August 2005#385
August 2005
#385
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 .
I wish to advise all at Puffing Billy that I have come to a time in my life when I want to slow down. I advised the Board some time ago that I intend to retire from full-time work in February 2006. I am looking forward to spending more time making furniture, gardening and travelling for myself and also for my children. I will look for 2-3 days a week work from April 2006.
I must say that I have enjoyed my three years at Puffing Billy Railway. There are some terrific people here in the staff and in the volunteers; in fact the majority. There are also some challenging people who would rather find problems than solutions. The railway should be very proud of its achievements in becoming and maintaining the status of one of Victoria's tourist icons.
The challenge for the future is to ensure that each visitor has an enjoyable experience; defined as seeing something interesting, having positive interactions with volunteers and learning something. With maintenance standards for all assets continuously increasing, to remain viable the railway must increase its revenue and contain costs. Value adding visitor experience at the destination will also improve the level of 'word-of-mouth' recommendation of the railway.
The Board will be advertising the CEO position during August 2005.
Ray Leivers CEO
The Board of Puffing Billy Railway is calling for applications for the position of CEO of the railway. An Appointment Brief can be obtained by contacting Chris LeMarshall at linqage@iinet.net.au Advertisements will be placed in metropolitan newspapers during August.
All OIC's are invited to participate in a seminar style training activity led by a consultant, Richard Rawson on Saturday 6 August 2005 at 9 am. This event will prepare OIC's to cope with an emergency, and prepare them for what the key things they need to do including delegating various tasks.
The PBPS Executive has recently co-opted two members to contribute to the delivery of the Society's Strategic Plan. Jeff Goodwin has joined the team as a delegate and Jean Clowes has been invited as a Minute Secretary. Both have been strong contributors at the last meeting.
The Uniform policy has now been approved by the Board. As part of the implementation volunteers are invited to order stiff-top hats so that we can get an order made up. Please contact Jean Clowes.
The railway carried 248,852 passengers for 2004/05; the third highest number ever. However, our train revenue was $3.72m compared to a budget of $4.06m. On the other hand, the shop profit exceeded budget by some 10%.
Members and volunteers in the Melbourne eastern metropolitan area are no doubt aware of 'The Whistleblowers' program on broadcast Monday evenings on 98.1FM community radio hosted by Peter Beck. Many Puffing Billy people have spoken on the show over the many years it has been running. The Monday 15th of August show will feature long time member and Puffing Billy fireman Tony 'Ashcat' Marsden speaking about his time firing steam locos in South Africa and his involvement with Victorian Tourist Railways - including ours. There will also be some recordings made from the footplate in South Africa. Start time is 8 pm - 30 minutes earlier than normal, to allow the 'tall tales and true' to flow freely. An entertaining 2 hours is assured as those who have heard Tony speak publicly will testify.
A reminder to all personnel that the Crew Room at Belgrave is where hot drinks are available. Food handling qualifications are required to serve. Please do not go behind the counter at Belgrave or Lakeside. If this practice is observed by a health inspector we could be closed down.
It is disappointing that a volunteer's camera was stolen from the crew room on Belgrave platform. The camera has security entry and cannot be operated without the appropriate codes. If someone would like to return the camera to the SM's office no questions would be asked and the camera would be returned to its rightful owner.
Way & Works are seeking interested Trolley/Truck Drivers to help with their weekend actives. If you would like to assist by spending a day in the fresh exhilarating airs of the Dandenong's helping the friendly gang out on the track and are a qualified Trolley/Truck Driver please contact the Roster Clerk, Terry Lee or Jason Bell at Puffing Billy
Please be aware that the mark-up on books, videos and DVDs means that offering a 20% discount to volunteers and members on these items would result in the railway losing money in some cases. As a consequence the railway will sell these items for recommended retail price or less if that can be done. Volunteers and members will receive a 10% discount on the list price of all books, videos and DVDs held in stock in the shops at Belgrave.
For those unaware, the Gembrook Market's focus is on Sustainability and Healthy Living choices that aim to protect the environment for future generations.
In keeping with this focus, Gembrook Market will highlight the endeavours of resourceful individuals who rework a discarded item into something that is useful, artistic, interesting or aesthetically pleasing.
Gembrook Market will also include; new arts &cottage crafts; organic and fresh produce including value added products; horticulture propagated by the Stallholder; small farm and domestic animals; healthy living practitioners. Selected stalls will provide healthy food for a "Market Caf‚' with a difference. Free talks and demonstrations will keep market goers up-to-date on sustainable lifestyle issues.
With a $5000 seeding grant from the Cardinia Shire and further funding expected from a grant application to State Government, Market preparations are well underway for its launch on the 28th August.
This will be a market like no other where we will encourage people to slow down and enjoy the day.
Light music / entertainment / location in the Puffy Billy Station/JAC Russell precinct will ensure it is also a family day with something for everyone and plenty of space for picnics in the park.For further information or to obtain your 'stallholder's kit' contact
Merle Mathisen
As discussed at our new booking system training night on 12th July we now have a communications book for notes, suggestions etc on the new system. This book is located in the wooden files on the bench. If you prefer email me with any comments jean.clowes@pbr.org.au It is planned to go live in the Booking Office with the new system in early August.
We now have trainee conductor kits located in the pigeon holes in The SM office. Please make sure these are returned at the end of the day. When conductors have completed their practical training Ron Kelly will issue their own kits.
Regards Jean
The Stationmasters' Seminar on 23 July 2005 will offer SM's training in the new Booking System and an opportunity to discuss a whole lot of operational issues around the railway.
For the first time, Puffing Billy is introducing a Peak and an Off-peak fare. Fares this year will increase about 3% in line with inflation. On the days where capacity is often limiting we will have a peak charge. This will mean that we will have a higher charge (about 6%); from Boxing Day until after Australia Day and during Easter. Our fare brochure from 11 July 2005 is double sided to show peak and off-peak fares.
The transition has been quite smooth with fare board, and Conductor kits etc being changed in a timely fashion. Congratulations to Jean Clowes who organised most of it.
Ray Leivers
I shall be taking time off next month (August) and therefore, I would like to establish the September Rosters before I leave. Therefore, could you make best efforts to complete the blank August Roster sheets in the Belgrave SM's office by 5pm, Friday, 12th August please. I will pass the proposed September roster onto Jean at Belgrave such that any late additions/changes can be made before final submission to the Editor on the 19th.
Further to this Leave of Absence, I shall be away from 17th August to 11th September inclusive. During this time, please refer all rostering matters to either Jean Clowes or the Belgrave SM and all training matters to Ross Peterken.
Congratulations to Lesley Bailey, Ross Cameron, William Grant and James Hansen who qualified as Conductors during the reporting period.
At the time of going to press, we have a total of 113 Conductors comprising 47 Head Conductors, 46 Conductors and 20 Trainees.
Ron Kelly
This position is still vacant waiting for a reliable and committed person to take on the role.
Support, both physically and emotionally, for our Roster Clerks is provided by operations staff, and roster related telephone calls and expenses are reimbursed by the railway.
Anyone who is interested in this role should contact Fleur.
(This position does not require the person to be a guard but a good knowledge of PBR is essential).
Barry Rogers, like all our roster clerks, has done a great job but he has decided that he can no longer continue in this role. We are seeking a reliable and committed person to follow in his footsteps.
Anyone who is interested in this role should contact Greg Hanslow or Fleur.
The position of Roster Clerk is a very important role at PBR and particularly in Train Operations as safeworkers are critical to the running of the railway. I would be happy to look at a shared role for either of the above rostering positions.
The position entails taking minutes, at our monthly meetings, held on a Wednesday evening from 7pm to 9pm at the Belgrave offices, and distributing those minutes. If anyone is interested in taking on this role please call Greg Hanslow.
Safety is not something that should be taken for granted, or left for others, it is everyone's responsibility.
There have been no new incidents in May, June or July.
The following dates have been organised for classes by Lance and Cliff for 2005, other dates will be announced at a later date;
Cleaners introduction (practical day) - Sunday July 31st. (This class is full)
5.45am to 1pm Belgrave Loco Crew room
Additional Class
Cleaners introduction (practical day) - Sunday September 4th
5.45am to 1pm Belgrave Loco Crew room
Note: These classes have a maximum of eight to allow for the appropriate training so you must register with either Lance or Fleur in order to attend this class.
To register your interest, contact Lance. To book at one of the above classes contact Fleur Barrell.
Below are listed the balance of the dates for firewood collection for 2005, anyone who is interested please contact Dave Conlan
Saturday 27th August
Saturday 24th September
All trains will depart Belgrave at 8am and be approximately 3 to 4 hours duration.
Thursday 20th October
Thursday 3rd November
Thursday 24th November (stockpiling at Clematis)
Thursday 8th December (stockpiling for holidays)
Friday 27th January 2006 (replenishment)
All trains will depart Belgrave at 5.30pm and be approximately 3 to 4 hours duration.
Have you not worked at PBR for a number of years and allowed your safeworking accreditation to expire, but are wanting to volunteer once again?
Please give either Greg (9757 0713), or Rob (9757 0709), or Fleur (9757 0716) a call and we can discuss how to bring your accreditation and knowledge of PBR up to date by recognising your previous experience and time spent on the railway.
We are endeavouring to update our email and phone lists, if you have recently change your details please let Fleur or Rob know.
When sending Acre messages by fax please check that the fax has gone through successfully.
A discount of 10% on Books, DVDs and Videos is now available.
SALE - HALF PRICE CLOTHING and ALMOST HALF PRICE CLOTHING!" BE QUICK OR YOU WILL MISS OUT!
Located on the circular stand near the refresh counter.
Ladies T'shirt - Train design in mauve and purple was $39.95 now $19.99
Ladies T'shirt - Wattle and 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
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 on 9757 0782 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.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to assist with our Thomas weekends please contact April. There will be 5 weekends overall. The first weekend is the 60th Anniversary celebration of Thomas.
If you would like to apply for the position of Rostering Officer for Refreshment services, please contact June Ilett or April Williams for a position description, as soon as possible.
GREAT TRAIN RACE T/SHIRTS $10.00 only Available at all stations
April Williams
It seems like after last month there is some confusion. At present the Museum is only officially open to volunteers. It is not open to the public as it has in the past. The reason for this is only the immediate work to stabilise the asbestos has been done so we don't want to advertise we are open then close again shortly after.
Having said all that we can open for tour groups if given sufficient notice. The reason for the difference is that we can get enough people up there to give guided tours and keep an eye on what is happening (such as enforcing the no climbing on exhibits) which is not possible on a daily basis as we don't have enough volunteers to do it.
We have done some rearranging of exhibits to enable safer access to those we are allowed to work on and move those we can't work on out of the way. We are also planning to buy some tarps to cover exhibits currently stored in the open to prevent deterioration until it becomes their turn in the restoration queue. It may not look pretty but as we are not open to the public it will cut down our workload.
Likewise the roof should have been completed on our gang shed around the time you read this. This means the historic trolleys (Caseys, ME1 etc) can be stored protected from the weather. This should reduce the instances of magneto damage due to water.
Our workdays this month are Saturdays 6th and 20th August. We look forward to seeing John and Gwen back refreshed from their overseas trips and full of stories to share.
Bruce Paroissien
Would all staff and volunteers please note that a visitor's book is now at the entrance at the locomotive workshops. Everone entering the workshop must now sign their time of entry and exit.
From July the 6th the workshops at Belgrave has opened from 7.30 am until 10 pm. Any one wising to volunteer on Wednesday nights is most welcome. The program has started with work on 8A.
Office administration staff at Belgrave are Henry Brohier, Michael Clarke, Graeme Gardner and John Southall (Dads Army). Our staff are always willing to help you with any enquiries you may have.
Hugh Markwick
We have need of licensed truck drivers to help get our work teams on site at weekends. If you have a 'Light Rigid' licence or better and would like to help at weekends please contact Jason Bell.
The Thomas shed will shortly have power, phone and security system installed.
Ballasting is about to start in three different locations.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 20th August. Work location is yet to be finalised but the usual sumptuous BBQ lunch will be provided. Please let Roster Officer Terry know if you can attend. He will know where we will be working.
This was another memorable event, with around 90 attendees, including a number of personalities from the Society's early days, whose amusing recollections provided a fascinating insight into the struggles faced in that formative era. Thanks go to all the Committee members whose efforts ensured that the event went off so smoothly.
Following our visit to the Bellarine Peninsula Railway last year, we are planning to visit them again, this time on a Saturday evening 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! This promises to be a great evening and although more expensive than most of our events, offers great value for money. Please contact Greg Little (5968-5521) for enquiries.
Once more, we are pleased to announce the running of our perennially popular New Year's Eve train. Pencil this in your diary now; further details will be announced nearer the date.
Our calendar of events for next year is almost complete and should be published shortly. Watch this space!
Jeff Goodwin
Due to arrive in August are the latest publications from Train Hobby books - N.S.W.G.R. "57 Class" and the long awaited for "Steam In The Otways" from the Norm De Pomeroy collection.
All the above mentioned Train Hobby books will be available from Belgrave Shop. For just $33.00, G42 sales will post your book to you anywhere in Australia. If you are looking for a particular Train Hobby book and it is not on the book 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 all proceeds of the sale of the Train Hobby books go towards G42's maintenance.
Selling pre loved books, magazines, videos, DVD's and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald car shops in the Thomson building, near the playground. Our next openings will be Saturday 6th August, 2005 and Saturday 3rd September, 2005 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be made by phoning Peter on 9758 5387 to arrange a suitable time.
We would like to thank Weston Langford and Trevor Penn for their recent donation of books, magazines and videos and anyone else who may have been missed.
We have a number of items that some of our shoppers are looking for: The ML2 Story and the A7 Era by Peter Bermingham. Victorian Railways Newsletters pre 1960 and the ARHS publication 'Farewell ToThe Timber Line - The History Of The Heathcote Junction To Bendigo and Associated Railways'. If you can help contact Peter
The collection box figure for May was $2.00. Thank you very much to all the volunteers and staff who have ensured that the RED G42 collection boxes were put out.
We greatly appreciate the following contributions to keep G42 going N S Atherton, E. H. Austin, J. B. Bell, C. Brown-Weron, N. R. Burgin, F .R. Everett, J. B. Firth, A. J. Johnstone, R. G. Parkin, R. Prewett, J. R. Prideaux, D. A. Sargeant, C .K. Theobald, Dr. S. K. Turnbull, P. Ward, B .J. West, B. Whitehead, I. Whitehead, A. Wickens, N. Williams, W. C. Williams, D. P. Woodward,
Bruce West
| June | Financial Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2004 | 2004/05 | 2003/04 | |
| Train kilometres for the month/year | 2 976 | 3 022 | 45 665 | 45 609 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 3 025 | 2 940 | 46 761 | 45 567 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 185 | 262 | 2 446 | 3 536 |
| NA locomotive days for month/year | 73 | 42 | 814 | 933 |
| G 42 days for month/year | 0 | 30 | 228 | 70 |
| Carriage kilometres | 24 413 | 25 940 | 403 287 | 380 554 |
| Carriage Days for month/year | 704 | 806 | 10 670 | 10 109 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1 170 | 1 011 | 12 726 | 12 775 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1 241 | 1 492 | 18 439 | 17 432 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 77 | 85 | 454* | 636 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 76% | 94% | 80% | 58% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 163 | 167 | 2 589 | 2 515 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 171 | 169 | 2 909 | 2 838 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 8 | 25 | 17 6 | 194 |
| Locos docked on trains by due times | 90% | 96% | 75% | 80% |
| Carriage sets docked by due times | 92% | n/a | 59% | n/a |
* 142NQR ran 1 392 kms, but 1 155kms were on passenger carrying trips in December and January.
Some more statistics for the full financial may be of interest.
7A ran the highest kilometres for the year. (1 2726kms) followed by 6A (1 0174kms) and 14A (8219kms). By sheer coincidence, 12A and G42 each ran 7 651 kms! In doing so, 12A ran on 167 days and G42 ran on 228 days. Diesel distances were D21 (1 170kms) and DH31 (1 275kms). 4 or more steam locos were used on 55 days.
For once 5NBD didn't record the highest carriage distance. That honour went to 1NBH (1 8439kms) over 360 days. 51NBH followed with 5NBD coming third. The average length for all passenger trains throughout the year was 9 vehicles, the same as last year. NNN1 recorded the highest distance for non passenger carrying vehicles (454kms) over 14 days.
78 Dinner and Wedding Trains were operated as against 83 the previous year.
My sincere thanks go out to guards (also enginemen on works trains and light engines and workshops staff on undergear inspection trains) for compiling Train Running Statements. None of the above information could appear without those statements being filled in. A good deal of the data written down is extracted by me for my various reports and graphs that I prepare each month. That is why accuracy and completeness are so important and appreciated by me.
Bob Wilson
The boiler is on its way to visit the Chelatchie Boiler Works. It left Belgrave yesterday and should arrive about 18th August in Oregon. Joan and Linc and their crew will work hard on it there and it should be back to us before we miss it.
We will shortly be opening up a branch of the Climax Clothing Store in Emerald Station. We plan to open on several Sundays a month. We will be selling a range of Climax clothing and items as well as a wide variety of railway magazines. We have almost a full collection of Narrow Gauge magazines. These can be purchased singly or in sets at very reasonable prices. Save postage by picking up your internet or mail orders at Emerald. Dates will be posted on our web page or in the September Monthly News.
On Saturday 2nd July, the Young Workshop group and Mick Bush, from the Climax Group, spent their time on Climax work. They were busy with a variety of tasks:
They all work well and learnt a few new skills such as using the lathe to clean old boiler tubes.
Our next workshop day will be Saturday 6th August. Please come along.
John Conway