December 2005#389
December 2005
#389
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 .
Congratulations to Lachlan A'Vard and Nick Anchen on their election to the Executive Committee of the Society; it is great to see new blood on the Committee. Congratulations also to James Cron and Hugh Markwick who were re-elected for another term.
The Railway owes a debt of thanks to the outgoing members (John Shaw - over 23 years, and Mal Hanson - 4 years) for their support over the years.
Congratulations to Kevin and Corrine Larkin, Bob Farr, Harold Hibgame and Neil Lewis who were awarded Gold Passes for their contribution to the Railway. A posthumous award was also made to Mr. Alan Bridge for his long and dedicated service to the railway.
Twenty recipients were also awarded Certificates of Appreciation from the Railway. Congratulations to: Lance Adams, Keith Atkinson, David Barnes, John Basile, Adam Black, Russell Bowen, Bob Evans, The Gembrook Ladies, Ian Gibson, Ashley Greaves, Andrew Hennell & Family, Don Horsburgh, Dr. Steven Kay, Graeme Kidgell, The O'Connor Clan, Ron Peach, Barry Rogers, Bill Russell, Dr. Stuart Turnbull and Reg Williams.
The Board is pleased to announce that Mr Andrew Stephens has been appointed as CEO for the railway. Andrew is currently CEO of Latrobe Regional Airport. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Economics and Politics (Hons) and Master of Arts (Urban and Regional studies). Andrew has held senior positions in the NSW Railways, and has been a policy advisor in Canberra. Some will know Andrew for his various roles as with Walhalla Goldfields Railway and his role with Sydney Tramways Museum. He will commence with the railway in the New Year.
Greg Hanslow has tendered his resignation from the position and will finish at the railway on 23rd December 2005. Advice of a farewell will be posted on the notice boards in early December.
Expressions of Interest for a temporary role are called for under Train Operations.
We, on behalf of the Board and Society would like to wish all staff and volunteers and their families a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. We thank each and every one of you for the enormous support that you have given the railway over the last twelve months; with out that we could not keep the railway going.
Congratulations to all our volunteers at Thomas for being part of the most successful series yet. The railway made a substantial profit, more than paying for the new shed. We have also been sent many positive messages about how good the show has been from both customers and volunteers.
| Ray Leivers, CEO | Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman | John Thompson, Pres Puffing Billy Preservation Society |
Following the retirement of Larry James, we wish to employ a full time Supervisor for Special and Catered Trains. The Supervisor will be based at the Belgrave office and will be accountable to and report to the Manager, Refreshment Services for control, administration and development of all Catered and Special Trains and Special Events as may be pre-determined, eg; Thomas the Tank Engine shows.
Further information or a detailed Position Description is available by contacting April Williams, email april.williams@pbr.org.au. Applications in writing close 5.00pm, Friday, December 9th, 2005.
The Puffing Billy Great Train Race (GTR), conducted for the past twenty four years, is one of the oldest fun runs in Victoria. The event consists of up to 2,200 runners attempting to beat the train on its journey from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park.
The part-time contract position of GTR Coordinator reports to the Divisional Manager, Marketing for the set-up, operation and co-ordination of the 25th GTR to be held on Sunday, 7th May, 2006.
Employment will commence in late February 2006. The number of hours worked per week will vary in relation to the preparation for the race and will include weekend work on the weekend of the race. The hours worked per week are not expected to exceed an average total of 24 hours although the actual hours worked will be significantly higher in the three weeks prior to the race and week following the race.
The role includes the completion of all post race activities including an event debrief, the printing and dispatching of all Runners Certificates and filling of all merchandise orders if applicable. These activities are expected to be completed within four weeks of the race.
If you feel you can meet the challenge, please forward your written application to:
A Position Description is available from Glenda Rae on 9757 0740. Further information of a technical nature about this position can be obtained by contacting David Eaton, email at david.eaton@pbr.org.au.
Remuneration:- Hourly rate by negotiation
Applications in writing close 5.00pm, Friday, December 30th, 2005.
A vacancy exists for a full time position of Manager Train Operations from 22nd December 2005 until about mid February when it is expected that a permanent replacement will be appointed. A Duty Statement is available from Ray Leivers. Expressions of interest stating your relevant experience will be received up to COB Friday 9th December 2005.
Just a quick reminder to all as the busy season approaches 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 call Sue Ham.
Every wondered, with all the talk about the Society and the Board, about which organisation is responsible for what at Puffing Billy? Have you got a bright idea about something that should happen or change on the railway and are not sure whether to tell the CEO, a manager or a branch meeting about it? On Sunday 4th December 2005, the Society President John Thompson and Board Chairman Graeme Breydon will be conducting an information session at which these and other Organisational questions will be answered. The session is intended for anyone interested in how the railway works, with a particular focus on new or aspiring committee members, branch office bearers and the like. The session commences at 7pm at the Railway office, 10 Kings Road Emerald and will run for about 2 hours. Spaces are limited so please reserve your spot by e-mailing chairman@pbr.org.au.
At the A.G. M. a member was asked if he would donate his Harley for conversion to a 2'6" gauge inspection tricycle. His reply was, "Yes, sure." A very pretty tricycle it would make too.
It is with sadness that we advise of the passing of two stalwarts of the Railway in Betty Knight and Bruce Douglas. Our condolences to the 'Knight' family and the 'Douglas' family.
A Head Conductors Course was run on Saturday 22nd. October and was well attended. Those who attended were: Alistair Brownlie, Dean Roberts, Darren Baker, Rob Collier, Wendy Campbell, Greg Campbell, Tom Cannard-Higgins, Rani Whitty, Gary Manning, John Wilson and Scott Houlder.
Passenger Operations Branch (Training) are in the process of putting in place standardised evaluation procedures for qualifying Head Conductors and it is intended to eventually use a similar process for qualifying Conductors. Attendance at the respective Conductor courses will continue to form part of the evaluation processes.
A Conductors course was run on Saturday 5th Nov. and was again well attended. Attendees were: Coral Bush, Bill Major, Russ Maxwell, Fauve Hassapis, Roy Richens, Bernadette Cowley, Brian Heywood, Patrick Angevin, Cameron Barnes, Aaron Fleming, Simon Hughes, Brian Mulkearns, Christopher Munn and Simon Gray.
The Railway can look forward over the coming months and years to having on its strength, some very good Conducting Staff.
I would also like to welcome to conductor training the following: Ashley Teague, Michael Hancock, Chiyoko Suzuki, Amir Aruani, Finn Jensen, and Patricia Rosewall.
Ross Peterken
The meeting on November 15 covered many subjects of co-ordination and preparation for the summer. If you haven't seen the Notes, please ask Ray Leivers or Jean Clowes for a copy.
Please talk to Jean Clowes or Ray Leivers for a chat about these with no obligation to proceed.
A reminder to Guards and Drivers, that Hand Held radios should normally be switched to Channel 3. This will enable the most reliable communication to other nearby radios. Use of Channels 1 and 2 should only be used when it is necessary to make use of the repeater stations at either Menzies Creek (Ch 1) or Emerald (Ch 2). (e.g. to contact Belgrave from Emerald area) As the hand held units have much less transmit power, they cannot be assumed to transmit reliably via the repeater stations under all circumstances.
Note:
The railway provides Guards bags (4) for those guards who do not have their own. At present there are only two bags in the cupboard. If anyone has, or knows the whereabouts of the other two bags, would they please contact either Rob, Fleur or myself as we will need these bags for the Christmas period.
A reminder to all Guards, Drivers, Fireman and Track Patrollers that you are required to sign this acknowledgement before departing from Belgrave.
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 in training, please contact Greg Hanslow .
There have been no new incidents in November.
Safety is not something that should be taken for granted, or left for others, it is everyone's responsibility.Below are listed the dates for firewood collection for 2005/2006, anyone who is interested please contact Dave Conlan
All trains will depart Belgrave at 5.30pm and be approximately 3 to 4 hours duration.
All trains will depart Belgrave at 8am and be approximately 3 to 4 hours duration.
We have a vacancy in train operations for anyone who would have the time to assist Rob, Fleur and myself with the day to day tasks involved with the operation of the railway. This position is primarily to assist us during our busy period from November to Easter, and the person would preferably be available at least two days per week Monday to Friday. Safeworking qualifications, and a good working knowledge of PBR are preferable but an ability to work in a team environment is essential.
Anyone who is interested should contact Greg Hanslow
Most Guards and Safeworkers will be aware of the existence of an Occupational Health and Safety committee which meets regularly (every three months) to look into safety issues affecting the safe operations of our railway.
One of the matters which needs to be addressed is how can we make the job of guard a safer one. This can be of particular importance during the weekday operation of the railway, where most of the guards are fairly senior people.
It has become evident that we need to have some guidelines in place, and as your representative on this committee I have been asked to come up with some strategies.
It is my belief that all guards should have input to any discussion in matters affecting their role on the railway, so I am inviting all guards to have their say as to how we can improve safety for ourselves as we work on the railway.
So here is your opportunity to have your say and be listened to.
Please email your responses to the Manager Train Operations, Greg Hanslow, at the following email address: greg.hanslow@pbr.org.au or put your ideas on paper and leave them with Greg, Rob or Fleur.
Thank you,
Alan Bailey
Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome at the railway during the last two and a half years, I have enjoyed being a part of the Puffing Billy family and I look forward to catching up with many of you before I leave on the 23 rd December.
Greg Hanslow
I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.
Thank you to all the Refreshment staff for your time and effort, it has been much appreciated.
Christmas is just around the corner and we now have new jewellery and toiletries in the shop for the ladies. So if any of you gentlemen on the railway are scratching your heads as to what to buy the other half, here is your chance.
CLEARANCE SALE! Heavily reduced stock
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 |
| 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 |
Casual Cook for Menzies Creek, 4 days a week. Call April for a position description on
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 April.
.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
The people at the Chelatchie Boiler Works in the USA have been busy. Work is proceeding on the front course of the boiler and the firebox tubeplate. There have been no major dramas and the project is on schedule. For more news and photos see the Climax website.
Yes it is true. From next year people will be paying to drive a locomotive at Puffing Billy.
The Climax Committee is planning to run Footplate Experience days for all those who have always wanted to drive a train but didn't have a spare 5-10 years to learn. The drivers will learn about the craft of firing and driving. The red Couillet engine, No.861, will be the locomotive where you will be able to try out your new skills. All this will be under the watchful care of an experienced PBR crew. See the Climax website for details of dates and prices or contact John Conway on jfgconway@yahoo.com.
The Climax shop has been operating very well at Emerald. Please enquire about opening times. We have a good range of shirts and overalls. These make ideal Christmas gifts.
The Workshop crew keep working away diligently. Our next workday will be on Saturday 3rd December. We will have all the latest info and photos of what is happening with the boiler and plans for 2006.
As mentioned in earlier issues of Monthly news, the Museum is open for inspection when we hold the workdays at Menzies Creek, which are on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the Month. However, please make your self-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 arrange for a member of staff to be available to show visitors over the site. (A group is more than five people). Do not forget, it is your Museum. It is essential that we show any visitors and members personally over the Museum.
Work on the Gang Shed is slowly going on and we are deepening the channel which we made when we poured the concrete. The channel is just not deep enough to accommodate the very course width and depth of trolley wheels. We should have borrowed one of the floats that the tramway workers use to make the original channel.
We have been waiting for better weather to allow us to continue the work on 129Q and we were geared up to start again and suddenly remembered that is was Thomas. We hope to put this historic 5'3" vehicle in grey under coat.
As we have had a normal spring this year we have been devoting a lot of time to keeping the Museum spick and span and keeping the laws and gardens at the Station in good order. This year the Bluebells on the Station were splendid and the Azaleas and Camellias were the best they have been in years.
We record with regret the death of Mrs Betty Knight who had supported the work of the Museum from the 1960's to the present day through the help that she had given to our work and events over the years. Betty was the wife of John Knight, who is our longest serving worker and Museum Committee member, and the mother of Graham Knight, another stalwart of the Museum. Our condolences are extended to the family on their great loss.
Yes, it is near that time again and as usual, we will be holding our annual bring your own everything to our annual BBQ at Menzies Creek. The BBQ will take place at lunchtime on Saturday, 3rd December 2005. Everyone is invited and we hope to see you all there for our scrumptious sausage sizzle.
The Lineside Attractions Division extends our best wishes to our railway colleagues and their families and hope that Christmas 2005 is a time of great cheer and fulfilment.
John Frost
As another year passes, it is time to wish all past and present G42 Supporters who "Keep G42 Going" a happy Christmas and a safe 2006. We thank you all for your continued support.
The much awaited for "Steam In The Otways", a photo selection from the late Norm W. De Pomeroy collection has now arrived. Believe me, those who purchase this book will not be disappointed, it really is a "must have book" for those interested in our Narrow Gauge History.
The" VR J Class" 2-8-0 loco book has now arrived and has a photo of J541, which is now under restoration at Menzies Creek.
Both the above books are available from the Belgrave Shop priced at $33.00 less your 10% volunteer and/or member's discount.
Keep an eye out for "Queensland Country Stations, Part 1" and "Super Power on the V.R." about the "S Class" steam locomotives expected to arrive before Christmas.
Proceeds from the sale of the Train Hobby books go towards G42's ongoing maintenance.
Selling pre loved books, magazines, videos, DVD's and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald car shops in the Thomson building near the playground. We will next be open on Saturday 4 th February, 2006 & Saturday 4 th March, 2006 between 1pm and 3pm. Appointments for other times can be made by phoning Peter to arrange a suitable time.
We would like to thank Frank Cross for his recent donation of books and magazines and anyone else who may have been missed.
The collection box figure for September $1.10. Thank you very much to all the volunteers and staff who have ensured that the RED G42 collection boxes were put out.
D. Atkinson, J. W. Bradley, R. N. Cochran, F. A. Henderson, G. R. Houston, A. A. Marsden, Brig. K B. S. Mellor, E. C. Sibly, T. Stevenson, J. B. Sunman.
Bruce West
A final reminder - this very popular event continues to sell well, with many tickets already purchased. So, don't miss out, get your booking form in now. For further details, ring John Conway
This popular event returns after an absence of a couple of years. Join your Puffing Billy colleagues for an enjoyable evening travelling the entire line to Gembrook, calling all stations and pausing on the way to eat dinner. Look for the booking form in this edition of Monthly News.
Our friends at the DVR will be running trains during the afternoon and evening for our exclusive use. Come along for a ride on this fine 71/4" gauge railway in the Eltham park and enjoy a BBQ dinner.
For the first of this year's film nights we will be gathering in the fine building of Gembrook station to watch a selection of slides, film and video covering a range of subjects from Puffing Billy and further afield. A special train will run from Emerald to Gembrook (and return) in connection with this event.
For our second film night we will again view a wide range of films on different subject matters in the surroundings of the new 'Thomas' building at Emerald. Once again we will lay on a train to take you to the event, this time running from Belgrave to Emerald.
For enquiries on any of these events, please ring Jeff Goodwin .
Thank you to the many Volunteers who have generously responded with offers of assistance to help with Fire Patrols for the up-coming Fire Season. Your very kind offers have made rostering a great deal easier with many places being filled early.
Nonetheless, quite a few 'vacants' exist, as can be seen by the roster printed in the Monthly News. If you'd like to help 'eradicate a vacant' please let Terry Lee, the Fire Patrol Roster Clerk know by contacting him on: tblee@bigpond.com
A reminder to anyone interested in helping as a Fire Patrol Assistant that the Course for this year is to take place as follows:
Sunday 4th December 2005, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Belgrave Trolley Shed (near the Locomotive Shed)
Hosts: John Hoy & Terry Lee
Note: if you have already completed this Course there is no need for you to attend, though you are very welcome to come and 'refresh' your knowledge.
There will be no track works occurring on the following days (excluding Track & Fire Patrols):
Saturday 24 th December, Monday 26 th December, Tuesday 27 th December, Saturday 31 st December
Sunday 1 st January, Monday 2 nd January
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Volunteers and Staff a happy and fulfilling Christmas along with a safe and prosperous New Year. Thank you for your terrific support with Fire Patrols. I am indebted to the constant encouragement, good humour and generosity that is freely given not only by Volunteers but the Staff team in Way and Works Branch who by their efforts make my role as your Roster Clerk a pleasure to undertake. I look forward to catching up with everyone throughout the Fire Season 'on the track'.
Terry Lee
Roster Clerk for Fire Patrols
The next S&T Branch meeting will take place on Saturday December 10 th, Kings Rd, Emerald from 9.30 a.m. We will then adjourn to the balcony of the Paradise Hotel by 1 p.m. for a pleasant afternoon lunch and train watching - All branch members, partners and family are invited.
Please RSVP to the depot (650) by November 28 th to allow notification of final numbers to be advised to the hotel.
With the busy season approaching, Branch activities during December will again concentrate on the works required for the upcoming Summer period. Your assistance is, as always, most welcome.
Cabling works at the Up end, with the exception of a few track connections, have been completed. The 'Down Approach' bell was commissioned in early November following connection of power to the cabinets. The spare 25Hz inverter (to operate the 8 motors on the future inner Home signals) is currently undergoing tests. Works are now concentrating on installing the outstanding insulated joints at the Up end and on wiring in the Signal Box and at the Down end points cabinet. We still aim to commission the Outer Homes and the Up Inner Homes as soon as possible.
The span of telephone line across the Monbulk Creek (bridge 5) failed mid span recently. This interrupted phone communications until it was located and repaired. A works priority list was prepared recently to enable other branches to note our plans for different projects. This has enabled a concentrated effort to be made on Menzies Creek whilst ensuring the other works also receive a satisfactory input. (As usual the impossible is done immediately, miracles still take that little bit longer.)
Andrew Wheatland.
| OCTOBER | 2005 | 2004 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 4 092 | 4 310 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 4 512 | 4 387 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 43 | 378 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 72 | 62 |
| G 42 days for month | 31 | 31 |
| Carriage kilometres | 37 189 | 39 714 |
| Carriage Days for month | 990 | 1 024 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1 542 | 1 392 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1 646 | 1 632 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 19 | 90 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 81% | 87% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 239 | 239 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 305 | 313 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 5 | 29 |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 77% | 80% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 78% | 69% |
Mon 3/10 - Loco 7A had injector problems whilst double-heading with 6A. Gembrook portion continued from Menzies Ck rather than Lakeside. 7A and its cars followed 30 mins later after problem attended to.
Su 16/10 - "Kids Fun Run With Thomas" at Gembrook with Thomas (1711) and 14A. Afterwards 14A returned to Belgrave on No 32 with 6A hauling 13 vehicles for 116 tons as the extra cars were required at Belgrave for another special working.
Th 20/10 - Loco 12A, in steam, ran with 7A on No 27 as far as Menzies Ck for short term storage in the Museum until work can commence on an overhaul.
Bob Wilson