January 2006#390
January 2006
#390
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 must say a big thankyou to all of you who have given up your time to volunteer on the railway over the busy time. Obviously the railway could not run without you. A special thanks to the roster officers who have had to ring people several times to deliver the roster. Thanks also to Fleur Barrell who has spent whole days on the phone filling holes.
There are some new things being implemented for the summer including the tent structure at the front of the booking office, some improved signs and creation of aisles to make it easier for pre-booked people to get to the platform, and passenger to leave after their experience.
Chairman, Graeme Breydon was awarded the prestigious Australasian Railway Association 2005 Individual Award for Excellence at the AusRAIL Dinner in Sydney on 24 November 2005. The award was given for work as convenor of the safety of the Association of Tourist and Heritage Rail Australia, and leadership in assisting with the development national legislation, regulation and Codes of Practice for rail safety.
Andrew Stephens will commence duty with the railway on 6 February 2006 and will have an orientation period before assuming the role in his own right.
A big welcome back to Tom Kilner, who has returned to work part-time after a knee reconstruction. Tom will be gradually returning to full-time work and will have modified duties to provide for his rehabilitation.
Doug Berglund (Police), John Athorn (CFA), John Lowe (SES) and Glenn Hunt (Shire of Yarra Ranges) gave excellent presentations to the OIC training program on the emergency responsibilities and roles of the various agencies. The equipment that each agency has available could be a significant benefit to the railway in an emergency. Notes have been distributed on these presentations; anyone who would like a copy can contact Ray Leivers.
| Ray Leivers, CEO | Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman | John Thompson, Pres Puffing Billy Preservation Society |
Many of the official minutes of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society are missing. If any readers have copies of Society Minutes prior to 1971, or from 1977 to 1983 could they please contact the Secretary, Dan O'Connor and help us to complete our set.
To all those who helped with running the Santa Specials this year, a very sincere thank you to all of you for once again contributing to a very successful season of Santa Specials. The comments we have received from our patrons this year are all positive and complimentary. They have very much appreciated the efforts put in to operate these trains - especially the many children who enjoyed the magic of Christmas with us.
Could I ask all train crew (drivers, Guards, Head Conductors) to recognize the role of the Station Master when there is one at Lakeside? The SM must give the tip, and be given time to ensure all those travelling on the departing train are on board, particularly when going to Gembrook.
We have recently had a spate of situations where gates, buildings, toilets have been left open overnight. Fortunately this has not resulted in a lot of loss or damage. Could SM's please ensure the gate to the carriage yard at the top of the stairs, the Crew Room and the toilets are locked before you depart? Buildings along the line should similarly be locked up by the Guard (safeworking room) or Head Conductor (toilets).
It is with congratulations that we announce the first born to Adam and Janna Taylor with a healthy (although premature by several weeks) baby boy William Mitchell Taylor weighing in at 5 lb 2 oz on 30 October 2005. Adam has already introduced him to the office staff and the loco.
Our condolences to Allan Johnston and family, on the passing of Allan's father.
A vacancy has arisen in Kings Road, Emerald office for someone to look after Accounts Receivable and reconcile the railway's revenue streams. The position also manages the Society's membership payments. Bookkeeping experience and a working knowledge of Word and Excel are essential. A Duty Statement is available from Russ Bowen (Internal 615). Expressions of interest stating relevant experience will be received up to COB 13 January 2006.
A Merry Christmas to you all, A BIG Thank-you to all of those who have assisted me over my first couple of months looking after the roster and to all who have generously given up their time to help the railway over the busy season, unfortunately due to the tight deadline on this issue I haven't been able to get in contact with you all personally.
If you can fill a "vacant" position please let myself or Jean Clowes know so we can update the SM Copy of the Roster. If you haven't heard from me over the last couple of months and are interested in getting back onto the Conductors Roster, please call or email me and I will be more than happy to find some regular shifts for you.
For those Conductors on the Fire Patrol Roster, your assistance by still coming up and doing a conducting run and assisting your fellow Conductors will be greatly appreciated if Fire Patrols are cancelled or the season is not yet declared.
Just a reminder to all Head Conductors and Conductors, standing is now permitted in the open top carriages, however climbing on the railings and leaning out too far is not permitted. It is preferable that a conductor travels in this carriage. (Don't forget the sunscreen!)
A handy tip for when the train is being shunted into the platform, only request passengers move behind the line when you have heard the whistle for the train beginning to set back into the platform. Also be sure that you are also behind or on the yellow line to allow clear view for the relayed hand signals from the Guards and Safeworking crew to the Loco.
Darren Baker
We go out of discount fares on 26 December 2005 and into a new schedule. Conductor books with fares and ready reckoners in them will be available from the SM. Please borrow them and return them for the next days conductors to the SM. The fare Boards will all be changed so that there will be no evidence for the customers of differential fares (other than the fare leaflet).
We are seeking a volunteer to do the Station Masters roster. With only one required per day this is the least demanding roster. Jean will support anyone who would take on this roster.
We also need a volunteer to take on the Booking Clerks roster. Anyone interested, please talk to Ray Leivers or Jean Clowes. We are pleading for your help!!
As you can see from the Guard/Signalman Roster, things are in a somewhat parlous state at present and there are many vacancies. On some days there are NO Guards rostered at all. I ask that all safe-workers check their diaries and if you can assist with filling any of the vacancies, please contact Alistair, Fleur or myself as soon as possible. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
If you are rostered for Fire Patrol and they are cancelled, please consider filling a Guard/Signalman vacancy if there is one.
Rob Emmerson
With the next Safeworking Course about to start in February, those who have been selected for the course have been tasked with completing a number of familiarisation runs on trains and days at Menzies Creek before the course starts. Guards & Signalmen who are working over the period between now and the start of the course may well encounter one of these budding Safeworkers and I ask that they be given as much information and encouragement as you can to assist them with understanding the mysterious 'art of safeworking.
Rob Emmerson
What an impressive list of names for the Jan 2006 Engine Cleaners Roster. A big warm welcome to our new cleaners and a big thank you to all our 'old hands' for all your efforts in 2005. A special thank you to all those that have some spare time and just drop in, un-rostered, and help around the shed with the general duties and then make the hard working loco crew's day by helping stable the loco's. They certainly appreciate the extra hands. Don't forget to sign on and off duty and keep a personal signed record of your own.
Thank you and best wishes to Greg Hanslow for the future.
Allan Johnstone
Fleur and I pass on our best wishes to Greg Hanslow for the future, whatever that may hold for you. We have both enjoyed working with you Greg and will miss you. We have managed over the last few years to make some significant improvements to the operation of the Train Operations Branch. Fleur and I have also learnt a little bit about Rugby, although we are still not 100% clear what the actual object of the game is apart from inflicting lots of injuries to your opponents. Mmmm!!!!
Rob & Fleur
This sentiment is, I'm sure, supported by all at the Railway. Editor
A reminder to Guards & 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 (Ch1) or Emerald (Ch2). (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:
When reporting faults on the fixed Guards Van radios, it would be appreciated if you also advise the battery number being used at the time. Occasionally faults occur with the portable battery equipment and a report of the battery number will assist in determining a pattern where applicable.
Best wishes to all for a merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year. Thanks to each branch member for your efforts during the past year and looking forward to seeing you all, around the railway in the coming months.
We expect to be on site for most days during the Christmas / January period. Please confirm your anticipated attendance (by ringing the depot on 650) as there will be occasions when we may have commitments to other branches (e.g. Signalman, Guard, Fire Patrols etc.) which will make us unavailable.
The remaining insulated joints at the up end have been installed and the track circuits commissioned. Wiring works in the Signal Box and at the Down end points cabinet continues with the aim of commissioning the Outer Homes and the Up Inner Homes as soon as possible. The spare 25Hz inverter (reported last month) is currently undergoing it's second set of tests after it decided to release some of the smoke from it's electronic components during the 1st tests. The illuminated diagram now indicates all track circuits and the lie of the points at both ends of the station.
A couple of large tree branches necessitated urgent repairs on Sunday 4th December after they decided to part company with their connection to the ground. A pleasant afternoon was spent in the sunshine restoring the phone line and watching the trains storm up the Emerald bank! Other works (including repairing high resistance joints and dirty fuse connectors) have been carried out to improve the reliability of the internal phone network.
A second fax machine has been installed in the booking office at Menzies Creek. This unit is connected to number 764 and is primarily for the reception of food orders for the Refreshment Room. (Safeworking Faxes should continue to be sent to 754)
Andrew Wheatland.
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 continues with work on 8A. We will be open again on Wednesday the 18th January 2006.
Hugh Markwick
We have purchased some VR files from the Norm De Pomeroy auctions and they are a source of much information.
Hugh Markwick
Congratulations are extended to the following Volunteers who have recently completed their Trolley Driver qualifications despite the best efforts of their instructors, Dan O'Connor & Bob Fullager: John Hoy, Ian Batchelor, Ivan Hon, Chris Tasker, Paul Pavlinovich, Kevin Stanes, Steve Cochrane and David Sheppee.
A thank you is extended not only to the new Trolley Drivers but also to Dan & Bob for donating their time to undertake the course. According to Dan & Bob, the Trolleys appeared to have survived the training day in 'reasonable' condition.
The following Volunteers attended the recent Fire Patrol Assistant course and will be soon let loose on Fire Patrols (once the Season is declared). A warm welcome is extended to: Paul Pavlinovich, Nick Archer, Brad Montgomery, Clive Brooks, Jack Sheppard, Philip Jensen, Bryan Phillips, Alan Bodey, Ken Brumby, Roy Richens, Bob Collier, Chris Munn, Laurie Crowe, Greg Campbell, Lindsay Walker, George Buckingham, Steve Cochrane, Andrew Miller, Stephen Phillips and Alistair Brownlie.
Also a welcome is extended to the 'old hands' who once again have saddled up for another season riding the rails.
A reminder that there will be no track work (apart from Track & Fire Patrols) on the following days:
Sunday 1st January 2006 and Monday 2nd January 2006
During these two days off, it is alleged that the Way & Works boys will be undertaking a track ballast audit, so give them a wave when you pass them, as they will be in earnest concentration as they count the stones between Belgrave & Gembrook.
As will be seen in the Monthly News the January Roster has a number of vacancies, especially with the operation of a 5th train from Monday 9th January through to Sunday 22nd January. If you can help with an extra run or two please do not hesitate the Roster Clerk. Also, the Roster is open for February, so if you would like to book a run for February please let Terry Lee know so your spot can be reserved.
Is extended to all for 2006. Thank you for your generous help given to Way & Works projects and operations throughout 2005 and to Fire Patrolling.
The next workday will be Tuesday January 17th. Wear old clothes suitable for the weather. We start at Belgrave at 9:00 am and finish there at 3:00 pm. The usual healthy lunch will be provided. Young Volunteers of any age are most welcome. Please let me know if you are coming so that we can organise things.
John Conway, jfgconway@yahoo.com
Strange as it must seem, we are not having a work day on the first Saturday of January. Thanks to all the people who have contributed to the cause over the year. A big effort has been put in. A special thank you to Harry, Adam, Harry II (aka Ian) and Alan, for their assistance and guidance in 2005.
John Conway, jfgconway@yahoo.com
The Climax Committee would like to wish you all best wishes for the season and thank you to all who have helped the project along. Many have supported by travelling on special trains, buying shirts or magazines. Thanks to the Committee members who come along regularly to plan events, work on webpages, write manuals or crew trains. A special long distance THANKS to Linc, Joan and the crew at Chelatchie Boiler Works. They are undertaking the major work of repairing and rebuilding the boiler. All of you have done a great job over 2005.
For those of you who have always wanted to drive a train, now you can! From March 2006 the Climax Committee is offering Footplate Experience Trains. You will be able to fire and drive Victoria's oldest regularly working locomotive 861. The experienced crew will instruct and help you to have a day that you will long remember. Those who have tried it have raved about it. See the Climax web pages for details or call me.
John Conway, jfgconway@yahoo.com
"2004 The Year in Steam" - by Steam Media.
2 hours of steam action from main and tourist lines in 2004 for just $49.95.
This ever popular review features plenty of action from our own and broad gauge lines.
Just look out for the triple Na's on the cover in Belgrave shop.
Also available at $44.95 each "A Garratt Goes Again Part 1" (90 mins) and "A Garratt Goes Again Part 2" (120mins)
Released just prior to Christmas were -
Rail Victoria "The Changing 80's" (115 mins) by Series 567, $49.95.
Steam in N.S.W. Part 3 "The North" (87 mins) by Ross Rail, $39.00.
Victorian Goldfields Railway and Bellarine Peninsula Railway (60 mins) by Ross Rail, $29.95.
Also, for the first time on D.V.D. "The Power of Garratt's Part 1 (70 mins) by Ross Rail, $39.00.
Please note All volunteers and members will receive a 10% discount on all DVDs, Video's and books not all ready on special in the Belgrave Shop.
| NOVEMBER | 2005 | 2004 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 4 150 | 3 949 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 4 521 | 4 094 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 39 | 185 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 73 | 61 |
| G 42 days for month | 21 | 26 |
| Carriage kilometres | 38 058 | 37 753 |
| Carriage Days for month | 931 | 942 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1 546 | 1 292 |
| Highest kms operate - pass vehicle | 1 688 | 1 572 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 31 | 43 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 78% | 84% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 228 | 229 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 291 | 265 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 4 | 16 |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 78% | 78% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 75% | 58% |
Sats 19/11 and 26/11 Driver Experience Trains ran from Emerald to Cockatoo and return with another trip from Lakeside to Cockatoo in between. Loco used was 861 hauling 221NQR and 5NC.
Mon 28/11 Carriage 1NB was transferred from Emerald to Belgrave for final work to be performed such as end railings, before entry to service.
A personal plea to guards, particularly to those who aren't regulars but help out over January. With the busiest season approaching, please take care in showing loco numbers on the front of the Running Sheets in the correct places. The info on the rear of the sheets does not show where locos join or leave trains.
Likewise, please record loco and car docking times where required on the Running Sheets. Too many instances have occurred recently where this information has not been shown. For example, nearly 1 in 5 loco dockings for November were omitted. I will be very grateful for accurate records. Thanks.
Bob Wilson