February 2005#379
February 2005
#379
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 .
A great big thank you to all those volunteers who have helped us in the six-train and five-train running period. We had some big days like about 2,200 on Thursday 30 December, about 1,700 on Monday 3 January, and each day on the following weekend. This has certainly helped our financial position despite the fact that poor weather kept our overall average down on last year.
Congratulations to the volunteers in the shop who have been substantially breaking records for takings on some days.
A draft paper on how we should address volunteer issues in Puffing Billy Railway, as a first step to developing a strategy and Action Plan has been sent to all volunteers who have e-mail addresses. Hard copies have been left in the Station Masters Office in Belgrave and can be collected. If you cannot collect it please let Ray Leivers know and a copy will be sent out.
In order to get a strategy that deals with volunteers issues we need your comment.
We expect certain behaviour from the general public including restricting access to some areas. However, some internal personnel make it difficult for us to insist that public don't do certain things when they ignore signs or enter restricted areas. A recent example was some personnel walking across the trestle bridge at Monbulk Creek.
I would ask all railway personnel to honour restricted areas unless they are carrying out authorised works.
We start the autumn Thomas season on 19th February 2005. We are calling for volunteers for the roster. Even if you can work a few hours (am or pm only or a couple of hours to enable lunch breaks) it would be appreciated. Please call your roster officer.
The management team have had great feedback about what a great night the New Years Eve train was. Thanks to those who worked and congratulations to Jeff and his Social Committee for organising it.
| 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 were saddened to hear of the death of Warren Stevenson's mother just before Christmas. Our thoughts and condolences are with Warren and his family.
We are also saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Jim Lucas on Monday 17th January and our sincere condolences go out to Sue and family. Jim had been a volunteer for nearly 14 years and was still active in the Signal & Telegraph Branch. He will be much missed.
Just a quick reminder 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 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.
Please contact Wilma wilma.ratcliffe@pbr.org.au or Sue. We can post it or wait until you come again and you can collect it.
Chilled water is now available at all our stations in the crew rooms, we have also placed large 3 litre water containers in the fridge so you can refill you own water bottle with cool water.
We now have a cool water fountain at both Lakeside and Belgrave Crew rooms on the station platform, the drivers and fireman crew room and also in the Belgrave workshops.
Please help us maintain Coffee and Tea supplies at the stations. If you note they are running short, call me on the railway phone. I try to get around to all the out stations at least once a week.
>Sue Ham
There is a casual vacancy in our part time cleaning team. The successful applicant must be able to work some weekends. A car and licence is essential. If you wish to apply, please post your resume to John Shaw at PO Box 451, Belgrave 3160 by Wednesday 2 nd February.
An alarm key pad has been installed in the downstairs section of the Packing Shed. This key pad acts in concert with the upstairs key pad and either pad can be used to enable or disable the alarm. Remember the alarm system applies to the whole building, not just the area you are in. The same alarm codes still apply.
Part of the estate of the late Les Richards (a long time volunteer from the early days) is being auctioned on the 20th of February in Melbourne (along with remnants from Norm de Pomeroy's collection). The auctioneer is Charles Leski Auctions and their URL is www.leski.com.au (Auction 255). The estate contains four copies (3 mint) of "Speed Limit 20" as well as many other railway items. The auctioneer's web site contains the catalogue details.
The P.B.P.S. tried to buy these books prior to auction.
On 11/1/05 a copy of "Speed Limit 20" sold on eBay for $202.50
This was a tremendous success, having sold out a couple of weeks prior to the event. Our thanks go to all the crew who volunteered to give up their time on NYE to help make the event a success.
During the evening we passed the hat around (literally - Thanks Carl!) in support of the survivors of the Asian tsunami disaster. We raised a magnificent $401.60 which the Society has donated to World Vision to assist their efforts in the affected areas. Thank you to all who contributed.
Another very popular event. With Loco. 861 hauling two NBD carriages, we will travel over the outer stretch of Puffing Billy's line to Gembrook and take dinner in 'The Fernery'. With photo and listening stops en-route (weather permitting) and dessert served during the return journey, this is definitely an evening not to miss.
Seats are selling fast, so for last minute bookings or enquiries please ring John Conway
An opportunity to travel over the recently re-opened line to Bairnsdale. Further details will be available next month.
To coincide with the Society's 50th Birthday celebrations, the Social Committee is organizing a special film evening. The event will be held in the Scots Church Hall in Russell Street, Melbourne, the same location as the inaugural meeting of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society. It is intended to show film and slide from around the time of the Society's founding. Further details will be announced nearer the time, but the venue has plenty of seating so make a note in your diary to attend!
By train to Ararat and then by bus to the Great Western Winery. Further details nearer the date.
Further details nearer the date.
Jeff Goodwin
Uniform Officer-Jeff Goodwin announced his retirement after a number of years filling this roll on the 31st December, 2004. Thank you Jeff for your devoted efforts over the years.
The new incumbent is Peter Walker, who is frequently on the railway (usually Monday, Wednesday & Friday between 9.00am & 3.00pm and a variety of Saturday's depending on training programs).
Peter Walker
Thanks are expressed to all those who responded to Puffing Billy's peak period over the New Year. I know that sometimes we were very thin on the ground but, for those who put their hands up for extra shifts, my thanks.
I shall be taking a well-earned rest from 10 th February until 7th March. During this period, could you please refer all Conductor Rostering issues to Jean Clowes at Belgrave and all Conductor Training matters to Ross Peterken.
A reminder that Head Conductors have been circulated with a Discussion Paper associated with the appointment of Head Conductors. I have had a few very constructive comments back but I would appreciate more by the end of February at the latest such that a consensus of opinion can be derived before discussing it with the Pass Ops Committee.
Just a reminder for Head Conductors to ensure that, when mentoring a Trainee, the relevant Trainee Record is completed at the end of the shift by both persons. The Records are now kept in the Booking Office - due to Privacy Act considerations - and may be accessed via the Station Master. When both parties feel that the Trainee is competent enough to be appointed as a Conductor and all the appropriate elements noted on the Training Record have been signed off then the Record should be annotated to this effect.
I note that there are very few names of Conductors wishing to assist the Thomas Day Outs at Emerald. If you feel that you could help out, please contact Jean Clowes at Belgrave.
The next scheduled date for the Head Conductor and Conductor Theory Course is Saturday, 19th February, at Belgrave. It is strongly recommended that those Conductors/Trainees who have not been on the Conductor Course make every effort to attend whilst attendance of the Head Conductor Course is considered a pre-requisite to being appointed as a Head Conductor.
Ron Kelly
It is intended to take out a Trolley on the evening of Thursday 3 rd February, after the train running period, to do a little tree trimming and pole numbering. Anyone who is interested in assisting is requested to contact me beforehand so that I can plan our activities depending on how many we get.
We are also all very saddened by the sudden passing of Jim Lucas recently. He will be very much missed by all of us at S&T. Our thoughts are with Sue and the family.
Andrew Wheatland.
Thankyou to all of the Volunteers and Staff for a tremendous effort over the 6 train and summer holiday period. It was very much appreciated.
Huge reductions - Picnic baskets and picnic hampers - some baskets have been reduced from $400.00 to $50.00. Be quick, first in first served.
Damaged Thomas stock will be available at cost price plus GST, so again, it will be "first in, best dressed".
Anyone wishing to volunteer to work at Menzies Creek, please call April Williams. It would be the same type of work as at Belgrave and Lakeside and would only involve selling to the public. No Baking or Meal Preparation involved.
If anyone would like to volunteer for the new season of Thomas starting mid February please call April asap please.
If you would like to apply for the position of Rostering Officer for Refreshment services, please contact June Ilett as soon as possible.
April Williams.
Although we had a shorter season using the Green Timetable [26th Dec 04 to 9th Jan 05], the season was extended by adding a fifth train to the Blue Timetable using the charter path 15/30 from 10th Jan to 16th Jan and will include weekend 22nd and 23rd Jan and Australia Day on 26th Jan. The extra train has been very popular, indicating the public wish to travel early.
Although the extra train has taken numbers away from the Lunch Train (excursion class), there were days when that train would not have been able to cater for the loadings. The 3.08pm ex Lakeside proved very popular and helped clear the Lake mid afternoon, relieving the loading on the Up Gembrook.
To all Train Controllers who operated for the above dates thanks for your time and your efforts were greatly appreciated by the operational staff.
Peter Walker
Many thanks to all those guards who have found extra time to assist over our busiest period of the year. It has not been easy to fill the rosters this year as several of our regulars are on the sick and injured list. This, combined with the competing (though complementary) requirement for fire patrol staff, has led to some vacancies being unfilled and, at times, some rather odd staffing reshuffles at the last minute to ensure that the trains do run. On several occasions we have been "let off the hook" by Fire Patrols being cancelled, thus enabling us to grab freed-up trolley drivers to fill guards' vacancies. A special thanks to those who have co-operated in this way. Regrettably, the same thing is likely to happen repeatedly during February and March and I do entreat "displaced" trolley drivers to be amenable to their transfer to guarding duties when necessary.
I have also been advised by some guards that they do not appreciate the 8.00 am start (second person on the diesel shunter) when rostered for 11/10-19/28 on the blue timetable. Keep in mind that even with the 8.00 am start this is still by far the shortest guards' shift of the day. However those who are adamant that it's not for them should advise me -- and you will no longer be rostered for that shift.
I am though, sympathetic to those guards who have turned up early only to be told that somebody from Loco is doing the job. I can understand your irritation - this is a matter that will be addressed!!!
Bob Cochrane
Note: Shunting commences at 8am, therefore guards/second persons are required to report to the driver or shunter at least 5 minutes prior to that time. If you arrive late, please report to the driver and you can replace the person who is helping out.
Greg Hanslow
Welcome to the New Year. An outstanding effort by the cleaners over the busiest part of the year saw a constant supply of good, split firewood for the light up firemen. A large amount of ash was moved and most of the engines went out looking very presentable. The roster for February is looking very sparse, so if you have any spare time........ Thank you.
Allan Johnstone
Congratulations to Craig Fitzsimons on passing the Firemen's Theory Examination and has advanced to Solo Trainee Firemen status, well done Craig.
The following dates have been organised for classes by Lance and Cliff for 2005, other dates will be announced at a later date.
Location - Belgrave meeting room, 9am onwards
To register your interest, contact Lance.
We are looking for people to be instructors in the PBR Safeworking course commencing in February 2005. They will need to have the following;
Previous experience as an instructor or teacher would an advantage, but not essential, as would the ability to operate teaching aids such as MS Powerpoint.
Please contact Greg Hanslow ASAP if you have an interest in helping the railway with this extremely important position.
Bob Cochrane , like all our roster clerks, has done a great job but he has decided that it is time for someone else to take over. We are seeking a reliable & committed person to follow in his footsteps. Although Bob will continue until May, it is envisage that the new roster clerk will start working with Bob immediately.
Anyone who is interested in this role should contact Bob by email to robtcoch@melbpc.org.au or to Fleur (fleur.barrell@pbr.org.au).
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to another successful six train running period, especially to those who once again have made miracles happen with the rosters, well done Barry, Bob, Graeme, Allan and Fleur. Also to those other PBR managers who have assisted with staff at short notice, thank you.
Alan Bridge is not well at the moment, so Alan, on behalf of everyone at Train Ops., get well and we expect to see you back on roster very soon.
Greg Hanslow
Fire Patrols have been running since Christmas but fortunately a bit of rain has allowed us to get through most of the six train running period without them. However whilst we are having a cool summer we are also experiencing a spate of fires so patrols will continue to be vital to our running. There are still a number of vacancies for Fire Patrol drivers and assistants and if you can spare some time please call e-mail Terry at tblee@bigpond.com
Slashing of the lineside is now finished. This is an unpopular but vitally important activity in late spring each year and involved about 10 people for nearly two months. Thanks and well done to the slashing gang.
Trolley EBR 26 is being prepared for testing prior to re-installing its body. The rest of the fleet of road-rail vehicles and trolleys is operational including radios.
Our January work day was held in the Menzies Creek forest area where we replaced 50 sleepers. A good day was had by all.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 19th February. Work will once again be in the forest on the Down side of Menzies Creek and will involve replacing sleepers and repairing a number of minor track faults. The usual sumptuous BBQ lunch will be provided. Please let Roster Officer Terry know if you can attend.
I'd like to record my appreciation toward volunteer colleagues and PBR staff for the enthusiastic support shown with the roster not only during 6 trains running but throughout January. Your readiness to be flexible with your runs and understanding when runs are cancelled due to wet weather makes rostering a great deal easier. Every hour of assistance is enormously valued and contributes to the safe running of the railway. It is particularly pleasing to see many of the younger volunteers participating as Assistants, supported by a generous sprinkling of experienced (and newer) Drivers
Also a thank you to John Shaw, Tom Kilner and the indefatigable team at Way & Works for their help in not only keeping the Fire Patrol fleet rattling along but for their willingness to help with all sorts of odd requests from the Roster Clerk with good humour and encouragement.
A large number of vacancies are evident in the February roster. If you can help, either as a Driver or an Assistant, please do not hesitate to contact the Roster Clerk, Terry Lee. Note: where the Roster Clerk's name is shown on the Roster this spot is available to any interested Driver, so do not hesitate to take his place as this will enable Terry to occasionally go home.
On days when a Fire Ban has been declared, the Crew nominated to undertake the Gembrook run is not required, (usually Crew 1). The Crew rostered to do the Lakeside Shuttle (usually Crew 2, though on timetable Y this is shown as Crew 1) and the Lunch Train Crew (usually Crew 3) are required to operate on the day. Crew 4, (the Night Train), are also required if the Night Train operates.
A request from Train Control to Fire Patrol Drivers.
On days when there is a Train Controller in attendance please report your time passing Emerald & Cockatoo Stations. This will assist the Train Controller in the monitoring of your position.
A reminder to Fire Patrol Drivers.
Upon return to Belgrave please submit an IDR to the Manager, Civil Engineering, John Shaw, detailing the location, time and size of the fire attended to and any other information you may feel useful.
If you have attended to a fire, don't forget to fill up your water tank at the earliest opportunity (usually the next Station), just in case you encounter another fire en-route.
Please do not re-fuel the water pumps with unleaded petrol. These pumps take a 2-stroke mixture and fuel can be obtained from the Gang Shed.
Some members of the Heritage Advisory Committee have been assisting with the assembly of the Signal masts for the re-signalling of the Menzies Creek station and have been able to impart a heritage influence on the various signals etc. particularly with the painting of all of the pieces according to the old traditions.
Other matters that have received attention recently are:
On our archive scene we have had a very interesting and enthusiastic talk by a lady from the Shire of Yarra Ranges - Maggi Solly. Maggi was able to outline quite a few schemes under which we may be able to participate in some government grants to aid with the collection, storage and display of our Archival material.
So that we may be able to make progress with sorting, protective storage and cataloguing of the collection, we would like to appeal to any members, wives of members or any volunteers (particularly anyone with Library experience) who would like to assist, even if only in a small way or for a limited amount of time. Currently we are trying to work each Wednesday from about 10.00am at our archive store at Kings Road Emerald. If you would like to participate, please contact Geoff Tasker or John Thompson
.The VR X Class "Nighthawk" Steam Locomotive, the SAR 400 Garratts, Country Railway Stations of Victoria - Part 5, Country Stations of New South Wales - Part 5, and Country Branchlines of New South Wales - Part 2 have all arrived and are selling well.
All the above mentioned Train Hobby books are or will be available from Belgrave Shop at $30.00 each or $33.00 each posted anywhere in Australia. If you are looking for a particular Train Hobby book that is not listed and it is not on the shelf in Belgrave Shop, subject to availability, we will try and get it in for you. Write to G42 Sales PO Box 451 Belgrave, 3160. Please note that as the proceeds of the sale of Train Hobby books go towards G42's maintenance, any members discount or special offers do not apply.
Selling pre loved books, magazines and memorabilia. Our shop is located behind the Emerald car shops in the Thomson building near the playground. Our next openings will be Saturday 5th February, 2005 & Saturday 5th March, 2005 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be made by phoning Peter Medlin to arrange a suitable time.
We would like to thank Kevin Larkin for his recent donation of books and Train Hobby for their recent donation of prints.
The collection box figure for November was $ 32.05 and December was $ 24.25. Thank you very much to all the volunteers and staff who have ensured that the RED G42 collection boxes were put out.
Bruce West
| DECEMBER | 2004 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,780 | 4,636 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 4,957 | 4,625 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 154 | 278 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 84 | 96 |
| G 42 days for month | 20 | n/a |
| Carriage kilometres | 42,474 | 38,773 |
| Carriage Days for month | 1,010 | 941 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,526 | 1,302 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,579 | 1,593 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 55* | 31 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 71% | 52% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 252 | 246 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 297 | 292 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 10 | 9 |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 71% | 87% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 62% | n/a |
*excludes NQR 142 which ran 329kms configured as a passenger vehicle.
Now that the Lunch Train is running daily and with the greater number of Night Trains during December, some of the vehicles used on those trains ran greater distances than they would have for many years. For example 2NBC and 1NAL each clocked up 1180kms for December. 2NC fared even better running 1498kms, as it was used during the day in lieu of 5NBD whilst it was 'in the shops', as well as on Night Trains.
Sat 11/12 Santa lost his hat near Selby Aura Road whilst riding HIS special train to Lakeside. Very fortunately, the train was stopped and two of his helpers ran back down the track to retrieve it!!!!
Thanks to those Guards who passed on Christmas greetings to me on the backs of Train Running Sheets just before Christmas. Very nice to get and put some humanity into my production line computing task.
Bob Wilson
It will continue in 2005 on the first Saturday in the month excluding January.
Hugh Markwick
Tenders are called for the purchase and removal of a 6hp Ruston Proctor Single-Cylinder Portable Steam Engine from the Puffing Billy Railway at Belgrave Railway Workshops.
The engine is complete but is dismantled for easy inspection. Note: the boiler tubes have been removed to allow boiler inspection.
Inspection is available at Belgrave Workshops on 19 Feb 2005 and 19 March 2005 between 9am and 3pm.
Questions or for inspection at other times can be by arrangement with the Manager, Lineside Attractions Division on 9848 2236.
The successful tender to be paid in either cash or cash/part exchange for either an operational McCormick-Deering 10-20 or 15-30 tractor or an operational 10hp (or larger) solid fuel boiler with current boiler certificate.
Any Machinery/Boiler offered for exchange will need to be made available for inspection in April/May 2005 at a mutually convenient time.
Unless otherwise stated all transport of boilers/machinery will be at the Tenderer's expense.
Tenders to be sent to the
Puffing Billy Railway,
Ruston-Proctor Tender
P.O. Box 451, Belgrave 3160
Tenders will close on 31 st March 2005. The successful tenderer will be notified in early May. The successful Tenderer will be required to pay for and remove the engine by the 31st May 2005.
Envelopes to be sealed and endorsed Ruston Proctor Tender.
The highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.
John Frost