October 2005#387
October 2005
#387
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 .
On Thursday evening, the 15 th September, Ray Leivers, Greg Hanslow and Graeme Breydon attended an "Industry Consultation" meeting, conducted by the Department of Infrastructure, for the Tourist and Heritage Rail sector regarding the above new legislation.
The purpose of the meeting was to provide an insight into the new legislation and for us to then comment on the proposed draft document.
In our submission the railway has commented that we are disappointed that comment is required by Wednesday 21st September, only four working days after the meeting, which we feel is not sufficient time to adequately review the document. We also stated our concerns that issues submitted by the Tourist and Heritage sector some twelve months ago have not been taken into account.
On Wednesday 14th September an information evening was held at The Masonic Hall Belgrave but sadly the number of attendees was disappointing. Ray Leivers outlined what the railway has achieved, including additional infrastructure, the priorities for the future and where we are at with the Strategic Plan.
The railway is in the process of updating the Strategic Plan (previously the 10 year plan). The revision includes redrafting the mission statement. The draft philosophy section is being prepared with the intent of developing an action plan to support it. The draft includes revenue generation, market research, education and interpretation. It is intended this document will be circulated for comment before finalising.
Ray Leivers CEO
A Trolley Drivers course will be held on Sunday 27 th November 2005. Anybody who is, or will be, a qualified Safe Worker by that date is invited to apply for the course. Applications in writing to Dan O'Connor c/- PO Box 451, Belgrave, VIC, 3160 or via email to secretary@pbr.org.au. Applications close on 12th November 2005.
Your Roster Clerk for the upcoming Fire Season will again be Terry Lee. (The silly, twisted boy! Ed.) Roster planning is well underway and bookings for Patrol runs as Drivers and Assistants are NOW OPEN, especially for the busy 6-train running period. Terry can be contacted at tblee@bigpond.com
Fire Patrols, apart from the safety responsibility they carry, are a great way to see another side of the railway, especially from a Way & Works and Train Operations aspect. It's also an opportunity to learn new skills and make additional friends.
For new Fire Patrols Assistants a training day will be taking place in early December and will be advised in the November edition of Monthly News.
If you would like to be a part of the Fire Patrol team do not hesitate to contact Terry.
To Kim Oldfield & Sarah Archer on the birth of their first child on 2nd September - a baby girl weighing 3.45kg. Both Mother and Child are doing fine and Dad is still stoked with amazement.
Kim is a regular weekend Guard and Fire Patrol Driver.
Terry Lee
Following the successful running in July of the "Olde Gembrook Pass", Thursday November 17 th will once again see the return of a heritage passenger train to the narrow gauge tracks.
The train will be made up of swing-door, clerestory-roof stock and a Canadian Red engine (not necessarily the one you might think either!) This consist will closely replicate the type of passenger train which was once a regular sight in the very early days of the Upper Ferntree Gully - Gembrook Railway around 90 years ago.
A spirited stopping-all-stations twilight run, complete with a couple of photo stops en-route, will depart Belgrave at 6 pm. A spit roast dinner and liquid refreshments will greet our arrival at Gembrook at around 8 pm.
Departure at 9 pm will be followed by an atmospheric listening stop in the depths of the Wright forest, and then an express night run to Belgrave, arriving at about 10:30 pm. And yes, it will once again be a full moon!
The cost of the trip, including the spit roast dinner, is an absolute bargain at only $40 per person, with no concessions. Railway management has generously given us use of the train at cost price, (ie: cost of coal only), so as to maximise profit, which will directly fund the restoration of goods vehicle 10 NU, and allow more heritage mixed or goods trains to operate in the near future. The more passengers the better, so tell your friends, shout your partner, and drag the kids along for a night out with a difference!
Bookings can be made by calling the Belgrave office on 9754 6800 (during business hours) and quoting "The Olde Gembrook Pass". Non-credit card payments can also be arranged. Please book by no later than November 9th to ensure we have enough food.
All enquiries to Nick Anchen
.See also the note in train operations about the Updated Operational Procedure.
Could all Head Conductors and Conductors please ensure you are charging the current prices when selling tickets. If any one has not got current price lists for your conductor's book (effective from 11/7/05) please contact me on 9757 0719 and I will pass on the new fares.
Regards Jean Clowes
October: many Vacancies this month, not only for HCs at weekends but also some weekdays. If you can help out by an extra day or two, I'm sure your colleagues would appreciate it.
I shall be away from Melbourne for the whole of October and during this period, Jean will monitor Train Conductor requirements. The collation of November's Roster will also be undertaken by Jean and to help in this, everybody, no exceptions, everybody is requested to insert their name on the blank November Roster Sheets held in the SMs office at Belgrave by the 14 th October. Where I have previously been advised of particular days/trains and at Jean's request, these have been inserted accordingly but you will have to check them and amend as necessary, e.g. change trains or delete if not available. If you are unable to do this personally, contact the SM on after the 10.30am train has left Belgrave and advise him/her of your input.
During my November absence, Ross Peterken will be yet again looking after Conductor Training (Tel. 9720 1757, email: rosspat@bigpond.net.au) (Thanks again, Ross).
Ron Kelly
An 'updated' Operational Procedure for T\T 'B' & appropriate RSM has been issued. Please Note the changes relating to No.9 Pass. at Lakeside & No.10 Pass. at Belgrave. Copies are available at Belgrave.
A reminder to all Guards, Drivers, Fireman and Track Patrollers that you are required to sign the acknowledgement form that you have read the Special Train Notice before departing from Belgrave.
This has now been completed and documents are available either in the Belgrave safeworking room or the loco crew room at Belgrave for collection.
Each year we train a new group of "Safeworkers" at PBR. We are looking for anybody who might be interested in helping with this training. If you are an experienced safeworker, with a good working knowledge of PBR and interested please contact Greg Hanslow
There has been one new incident in August, a safeworking breach. The investigation has now been completed and the person concerned counselled.
Safety is not something that should be taken for granted, or left for others, it is everyone's responsibility.A reminder that we have changed the locomotive regulator locks and that the new keys are in the loco crew room at Belgrave.
The modifications that have taken place now allow full access to the pit area. Over the next couple of weeks the vertical ladder will be reinstated, the blowdown unit will be relocated to the front of the pit and grates will be installed at ground level around the pit.
Congratulations to Gavin Clark who recently passed out as a PBR steam driver.
Below are listed the balance of the dates for firewood collection for 2005. Please contact Dave Conlan on 0428 676 707 if you are interested in assisting on these days/evenings.
All above trains will depart Belgrave at 5.30pm and be approximately 3 to 4 hours duration.
All above trains will depart Belgrave at 8am and be approximately 3 to 4 hours duration.
The next course will be on Thursday 29 th September 2005 starting at 6pm at the Belgrave Fire Station, Belgrave. If you are interested in attending, please contact Jean Clowes on or Fleur Barrell.
Please note that applications for the next Safeworking Course (No 27), which commences in February 2006, close on November 11 th 2005.
Application forms are available from the Station Masters office at Belgrave.
If you would like an email copy sent to you, please contact either Fleur Barrell or Ray Williams.
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.
One week only - October 17th to 21st. See either June or April, not shop staff please. Payment must be made on pick up. Puffing Billy Biscuit tins normally $12.95 on special for $6.50.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to assist with our Thomas weekends, please contact June or April. There will be 5 weekends overall. The first weekend is the 60 th Anniversary celebration of Thomas. Half day or full day shifts are available. Thankyou to the volunteers who have already offered to help.
A position description will be provided upon request. Please call June or April.
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 on 9757 0782 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 |
| 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 June or Apri. 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 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.
April Williams
We are pleased to advise that Ian Pearce is the successful applicant for the fitter position at the Locomotive Workshops. Congratulations Ian and welcome to the team.
From July 6 th the workshops at Belgrave are open from 7.30 am until 10 pm. Any one wishing to volunteer on Wednesday nights is most welcome. The program has started with work on 8A.
Hugh Markwick
The Climax boiler is back in the USA. It is 77 years since the Climax locomotive left Corry, Pennsylvania. Linc Reed-Nickerson has sent some great photos of the boiler en-route from the port of Oregon to the Chelatchie Workshop in Washington state. The photos are on the Climax website for all to see.
There has also been some interest in back issues of 'Narrow Gauge'. We will be putting sets together for sale. They can be picked up from the Climax shop at Emerald station if you want to save on postage.
Climax clothing and other magazines are also available there. The Climax shop will be open on most weekends when Thomas is not on. Ring for details.
John Conway
This group continues to learn new skills such as drilling and tapping holes in metal. They are also learning about handling and machining wood. Practice on the lathe continues as well.
John Conway
This group has grown in number. We welcome Peter and Adrian to the railway. They came up from Gippsland and joined us as new Volunteers and Members. They were given a tour of the Belgrave yard and loco workshop and then started work. Nothing like getting straight into it!
The next workshop day is Saturday 1st October.
John Conway
We were pleased to be able to provide material for the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the PBPS at the Packing Shed.
Hugh Markwick
A casual vacancy is currently available with our track gang for a period of up to three months.
Applicants must have:
Applications in writing to John Hoy by close of business, Friday October 7 th. Please.
I have recently accepted the three month role of acting Divisional Manager. I'm on the fast learn track (2'6") so any assistance you can lend would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou to all who have helped me already and I look forward to catching up with all branch members as soon as time permits.
I would also like to record a vote of thanks to John Shaw for his contribution to the branch for over 20 years.
John Hoy
Just a reminder that I am away 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 .
I'm looking forward to visits to the Didcot Rail Centre, the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway and the Watercress Line in the U.K.
A reminder that the next S&T Branch meeting will be held on Saturday 8th October at Kings Road, commencing at 9.30 am.
Work is now being concentrated on connections at the 'Up' end of the yard following the installation of the points control cabinet on Monday September 5th. A concerted effort will be made to commission as much of the signalling as possible before the upcoming summer period.
My thanks to the S&T volunteers who assisted with the installation of services to the new Thomas Shed at Emerald. The temporary electrical, phone and water systems will allow the current Thomas events to run and will assist in ensuring the required final installation takes into account any modifications as a result of the practical operational experience gained.
Andrew Wheatland.
This event has now sold out and by the time you read this all participants should have received their tickets and will be looking forward to a great night out down at the Bellarine Peninsular Railway. Please contact Greg Little (5968-5521) for last minute enquiries.
Booking forms for this event went out last month, but don't put off making your booking; this is a very popular event and sells out!
For enquiries, ring John Conway or Jeff Goodwin.
2006 events - Our calendar of events for next year is complete and should be published shortly. Watch this space!
Jeff Goodwin
| AUGUST | 2005 | 2004 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 2, 821 | 2,884 |
| Loco - steam | 2,874 | 2,948 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 63 | 201 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 59 | 64 |
| G42 days for month | 11 | 7 |
| Carriage kilometres | 22,170 | 21,199 |
| Carriage Days for month | 687 | 702 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,402 | 1,131 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,473 | 1,522 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 51 | 58 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 76% | 96% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 148 | 160 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 160 | 169 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 6 | 18 |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 96% | 90% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 97% | 82% |
Fri 19/8 The Peckett (1711) was attached to the rear of No 26 for transfer to Belgrave.
Sat 20/8 The Peckett & 2NBD ran to Menzies Creek and return for the 'Make A Wish' Foundation.
Bob Wilson
Train Hobby has advised that some of their books are now in limited quantity. To make sure you don't miss out, write to G42 Sales, PO Box 451, Belgrave, 3160 to purchase the book(s) you've always wanted.
The "VR Y Class" diesel electric book arrived in late August, along with the N.S.W.G.R. "57 Class" in early September. The "low nose VR T Class", "Steam Locomotive Depots of South Australia" and "Railway Stations of Greater Metropolitan Adelaide Pt 1 books" are all selling well. All are available in the Belgrave Shop. All the above books are priced at $33.00 each less your 10% volunteer and/or members discount.
Due for arrival in October is the" much awaited" "Steam In The Otways from the Norm De Pomeroy collection" and the V.R. "J" Class books. Proceeds from the sale of the Train Hobby series of books go towards G42's maintenance.
Selling pre loved books, magazines, videos, DVDs and memorabilia. We are located behind the Emerald Car shops in the building near the playground. Our next opening dates will be Saturday 1 st October, 2005 & Saturday 5 th November, 2005 between 1pm and 3pm. Please note the November date will be the last opening for 2005. Other times can be made by phoning Peter to arrange a suitable time.
We would like to thank Dave Conlan, Weston Langford and Ashley Greaves (and anyone else who may have been missed) for their recent donations of books, magazines and videos for resale in the G42 shop.
The collection box figure for July $99.45. Thank you very much to all the volunteers and staff who have ensured that the RED G42 collection boxes were put out.
N.S. Atherden (UK), J Barrell.
Bruce West