lakeside to Gembrook has not progressed due to repair work required on the tamper. We hope to have this work finished during November.
Landscaping around the Packing Shed and some signage is now under way.
Trolley NK3 is back on the Railway after replacement of its hydraulics and appears to be running well.
Trolley EBR 26 has been under re-build for over two years now and is about to return to the Railway for testing of its new transmission. Its old body will be refitted as a temporary measure to get us through Summer and then it will also go in for re-build.
Road-rail vehicle NRR2 is having its front rail assembly adjusted after alterations to the road suspension to improve the ride resulted in the rail equipment hanging a little low at the front.
During October we carried out a small track job at Wahgunyah in Northern Victoria. This consisted of constructing the track part of a new level crossing on Old Saints Road which will become a highway across the Murray River. Our part of the job consisted of laying about 36m of track to line and level as part of the highway. The crossing is used by the Stringybark Express - a collection of trolleys which run between Wahgunyah and Rutherglen.
We plan to run another trolley driver training course on 28 th November. If you are a qualified safeworker (or nearly so) and have a car driver's licence you are eligible to apply. Trolley drivers are needed for operating our trolleys and road-rail vehicles, particularly on Fire Patrols during the Summer fire danger period. Applications are required in writing to Dan O'Connor at secretary@pbr.org.au or c/- ETRB, PO Box 451, BELGRAVE VIC 3160. For more information please contact Dan O'Connor.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 20 th November. Work will be near the School Road level crossing on the 'Down' 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
.We are currently planning our Christmas party in early December or late November. If you are interested in attending, please contact Tom Kilner
John Shaw
During late September and into October, the lock on lever 1 at Belgrave was commissioned, the final 3 main line point indicators were fitted with reflective surfaces and a signal indicator light was installed for the permissive signal at Belgrave. A 2 way radio has also been fitted to 22NBHC. All installations have improved the safety and operability the railway
Those who have passed the Emerald Depot will have noticed the posts for the up end of the yard taking shape. Works are progressing towards commissioning the new signals at the down end prior to Christmas and as usual anyone who has an interest in helping with this project is welcome to contact us and attend one of our regular workdays. These continue to be on Mondays and Saturdays, although other days can be accommodated if required.
At the time of writing, the new Power Supply for Belgrave was to be connected on Monday 18th October. Works will continue over the coming weeks to transfer all of the Locomotive Workshops to this new supply and to improve the internal supplies as a result.
Again, at the time of writing, works are in hand to connect both the Stanley Street offices and the Locomotive Driver's office to the new radio data system. This will move us one step closer to the final computer interconnection system.
We have also recently cut over to our in-house email system. This has not been without a few teething troubles, however things are starting to settle down now and we do ask you to bear with us as we get this all sorted out. Anyone who is experiencing difficulties sending emails to anyone at Puffing Billy (ie to an @pbr.org.au email address) is asked to call Rob Emmerson who will explain the procedure for reporting the problem to your ISP.
To the new volunteers (Paul, Lloyd and Gordon) who have recently commenced working with S&T. Welcome aboard.
Andrew Wheatland.
No report this month.
As readers will be aware, the Museum has been closed due to the need to make safe asbestos around various locomotive boilers. Quotations have been sought for the removal of this material but the cost of this work is very dear and is beyond the railway's resources to undertake at the present time. Alternative funding is being sought to help us make the exhibits safe. Until this work is done, the museum will remain out of bounds to all.
Some asbestos has already been removed from engine No.9's fire door but the boiler unfortunately needs attention, amongst other exhibits.
The Museum was kindly given this engine by Warwick Piper from his farm where it had been stored for many years. The Workshop's Division has made space available for us in the Belgrave workshops and the Lineside Attractions Division has been stripping the boiler preparatory to steam cleaning it and having a boiler examination as to whether the engine can be restored.
This exhibit is located on the 5'3" track off the turntable at Emerald. It has not been painted for many years and we are taking the opportunity to de-rust the wagon preparatory to painting it in railway freight red.
I have to record with deep regret the death of Iain Drummond who was a great friend of the Division. Iain helped us with all our Olde Time Festivals both on the committees and arranging the heritage bus services. Iain also took over the organising of the last Festival when I had to suddenly go to hospital. Iain will be greatly missed by his family and all his friends on the railway.
John Frost
No report this month.
Bruce West
Leaving Belgrave at 8.45 a.m. we will travel by coach to visit both the Mornington Peninsula Railway and the Bellarine Peninsula Railways, crossing by ferry from Sorrento. Morning Tea will be provided at Moorooduc and lunch will be laid on for us at Queenscliff. This should be a fascinating day and is filling fast!
Latest News . Bookings for this event are closed.
.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 (G42 has been requested as the train engine), 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. Look for the booking form with this issue of Monthly News.
The Social Committee's calendar of events for 2005 has now been finalised. Further details will be published nearer the time.
| Wild East train (Emerald - Gembrook) | Saturday 26th February |
| Tassie Trip by DC-3 | Weekend 2/3 April |
| To Bairnsdale by train | Sunday 15th May |
| 2005 Film Night | Saturday 6th August |
| Great Western Winery visit | Sunday 30th October |
| DERM trip | Sunday 27th November |
| SEPTEMBER | 2004 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,661 | 3,587 |
| Loco kilometres -steam | 3,586 | 3,444 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 198 | 348 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 52 | 77 |
| G 42 days for month | 30 | n/a |
| Carriage kilometres | 31,484 | 27,635 |
| Carriage Days for month | 874 | 762 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,334 | 1,221 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,489 | 1,463 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 171 | 216 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 79% | 55% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 203 | 188 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 215 | 201 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 18 | 33 |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 75% | 79% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 56% | n/a |
Bob Wilson