September 2005#386
September 2005
#386
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 .
All members, volunteers and staff are cordially invited to an Information Night on Wednesday 14th September 2005 commencing at 7.30pm in the Masonic Hall, Belgrave. We will talk about the Strategic Plan review, what is happening around Puffing Billy and also answer any questions you might have.
The Strategic Planning Group from within the railway worked over the weekend of Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th August 2005 to develop the Strategic direction for the railway. The workshop reaffirmed much of our current direction but also identified some new areas that need attention; including knowing what our customers want and think of our present products, opportunities for new product and a critique of our current performance.
This work will result in an updated Draft Strategic Plan (or what we have called the 'Ten Year Plan') which people will be able to comment on.
Seventeen OIC's attended a seminar on 6th August 2005 where they shared their experience with Consultant Richard Rawson, on how we might address an emergency situation.
The feedback from participants is that it was very helpful should they be in charge if we are unlucky enough to have an emergency. The seminar will be followed up with an emergency exercise.
With John Shaw resigning from the position of Manager Civil Engineering, we are looking for a person to act in the position until a permanent appointment can be made. The position is for three months and could be either full-time or three days a week. Please contact Ray Leivers as soon as possible if you are interested in acting in the position. You will need to express interest before 5th September 2005.
'A Garratt Goes Again - Part 2' (DVD only) is the eagerly awaited companion to the highly acclaimed first volume. An ideal Father's Day Gift, it is two hours of great Garratt action and sells for $44.95.
Steam Media are renowned for excellent publications and this DVD features G42 during VR days, restoration and Puffing Billy operations in 2004 and 2005.
Highlights include: Rare footage of restoration in the 1990's, final fitting out, first steam and full coverage of the regular Luncheon Special service and the first Dinner Special. There is also footage of the first Garratt hauled Great Train Race, a mixed train to Gembrook and a 16-car sunset special to Gembrook.
It also includes a look back at Beech Forest days, interviews with Moe crews - Jim Rae and Reg Walton.
Ray Leivers CEO
Order forms (available from Belgrave SM's Office) can now be filled out to order overalls and boots. Orders for Akubra Hats have been placed (delivery expected by end September) and Stiff-top hats (delivery by Christmas).
Those looking for second hand hats or Heritage trousers or size other uniform items can try them on by contacting Jean (781) or Sue (415). They can be available Monday and Fridays from 9-10am, or by appointments one day a month on weekends.
A casual cleaner is required for the railway. The position involves early starts and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. A car & licence are essential. Please call John Shaw on 5968 6268 for further information or forward your resume by Friday 9th September.
Deb Lyons, Work Coordinator
Puffing Billy Railway
On Saturday 19 th & Sunday 20 th November 2005 we are hoping to have a display at the Lilydale Show to encourage people to become volunteers at Puffing Billy. Can you help us to 'man' the display on these days. Please contact Sue Ham on for more information.
David Barnes c/- Cameron Barnes, Ken Brumby, Joseph Agnello, Andrew Bligh, Neil Burgin, C. Bishop, Ross Cropley, Steve Cochrane, Adam Day, Bob Dawson, Gavin Clark, Barry Dunn, Kevin Eisfelder, Willie Asselman, Nola & Derek Garner, Robert Gilholme, Michael Georgiou, Brenton Hands, Steve Holmes, Danny Gilliland, Graeme Kidgell, Ron Kelly, Valerie Keszeg, Warren Mauseth, Bruce McIntyre, Don Horsbugh, Lance Mobbs, Ian Marks, Alexander McCooke, Anna McGregor, Maryanne Lister, Frank Morrison, Tony Marsden, Jan Maslin, Ross Peterson, David O'Brien, Warwick Piper, John Morice, Michael Lonengan, Callum O'Dell, Andrew Reynolds, Reg Sharp, Jason Rothwell, Stefan Rebgetz, Gisela Schumann, Paul Schumann, Kevin Taig, Bill Whitford, Christopher Trikilis, Les Thompson, Chris Tasker, Geoff Urand, Bruce Worthington.
Sue Ham
Way & Works are seeking qualified Trolley/Truck Drivers to help with weekend activities. If you can help please contact the Roster Clerk, Terry Lee, or Jason Bell.
Expressions of interest are sought from anyone with basic computer skills to assist with inputing data at Belgrave. If you feel you can help us, please contact Sue Ham on for further details.
Recently some severe damage was noticed in 5NC caused by someone using an accelerant (probably kerosene) to light the stove in the Guard's compartment. This has caused severe charring and bubbling of the paint work behind and above the stove and has also put soot deposits on all the paintwork in the compartment. This thoughtless action could have resulted in injury to the person involved. It could have also set the van on fire, which would have then not only damaged that vehicle but it could have spread to other adjacent vehicles.
Disappointingly, the person who did this has not had the courtesy to inform anyone of their actions.
The stove is only intended for the burning of wood. Coal is NOT to be used in the stove and all persons using this stove are requested NOT to use an accelerant to light the fire.
Please remember that the best way to light the fire in the stove in 5NC is to spend a few moments ensuring that the remains of the previous fire are removed from the stove before attempting to lay & light a new fire. This will ensure that there is sufficient air coming up through the grate to ensure proper combustion. The use of dry wood will also help.
Further disregard of proper actions could result in the removal of use of the stove. I don't want to sound like I'm thumping the table here, but this could have resulted in serious consequences for the railway as a whole. It will certainly involve time and money to repair the damage, thereby depleting some other area of the railway of the funds.
Rob Emmerson Operations Supervisor
This has now been operating for three weeks and has been well received by Booking Clerks. An advantage of this system is that we can make improvements ourselves, under the guidance of 'Intouch'.
With this system, a machine printed ticket is issued as the 'accountable document' from Belgrave. An Edmondson ticket with a blue stripe is also issued as a souvenir with the new system. They have blue stripes to distinguish them from the Edmondson tickets still sold as an accountable document from out-stations, and from Belgrave if the Intouch system should be down.
The Station-masters Seminar held on 23rd July 2005 was well attended and resolved a number of issues to improve the SM's lot. Subjects covered included a run down on the new Booking system, the use of a log book, new fares, SM's issuing equipment, how we deal with heavy bookings and dealing with people with disabilities.
Ray Leivers
Thanks to those who got their inputs for this month's rosters (September) by the requested date. For those who missed it, please advise Jean Clowes (9757 0719) of any shifts you are able to do. As a reminder, I shall be away until September 11th and Jean will coordinate all changes until my return.
As a further reminder, Ross Peterken rosspat@bigpond.net.au will be covering Conductor Training duties until my return.
Congratulations to Steven McMillan, Brian Mulkearns, Christopher Munn and Stewart Mathewson who qualified as conductors during the reporting period.
Ron Kelly
I would like to welcome the following people to Train Operations:-
Thank you to Alistair, Bob and Dave for taking on these roles. Also thanks to Barry Rogers and Bob Cochrane for their efforts with the Fireman's and Guards rosters respectively.
There has been one new incident in August, a safeworking breach, which is currently being investigated.
Well another baton has flown the coup.
My name is Alistair Brownlie, and I am your new shiny, and somewhat green, roster officer for Guards and Persons of a signalling nature.
If you already have received a telephone call from me regarding this month's roster, I do offer condolences to your family. If not I will be assuredly be making contact soon regarding some of the vacancies on this months roster.
At the rear end (oh yes, pun intended) of this newsletter you can find a list of contact details for me. If you have any days to give the railway, or haven't been on the roster for a little while and are interested in renewing contact please do not hesitate. Uncle Sam needs you! (or is that Aunty Jack????)
Alistair Brownlie
We are about to commence a program for those interested in becoming steam locomotive light-up fireman. All those who are interested should contact either Graeme Daniel or Dave Conlan.
People wanting to train need to have attended a PBR 'Introduction to Safeworking' or have completed a PBR Safeworking course in the last two years, have a current B1 Boiler Certificate and have some locomotive experience at PBR.
The following date has been organised by Lance Adams and Cliff Simmons.
Cleaners Introduction (practical day) - Sunday September 4th . 5.45am to 1pm in Belgrave Loco Crew room
Note: This class has 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 or or email fleur.barrell@pbr.org.au.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Footplate team, family or partners for all there help and support during my period as the Firemen Roster Officer. Very special thanks must go to Fleur Barrell for all of the backup support given during that period.
Barry Rogers.
Congratulations to Steve Holmes and Gavin Clark who have been recently 'passed out' as PBR steam drivers.
Below are listed the balance of the dates for firewood collection for 2005, anyone who is interested please contact Dave Conlan. /p>
Saturday 24th September
The above train will depart Belgrave at 8am and be of approximately 3 to 4 hours duration.
Other dates are:
All above trains will depart Belgrave at 5.30pm and be of approximately 3 to 4 hours duration.
The next course will be on Thursday 29th September 2005 starting at 6pm at the Belgrave Fire Station Belgrave. If you are wishing to attend please contact Jean Clowes on or Fleur Barrell.
Course No.26 is rapidly approaching its conclusion, with 75% completed or near completion. The balance of the candidates are expected to complete the course by the end of September. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the training team, our supporting Instructors, crews of the training trains and the Candidates for their co-operation when the assessments blew out to 5 or 6 per week and especially when I had to withdraw from training sessions due to the return of my cancer. This latest attack (5th in 6 years) has affected me with worse side effects than experienced in past, which has severely curtailed my movement beyond the house. Thanks also to all those friends who have been in contact or visited over the past 3 to 4 months.
Peter Walker
Please note that applications for the next safeworking course (No 27), which commences in February 2006, close on November 11th 2005.
Application forms are available from the Station master's office at Belgrave.If you would like an email copy sent to you, contact Fleur Barrell (fleur.barrell@pbr.org.au) or Ray Williams. (raynsuew@bigpond.net.au)
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 2005.
Ray Williams, Safeworking Training Officer.
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, Rob, or Fleur 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.
When sending Acre messages by fax please check that the fax has gone through successfully.
We are endeavouring to update our email and phone lists, if you have recently change your details please let Fleur or Rob know.
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.
A discount of 10% on Books, DVD's and Videos is now available.
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
Navy blue canvas style picnic sets also available at heavily reduced prices.
Be quick, first in first served. Lots of designs to choose from.
To view picnic sets please call as they will only be on display in the office.
| Back Pack - 4 person | was $79.00 | now $37.00 |
| Bum bag - Water bottle | was $15.00 | now $9.50 |
| Bum bag - Deluxe | was $16.50 | now $9.50 |
| Picnic cheese platter | was $14.95 | now $9.95 |
| Spectator Bag 2 person | was $54.90 | now $28.00 |
| Pull along Picnic Case | was $129.95 | now $54.95 |
| Wine Pack 2 person | was $28.00 | now $14.95 |
| Wine Pack 4 person | was $52.00 | now $27.00 |
| Picnic Blankets | was $24.95 | now $15.00 |
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 is involved.
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.
Only rostered staff should be behind the counter please.
April Williams
On the cold, moonlit evening of July 21st, 46 passengers and crew ventured out on a heritage passenger train from Belgrave to Gembrook. Thanks to these brave (or foolish) souls, a terrific evening was had by all (particularly one Ian Campbell!), topped off by a good meal in front of the fire at Gembrook Station.
The trip provided a chance for a bit of fun for our volunteers and others, and raised about $1,000 for the Climax locomotive restoration. My sincere thanks to the people who helped to make this trip possible: Ray Leivers, Glenda Rae, Jean Clowes, John Conway, Fleur Barrell, Matthew Gardner, Ian Campbell, Les 'Turps' Thompson, Barry Rogers, Dave Conlan and anyone else I may have forgotten, you know who you are!
A number of people indicated that they would like to have another pass run, and of course there were those that couldn't make it on the last trip, so a heritage passenger train will once again make an appearance along the narrow gauge on Thursday November 17th. This will be a twilight run with a couple of photo stops, and a spit roast waiting for us at the other end. Booking details should appear in October monthly news. If we can get a train full of people, we should be able to raise about half of the required funds to return 10NU to traffic, and allow a goods or mixed train to operate, currently impossible due to the lack of trafficable goods rolling stock.
These historic trips are run for the people of the railway, and anyone else who is passionate about keeping Victorian Railways narrow gauge heritage alive. Anyone with ideas or suggestions for further heritage trips should contact me.
Nick Anchen.
Work is going ahead on the restoration of this engine at Belgrave. The motion is being restored and more of the engine has been dismantled for repair to the worn parts of the engine. The boiler is on the high sea for rebuilding in the USA. Work is progressing on the first Saturday in the month in the workshop at Belgrave and volunteers are sought to help in this work.
Yes, the Museum is open for inspection when we hold the workdays at Menzies Creek, which are on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays of the Month. However, please make yourself known when you enter the compound to alert our staff to your presence. If a specific group wishes to inspect the exhibits, please notify the office at Belgrave who will inturn arrange for a member of staff to be available to show visitors over the site. (A group is more than five people)
The roof has now been completed and the trolleys have taken up their abode in the building. The doors have yet to be installed and due to the size of the shed may need to be sliding doors.
Work on this engine has progressed to the stage that the boiler tubes have been placed in the boiler and are now being expanded. In addition, parts of the engine are starting to receive black paint over the 'over all' grey undercoat.
John Frost
We are pleased to welcome 2 new apprentices to the Locomotive Workshops, Shaun White and Nicholas Aslanidis. Welcome and we hope your time is a happy one.
There is a vacancy at Belgrave for a fully qualified fitter. Would any interested parties please contact Alan Gardner by Friday 9 th September 2005.
From July 6 th the workshops at Belgrave are open 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.
Hugh Markwick
This week the guys were honing their skills with the linisher, using a lathe and files to produce boiler tubes sections for sale. The next workday will on Saturday 3rd September.
John Conway, jfgconway@yahoo.com
Thanks to John Knight for the donation of uniforms, Tim Morgan for donating back copies of Narrow Gauge, Lon Wymond for donating various items including a complete set of Narrow Gauge from copy 1, and Keith Kings for editions of Narrow Gauge and Monthly News.
Hugh Markwick
After over 20 years as Manager Civil Engineering, including running a number of substantial outside contracts in the past four years, I have decided it is time to slow down a bit. I have therefore resigned from the position of Manager, Civil Engineering with effect from 1st September. However I am not leaving the Puffing Billy Railway. From that time I will take on the role of Projects Manager which entails seeking out external work, pricing and preparing tenders and managing any contracts we win. I will also continue in my various volunteer roles such as work supervisor, Stationmaster etc.
John Shaw
Tracey McKenzie has departed from our cleaning team after six years to take up a new position in aged care. We wish her well in her new position.
We are now in need of two additional casual cleaners for a few days each week. For more details contact Deb Lyons on 5968 6268 (Ext 613). Applications close on 9th September.
Ballasting and tamping has been carried out between the trestle bridge at Selby and Selby station and the only work outstanding in this area is to top the ballast up and trim it off to sleeper level (known as boxing).
Preliminary tamping has also been carried out between Menzies Creek and Pole 103 (about half way to Clematis) and work has started on digging out the old ballast. Once that is complete we will run out new ballast and then lift and line the track further.
Our next Volunteer Work Day will be on Saturday 17th September. Work location will once again be between Menzies Creek and Clematis Main Road and the usual sumptuous BBQ lunch will be provided. Please let Roster Officer Terry know if you can atten.
Thank you to all those who have made recent donations to the Belgrave Signal Box Fund. Your contribution, either large or small, is sincerely appreciated and will materially assist when the project commences.
I wish to advise that I will be away from Tuesday Sept 13 th until Friday 7 th October. During this time all day to day matters should be reported to the S&T depot where they will receive attention on Mondays & Tuesdays or over the weekend. Urgent and managerial concerns should be directed to Ian Marks (S&T Deputy Manager) and incidents requiring immediate callout of S&T staff should continue to be directed to the automatic response system .
Observant persons will have noticed that the signal mast at the up end of the platform has been relocated (due to inadequate clearances) and that the control box has been installed at the future Down Outer Home Signal. The cabinet for the Up End Points is approaching completion and should be installed on site in the near future.
Modified circuit designs have been agreed and works inside the signal cabin will also commence shortly.
S&T personnel have run all of the internal cabling and trenched & installed the underground power, telephone, water and gas service. Work continues to provide temporary arrangements for the next series of Thomas Weekends.
Andrew Wheatland.
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 for last minute enquiries.
Once more, we are pleased to announce the running of our perennially popular New Year's Eve train. Look for the booking form with this copy of 'Monthly News' and book early - this event sells out!
2006 events - Our calendar of events for next year is almost complete and should be published shortly. Watch this space!
Jeff Goodwin
| JULY | 2005 | 2004 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 3 373 | 3 359 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 3 370 | 3 431 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 225 | 166 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 76 | 62 |
| G 42 days for month | 2 | 17 |
| Carriage kilometres | 25 836 | 26 640 |
| Carriage Days for month | 768 | 776 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1 424 | 1 567 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1 498 | 1 542 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 108 | 77 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 70% | 97% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 172 | 187 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 186 | 201 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 24 | 34 |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 88% | 95% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 94% | 73% |
On Saturday 16th July a PBPS 50th Anniversary Special was run to the Packing Shed and Lakeside hauled by 12A trailing 6 vehicles. The carriages and van were all painted with the yellow stripe similar to that used on rolling stock in the Society's early days.
On the same day, D21, which was hauling the Gembrook service, failed at Lakeside on the return. This train (No 32) was combined with No 36 at Lakeside making a total of 16 vehicles @ 121 tons and was hauled back to Belgrave by 14A on its own the whole way. This is believed to be the longest and heaviest recorded trip for a single NA locomotive since services resumed in 1962. D21 was able to be run to Emerald later by itself.
On Friday 22nd July, the Peckett locomotive ran from Belgrave to 'Sweet Pea Corner' and back with one vehicle for marketing purposes. It then double headed with 14A on the Luncheon Special back to Emerald.
Bob Wilson
The boiler arrived in the Los Angeles, USA about 17th August and was then going to be moved up to Portland, Oregon where it would be unloaded from the ship and shifted to the Chelatchie Boiler Works.
The Saturday workday saw work being done on cutting up old boiler tubes to turn them into useful fundraising 'doovers'.
The Climax Shop at Emerald Station will be opening in September. Dates will be placed on the website and on noticeboards around the railway. You will be able to browse through our stock of clothing, magazines and other memorabilia. Orders can also be picked up to save on postage. We have a comprehensive collection of Narrow Gauge magazines available. We are happy to sell sets at a discount or individual magazines to fill gaps in your collection.
John Conway, jfgconway@yahoo.com
Our next day will be on Tuesday 27th September. Wear old clothes appropriate for the weather. We will start at Belgrave at 9:00 and finish at about 3:00. Adult helpers are needed. Please ring or email if you are coming along. Lunch and other refreshment provided.
John Conway, 5968 4083, jfgconway@yahoo.com