Puffing Billy Railway  

May 2005
#382

Back Issues

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 .

   Looking Down The Track   

Some Artefacts Secured

The railway recently acquired items relevant to the Narrow Gauge railways from the Norm de Pomeroy collection. These include loco Record Cards, guard's book, and a large number of correspondence records.

Thanks to those who have advised that they are holding artefacts on behalf of the railway. The next stage is that the CEO will be writing to some individuals who we believe hold railway property.

Uniform

Thanks go to Jeff Goodwin for being the Uniform co-ordinator for the last few years.

Peter Walker, Jean Clowes & Ray Leivers now have reconciled stock with orders and are now trying to satisfy anything outstanding.

We will now start to replenish stocks so if people would like some uniform items please let us know, by Email or by phone, to assist ordering. There are some bargains in old stock. Talk to peter or Jean if you are interested.

Congratulations to everyone, particularly the Conductors/HC

Thanks to everyone for their help with lots of passengers over the last three months. February was the most passengers ever (21,390), March the second best ever (28,300) and April is on track for the best ever.

I was delighted to see the action on Wednesday 13th April. The first train was booked out so we put 100 passengers on buses to take up the tour group seats vacated at Menzies Creek. I was delighted to see the Conductor all carrying floats, checking and selling tickets and fully aware that some of the bussed passengers would be ticketed for Gembrook. Without being told they were aware that they needed to be advised to move into the front of the train when they got to Lakeside.

General News

Could Conductors and Head Conductors please be very diligent about chaining the ramp for wheelchairs at various locations around the railway? They must be locked after each use so that they do not rock at all when someone stands on one end of them.

General News

Minute Secretary Required.

The Heritage Advisory Committee is looking for the services of someone interested in being their Minute Secretary. The Committee usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Belgrave commencing at 7.30pm.

Anyone interested in the process of researching & making recommendations on the Railway's heritage should contact the Chairman of the Committee, John Thompson email desiplus@ozonline.com.au

This is an excellent opportunity for a member to join the management team.

Note: you do not have to be 'minute', any size person may apply.

A Matter of Record

The Inaugural meeting of the PBPS was held on the 8^th of June, 1955 in the Independent Church hall, not the Scots Church hall as is currently stated by some. Those who have Narrow Gauge #80 p13 for December 1980 can see a reproduction of the original minutes. Our history is of value, so let us get it right. The Independent Church's hall was demolished and another building erected in its place.

April Fools' Day Joke

Last month the Social Committee included a piece about "Puffing Billy Returns to Upper Ferntree Gully". This item was widely believed among the railfan community, particularly on the forums section of the "Rail Page" web site. Well done.

Time to Visit the Doctor?

A couple of mistakes occurred in the article on Medical Matters in the recently mailed issue of "Narrow Gauge" (March 2005).

• The Health standard applies to all Rail Safety Workers, not just "Safeworkers." This includes extra people such as Museum drivers and certain S&T people.
• The time periods (for Category 2 that covers most of our people) are:
  At time of commencement
  5 yearly to age 55
  2 yearly thereafter.

The details printed were for the old system of medical exams.

Graeme Breydon

First Aid

The next railway First Aid course will be conducted in June. There are two choices for attending Saturdays 25th June and 1st July (two days); and Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd June (two days).

If your previous qualifications have expired you will be informed individually of the need for requalification. If you are a current safeworker, or plan to do your safeworking and do not have a First Aid qualification then please contact Deb Lyons on 9757 0613 or deb.lyons@pbr.org.au to book into the course.

Deb Lyons
Work Coordinator Puffing Billy Railway

National Volunteer Week Monday 9th to Friday 13^th May 2005

Eastern Volunteer Resource Centre invites Groups like Puffing Billy to set up promotions.

The objectives of this week is

• To increase knowledge of volunteer opportunities available.
• To increase participation in volunteer roles
• To raise the profile of volunteers in our community

During this week we will be attending Lilydale Market Place, Eastland Shopping Centre and Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre, The shopping centres give us this opportunity only once a year.

Call for help

If you would like to help promote volunteering we will need you to assist from 9.30 til 1pm or 1pm to 4.30pm. If you can help with any of the shifts, at any centre please e-mail sue.ham@pbr.org.au.

Sue Ham

Security Alarms

In the month of March the railway incurred totally avoidable costs of over $800 from our security firm because people forgot to set a building alarm on average every third day. The problem areas included Lakeside Station, the Belgrave Loco Running Shed Emerald Station and Belgrave Trolley Shed. If you are last out in any of these areas please make sure you arm the security system.

Graeme Breydon

GREAT TRAIN RACE

The 24^th annual race, on Sunday 1 ^st May, involves some significant organisational changes. These include:

• Considerable changes introduced to Road Traffic Management arrangements to implement the new VicRoads Worksite Safety - Traffic Management Code of Practice.
• Access to Emerald Lake Park (ELP) for Race management traffic has changed.
• PBR staff are now responsible for traffic management & parking within ELP.
• The location for staff parking within ELP has changed.

Details of these and other changes are set out in the new totally re-written GTR Staff Manual. If you are rostered on the day and have not received a copy please contact Race Coordinator Dan O'Connor.

These changes mean that we need extra bodies, so if you are not already rostered and are able to help on race day (8am to Noon) please call our Manpower Manager Deb Woodward.

The GTR committee are delighted to have our hard-working secretary Frank Stamford back on the team after a period of serious illness.

Looking for a lasting souvenir of the Society's Golden Jubilee? This year's GTR T-shirt carrying the official jubilee logo is available in sizes S, M, L and XL for $25 each. To order yours, complete a race entry form (available at www.puffingbilly.com.au ) with your credit card details - You do not have to enter the race!

Graeme Breydon,
Convenor, GTR Committee.

Puffing Billy Social Committee

Walhalla Goldfields Railway    Sunday 15th May

We are pleased to offer a visit to Puffing Billy's sister railway at Walhalla. Travelling by bus from Belgrave (connecting with the electric train from Melbourne at Pakenham station) we will first visit the Thomson River station for photo opportunities; a behind the scenes workshops tour and BBQ lunch followed by a train ride to Walhalla and return.

We then re-join the bus for a visit to Walhalla with time for a walk around this fine historic town before leaving for the return journey to Belgrave, calling at Pakenham station on the way. This all inclusive day-out is brought to you for only $35 per person.

Seating is limited and tickets are selling well, so book now to ensure you don't miss out! Ring Phil Sutherland for latest information.

PBPS Golden Jubilee Film Night   Wednesday 8th June

As part of the Society's Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Social Committee is organising a special film evening which will be held in the Scots Church Hall in Russell Street, Melbourne (close to the corner with Collins Street).

This all inclusive package offers:

• Bus from Emerald to the City & return; picking up at Belgrave and then at selected points along Burwood Highway and dropping off there on the return journey.
• Film of Puffing Billy from the era 1937 - 1967, together with anecdotes from some of the Society's early personalities.
• Refreshments served during the interval
• Wheelchair & disabled access to the venue

This event is open to all financial members of the PBPS and their guests and tickets are already selling well, so this will be a popular event. The booking form went out last month but tickets are still available at $10 per person. Ring Jeff Goodwin for latest information .

PBPS Golden Jubilee Luncheon Train   Saturday 16th July

Again as part of the Society's Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Social Committee is pleased to be organising a special luncheon train running from Belgrave to the Packing Shed. The event will offer :

• Travel from Belgrave to Nobelius Siding on the re-created 1950's train (Loco 12A with red & black livery and carriages bearing the yellow stripe)
• Lunch with dessert, tea & coffee at the Packing Shed
• Champagne provided for toasts
• Meet early Society personalities and view memorabilia from the era.

This event is open to all members and volunteers, staff & their families. Tickets are strictly limited and will be available at $38 per person; book early using the form with this issue of Monthly News. Ring Jeff Goodwin for latest information

The 'Blues Train'   Saturday 15th October

Following our visit to the Bellarine Peninsula Railway last year, we are planning to visit them again, this time on a Saturday evening in October to travel on their enormously popular 'Blues Train'. The evening will include bus travel from Belgrave to Queenscliff and return, so come along and join us for an evening of fine food, live music and fun! Watch for further details soon - this will be a great event.

New Year's Eve train   Saturday 31st December

Once more, we are pleased to announce the running of our enormously popular New Year's Eve train. Pencil this in your diary now; further details will be announced nearer the date.

Jeff Goodwin

Passenger Operations Branch

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following Trainees who have been qualified as Conductors during March/April: Scott Houlder.

Yellow Timetable Rosters

With the advent of the Yellow timetable (2-train running, weekdays) and the number of (regular) Head Conductors on the books, I have attempted to ensure that everyone has a spell of acting in a HC role at least once a month. So, apologies if (a) you have not been rostered in a HC role during your shift and (b) not working on the train that you requested.

However, I'm sure that notwithstanding what the roster may indicate, you should be able to resolve any conflicts with the SM on the day in question at Belgrave.

Appointment of Head Conductors

The proposals I made last Xmas regarding how Conductors are to be mentored and assessed prior to being appointed to be Head Conductors have now been accepted by Ray Leivers and a group of Conductor Supervisors to 'manage' the process is being established.

Ron Kelly

Signal & Telegraph Branch

Vale Alan Bridge

Position Vacant

One of the jobs that Jim and Alan undertook, was the oiling and graphiting of the points around the railway. This is a job which can be done at your own pace and I would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to become involved in this important S&T function.

Manager Away

I will be in Cairns (and my mobile will be OFF!) from May 5 to 10 inclusive. The S&T answering machine will be checked regularly during this time and urgent matters will be dealt with by Ian Marks (SD 465)

Andrew Wheatland.

SHOP TALK

"MOTHERS' DAY SALE" - HALF PRICE CLOTHING and
ALMOST HALF PRICE CLOTHING!

BE QUICK OR YOU WILL MISS OUT!

Ladies T-shirt - Train design in mauve and purple, was $39.95, now $19.99.

Ladies T-shirt - Wattle & Waratah design, was $45.00, now $25.00.

Adult W/cheater Vest zip front - navy blue, was $38.00, now $25.00.

Adult Polo shirt - Australiana short sleeve - blue and cream, was $34.00, now $16.00.

Ladies 3/4 length top - navy blue, was $25.00, now $13.50.

Children's W/cheater long sleeve 1/2 zip - navy blue, was $35.00, now $19.99.

Children's T-shirt and shorts - Australiana - blue and cream, was $39.95, now $16.00.

CLEARANCE SALE! Heavily reduced stock.

Huge reductions on Picnic Baskets and Picnic Hampers - Some baskets have been reduced from $400.00 to $100.00 or $200.00 to $50.00.

Canvas style picnic sets also available at heavily reduced prices. Be quick, first in first served. Other designs to choose from.

Volunteers for Menzies Creek - YES WE ARE OPEN!

To stay open we need your help, even for a few hours a day.

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.

Rostering

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

ARCHIVES

Thanks to Lon Wymond for donating a full set of Narrow Gauge plus other artifacts.

At a recent auction a range of items including correspondence between VR and PBPS was purchased for inclusion in the archives.

Hugh Markwick

TRAIN OPERATIONS BRANCH

PBR Health and Safety Committee

I am looking for a person from the guards to attend these meetings on behalf of train ops. The meetings are held every two months at 8am in the Belgrave meeting room on a Friday morning.

The best people to report on Health and Safety at PBR are those that are operating the railway, which is why the guards need to be represented on this committee.

If you are interested please contact Greg.

Incidents

So far this year we have had six incidents that have required an investigation. To have so many in such a short period is a worry in itself but considering all have been a result of human error is a concerning tend.

Our Safety performance at PBR is something we should all be very proud of but the recent incidents show us how quickly this can change if we do not continue to concentrate on the safeworking of our railway every time we operate at Puff.

Safety is not something that should be taken for granted, or left for others, it is everyones responsibility.

Recent Incidents and outcomes

Farewell (For The Time Being) Anthony

Anthony Simmons, one of our long term volunteers, is transferring to Germany to further his career with Philip Morris Ltd., and we wish him, his wife Viola and daughter Annika all the best for the future. Anthony has been working on the railway since he was a young lad, as his father, Cliff, brought him with him on his work days back in the 1970's, and he is a life member of the PBPS. Since becoming a qualified safeworker nine years ago, he has worked regularly as Guard, Signalman, Trolley Driver and Fireman on the railway. The railway was additionally involved in his life as in 2002 he married Viola, who he met when she was an Involvement Volunteer at Belgrave.

Their initial move will be to Hamburg, where Viola's parents live.

We will miss his cheerful nature and ready wit, and hope that when circumstances permit, he will be able to return to the railway at some time in the future. He'll certainly be welcome when he is able to return to Australia for holidays.

Anthony, best wishes from all and enjoy the German railway scene whenever you can.

At the Rear End

At the last Train Operations Branch meeting several matters were discussed relevant to guards' operational procedures. They were:

Belgrave Head Shunt.

It is recommended that carriages are not trailed through these points unless the road has been previously set for the direction of the shunt. In most circumstances this will mean that before pushing carriages back into the head shunt the guard is to ensure that the points are set for 1 Road. Before pulling carriages forward over the head shunt points the guard should also visually check the position of the points to ensure that they remain properly set for the direction of the move.

22NBH

This carriage is fitted to enable it to be used as a normal passenger vehicle with both disabled and guard's accommodation. A handbrake, air brake tap and radio cabinet are provided for the use of the guard when the vehicle is trailed. When the vehicle is NOT being used by a guard, to prevent unauthorised interference with equipment, the handbrake is to be locked in the OFF position and the air tap and radio cabinet are to be secured inaccessible with the 'S' locks provided.

24NB

In common with 22NBH, air tap and radio cabinet are capable of being accessed by passengers. Please ensure that these are locked up when a guard is not travelling in the compartment in which these items are located.

May Roster

A lesser number of trains has resulted in far fewer vacancies during May. Several guards were unable to be contacted prior to the roster deadline - if this applies to you, please check to see whether you could do one or more of the few vacancies that exist, and advise Fleur of your availability.

Thanks and No Thanks

I would like to thank all guards for their co-operation and assistance in the three years that I have looked after the guards' roster. By and large it has been an enjoyable experience and I have particularly enjoyed the contact with all the guards that the job necessarily entails. I especially thank those who have been willing at short notice to step in and cover emergency vacancies. I realise that not everybody has the scope within their personal circumstances to be flexible, but to those who have been able to be so, my special thanks. It would also be remiss of me if I did not thank Fleur for the help she has given me, (and before Fleur, Deborah ) - particularly when I have been gadding off around this country and overseas, as we retired folk have the luxury of doing.

At time of writing this, "No Thanks!" has been the standard answer of those approached as my possible successor in this position, so as of now there is no Guards' Roster Officer. There are dozens of people who could do the job - and enjoy it - so why not consider it seriously? I have found it to be an interesting and rewarding position - which incidentally has considerably enhanced my understanding of the operations of the Train Operations Branch. If you would like any further information - without committing yourself - Greg or I are only too happy to talk to you.

I will be continuing as a Guard and SM around the railway, with a bit of work for S&T and Way & Works. I will miss the rostering position but it is time to move on. Once again, my very sincere thanks to all concerned.

Bob Cochrane

Vale - Christina Crothers

Workshops Branch

Locomotives

3A

Stored at Gembrook.

6A

In for a C examination, driving and coupled wheel sets being repofiled.

7A

In traffic.

8A

Transom blocks being machined.

12A

In traffic, front pony wheel set replaced.

14A

In traffic, passed B examination.

G42

Undergoing internal boiler inspection.

NGG16

Work continues on feasibility study to assess restoration requirements including the preparation of CAD drawings.

1711(Peckett)

In traffic, stored at Emerald.

861(J.C. Rees)

In traffic for Thomas .

986(Carbon)

Stored at Emerald.

D^H31

In traffic.

D21

In traffic.

NRT1

In traffic.

1694

Awaiting approval to undertake boiler overhaul. If you are interested in assisting in this project please ring Adam Black or Harry Hibgame and register your interest.

J541

Work continues on retubing of boiler and stay replacement

J549

Tyres being machined prior to fitting to wheel sets

Carriages & Rolling Stock

1NB

Work has commenced on the external cover on the roof. Work has commenced on the roof lids for the lighting as well as the toilet roof vent.

3NU

Louvres replaced and body painted

Workshops Work Day

Is continuing in 2005 on the first Saturday in the month

For Sale

1 off DH diesel cab presently stored at Gembrook. Expressions of interest or enquiries to Alan Gardner, Ext 733.