February 2006#391
February 2006
#391
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 .
Our new CEO, Andrew Stephens commences with us on Monday 6th February, so please make him feel welcome. He has already visited the railway to get the feel for how we operate in the busy season. Andrew will take over the reigns from Ray Leivers on 13th February but Ray will still be with us until the end of the February completing some important strategic projects.
Andrew's qualifications and affiliations include:
A few 'greybeards' may even remember him as a Puffing Billy lolly boy in the 1960s!
Until recently he was General Manager, Latrobe Regional Airport; responsible for governance, strategic direction, promotion and operation of the third biggest Regional Airport in Victoria. This role also involved managing residential and commercial subdivision associated with the airport.
Some of his previous positions have included
A BBQ to provide staff and volunteers with an opportunity to say farewell to Ray will be held at Belgrave, from4pm on Monday 13 th February. We are sure you all share the view of the Board and Society that Ray has done an outstanding job over the three and a half years as our inaugural CEO.
If you would like to join with us in this thank you event for Ray please notify either Wilma (wilma.ratcliffe@pbr.org.au or Sue (sue.ham@pbr.org.au ) so that we can appropriately cater.
Thank you to all who gave that little bit extra over the holiday season to help us cope with the crowds, especially during the 6-train running when we carried about 19,652 passengers over 14 days with very few problems. This compares with 19,985 pax over 15 days of the Green timetable in January 2005. A special thanks to staff who dropped what they were doing in the office or workshop to help with shunting, crowd surges and in organising relief buses on busy weekdays.
Of course it helped greatly that the fire restrictions didn't commence until we had slowed down (to 5 train running!) which eliminated the need for fire patrols, but we did have to contend with one day of Total Fire Ban, the same as in 2005.
Improvements and changes this year included the new computerised booking system which gave SM's accurate per-train counts, the new radios linking the SM, Queue workers & Booking Clerks, Belgrave Signalmen in lieu of a Train Controller, plus the procedure of locking-off a car for on-train sales to late arrivals and revised H/conductor floats. We received no complaints at all about our new peak-period fare policy.
One area that still needs further work (not just in busy period) is train and loco docking. For safety and for customer satisfaction we must get our performance up from the 70%-80% range and into the high 90s.
Our next scheduled information night for volunteers, staff and members will be held from 7.30pm Wednesday 22 nd February, in the Masonic Hall, Bayview Road Belgrave. This is another opportunity to meet Andrew, to thank and farewell Ray and to discuss progress on the update to the PBR Strategic Plan. It is hoped that by then a draft for comment by staff/volunteers will have been displayed in crew rooms.
| Graeme Breydon, ETRB Chairman | John Thompson, Pres Puffing Billy Preservation Society |
It seems a little strange writing my last contribution to Monthly News as CEO six weeks before I finish.
I mostly wanted to say that I have greatly enjoyed my time at Puffing Billy and would thank a number of people. Firstly, the Board have been very supportive and have a great mix of skills and personalities. The railway is very lucky to have such a competent Board.
Secondly, thanks to the staff who, in the main, are very professional and dedicated to Puffing Billy. I believe that the Railway staff compliment hold the railway in good stead for the future.
The most amazing group is the volunteers. What a diverse bunch. I say to each of you; thank you for your support of the railway and willingness to contribute to decisions on the railway. I believe I have made many friends at the railway, some of which I feel sure will be lasting friendships.
I look forward to slowing down a bit, doing some things like building furniture for my kids and maintenance around the house that I haven't had time to do for several years. Then I'll look at where the next stage of my life takes me.
Ray Leivers, CEO
The Great Train Race committee is looking for new members to assist with the organisation of this keynote event. We are especially interested in "apprentices" willing to understudy and assist in various roles already filled for 2006, with a view to assuming greater responsibilities in 2007. The required commitment is attendance at monthly meetings (currently Wednesday nights, in Emerald) from October to June, completing of agreed tasks between meetings and assistance with set-up and conduct of the event. If you are interested drop an e-mail to chairman@pbr.org.au .
For those contemplating involvement on Race weekend please mark in your diary, Saturday 6th May for set-up and Sunday 7th May for the event.
Graeme Breydon, Convenor, GTR Committee
Does anyone have lineside or on-train video footage of the 2004 Gembrook bound Mixed Goods Train with 12A? The footage will be used in a recruitment video to be used for attracting younger volunteers and footage of that mixed goods train is needed. Recognition will be awarded in production. Video has to be in mini DV tape format. (If you have footage in another format, please still let us know as it may still be useable.)
Please contact Daniel Hancock via e-mail at k153_dan@hotmail.com. Thanks.
As the weather heats up we have been putting large (3 litre) containers of water in the fridge in the crew rooms at Belgrave, Menzies Creek, Lakeside and Gembrook. After your crew has used it, please refill these ready for use by the next volunteer.
Please note that water coolers are at some of our stations (e.g. Belgrave and Lakeside) for instant cold water. We have also been donated some water bottles from Coke, if you would like one please let me know on 415 or 715. We would like to remind crews of the importance of hydrating. Sue Ham
Car Stickers have finally arrived. If you would like a PB car sticker, please contact Wilma mail to wilma.ratcliffe@pbr.org.au or Sue and we will post it by snail mail or leave it in the pigeon holes in the Station Master's office at Belgrave.
Just a quick reminder to all as the busy season is upon us 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 ring Sue Ham.
Now the silly season is drawing to a close, a reminder that if you require a name badge, please contact Sue or Wilma , Please remember you can leave a message anytime of day or night. Please allow six weeks from the time of order, and badges will be available in the mail box in the Station Master Office.
Susan L Ham, Volunteer Coordinator
Initiative is a great thing and every day on our Railway people take initiative on many matters for the best reasons. However, one thing which tends to get overlooked when an incident occurs is "who needs to know".
A number of procedures must be followed as a result of an incident.
The key before anything else is advise the Station Master or Officer in Charge on the day.
They are trained as to what needs to happen after that.
Remember INCIDENT > first action report to SM / OIC and then follow directions given.
Tired of a boring hum-drum existence, watching TV, having a predictable lifestyle?
Would you like to get into the cut and thrust of the unpredictable, get the satisfaction of achieving the impossible, performing miracles on the run, able to leap fallen rosters with a single bound, do all your own stunt work with the lovely Fleur as your back up?
If this interests you, then let Fleur or I know -- we need you for a starring role - ROSTER CLERK, GUARDS.
Screen tests to be arranged immediately and you could start in the lead role sooner than you think.
A reminder to record the battery number when reporting train van radio faults.
A reminder to guards and others. Please switch off or turn down the volume on radios in unattended vans etc. It is very unprofessional to have the radio blaring out and there are occasions when radio traffic should not be discernable to our patrons. (e.g. accidents, injuries etc.)
John Hoy
The S&T Branch have an urgent need for old fused telephone "subscriber's line protectors". These units consist of a black bakelite base and accept a fuse & an arrestor block. As our stocks are currently nil, we are seeking any complete or partial units with which to maintain our existing units and to allow for continued installation at the ends of our open wire telephone network. The protection provided by devices such as this are essential to the safe and reliable operation of our open wire telephone network by diverting lightning strikes safely to ground and providing fused protection against sustained high electrical currents.
Wiring installations works are continuing and we aim to commission apparatus after the busy running period.
Works on other projects and urgent repairs have limited the input into this project recently, however installation is now back on schedule.
The dry conditions have caused several large trees to loose limbs recently and this has resulted in 2 complete breakages (poles 5-6 and 31-32) and one section of stretched wire (pole 119-120). Other vandalism attacks on the flashing lights saw over 14 track connections broken at Menzies Creek recently.
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 from Wednesday the 18 th January 2006.
Hugh Markwick
With the development of two sites for the Museum at Emerald and Menzies Creek, we are seeking additional volunteers to work at both areas. Are you interested in say gardening, engine driving and have the right certificates, trolley driving, maintenance of all these machines or having no such skills in the different areas that we use in the Branch to keep the displays pristine but are willing to learn? Contact any one of our Committee and we will do the rest. With the closure last year we lost several key persons and now need to increase our workforce.
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, 3rd, and 5th 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 inturn 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.
This 2' gauge engine is continuing its tone up and the rods have been removed to allow the engine's frame to be cleaned and then repainted. While the rods are dismantled, the air receivers for the brakes are being reconditioned and the wheel bearings re-greased and repaired where necessary.
Through the generosity of the Executors of the Estate of Les Richards, a plaque which was duplicated in Les's collection of such items, has been donated to the Museum. The plaque records that No.9 was given to the PBPS in 1977. Many of these plaques have gone missing from the Museum as the years have progressed and if anyone has any duplicates in their collections, we would be pleased to receive a donation of these for future display.
To allow the Victorian Railways to maintain the KS trolleys, the VR Way & Works Workshop at Spotswood had made a special carrying case to allow the spare motors to be moved around the system. We have such a case and this is now resident at the Museum.
The repainting of this historic 5'3" gauge wagon has resumed and the side facing the tracks at Emerald has received an undercoat of grey undercoat. We will be continuing on this work and will repaint the vehicle in VR Freight Brown/Red. This is the only complete broad gauge wagon that the railway owns and it was used to transport narrow gauge engines to all four lines in Victoria. From an examination of the condition of the former paint work it would appear that it last may have been repainted in perhaps the 1950's? Does anyone know when it last received a repaint?
After129Q receives its repaint we hope to repaint the pulpwood truck to stop it returning to Ferris (Ferrous/Ferric Ed) oxide.
Lineside Attractions, in co-operation with the other branches of the railway, are examining the possibility of helping to make Emerald Township station a more attractive destination for visitors, particularly in the winter months. To this end, permission has been granted to us to access the Nursery Building and take initial responsibility of the small engines in that shed.
John Frost
Tom Kilner, for the time being, is the acting manager for Way and Works. He can be contacted on mobile . Sometimes he can be contacted at Belgrave or sometimes at Kings Rd .
Fire Patrols began in earnest on 9th January. Remember if you are after a unique experience on the railway and you see a vacancy in the roster and you are available to ring Terry. I am sure he will only be too pleased to hear from you.
Can the last fire patroller of the day please make certain that the alarms are put on in the trolley and fuel store sheds at the end of the day. Thank you.
Feb 18 th, March 18 th, April 15 th, May 20 th, June 17 th, July 15 th, August 19 th, September 16 th, October 14 th, November 18 th, December 16 th. Most of the upcoming works will be in the Selby to Selby Aura Rd Section. This section will be receiving a complete face lift.
For the past two months most of our work effort has been put into our usual grass and scrub bash. The boys have achieved a fantastic result. The lineside has never looked better.
The Greencorps team are continuing with works around the railway until the end of March.
As from Monday 9th January, Fire Patrols are operating for all trains unless cancelled by Tom Kilner, Acting Manager, Way & Works or his nominee.
Please refer to A01/2006 for full details.
Should Patrols be cancelled for any given day, it is the practice of the Roster Clerk, Terry Lee (after receiving advice from Tom Kilner), to telephone Crews advising them of the cancellation. Should you not hear from the Roster Clerk it is safe to assume that the Patrol for your rostered day will be operating.
Could Crews not leave the Jerry Can in the Trolley Shed overnight and instead return it to main Shed compound (next to the Fuel Bowser).
It is a good habit and a courtesy for the Crews rostered on for the next day to re-fuel the vehicle you have been using at the end of your Fire Patrol run. Also, topping up the water tank and checking that the pump motor has sufficient fuel will be appreciated.
Whenever you return to Belgrave it is a good practice to also re-fuel your vehicle as the last thing you need to do is run out of fuel whilst on your run.
With each vehicle you will find a Checklist and Fire Patrol Guide. The Checklist is designed to ensure that you complete all of your pre-Patrol checks, such as fuel, water, oil, radio etc before you depart. The Guide provides you with information regarding which train to follow, contact telephone numbers and other handy bits of information that you should find useful to make your Patrol safe and enjoyable.
Do not depart on a Fire Patrol unless you have a working radio. To this effect undertake a radio call to the Belgrave SM before you depart. The radio is your primary means of communication especially in an emergency (such as attending to a fire). If the radio is defective immediately report the matter to S&T personnel.
Every vehicle also has a mobile telephone. Before departure please check that the mobile telephone is turned on and is working (and placed on charge). The mobile telephone is a back-up means of communication, especially should your radio fail en-route.
As can be seen by the Roster in the Monthly News a number of Driver vacancies exist, particularly during the week. There are also quite a few vacancies for Assistants. If you can help with an extra run this will be much appreciated. Please contact Terry Lee, the Roster Clerk.
Even on a cooler day you body can quickly dehydrate. A good habit to get into is to drink plenty of water before you depart on your Patrol and regularly throughout the day. Also, please wear a broad rimmed Hat, comfortable clothing (natural fibres are best with long pants and long sleeves) along with sturdy footwear (no thongs or sandals). And don't forget - apply a liberal lathering of sunscreen
To all Volunteers, who despite the truncated start to the Fire Patrol season, have been very generous (and patient) with your willingness to donate your time. Your help and enthusiasm makes rostering considerably easier.
If you can spare a day or even half a day to assist in the shops, it would be much appreciated. Please call either June or April.
Navy blue canvas style picnic sets also available at heavily reduced prices. Be quick, first in, first served. NOT MANY LEFT!
To view picnic sets please call on us, 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 |
Welcome to Annick Goodrich.
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 next workday will be on Saturday 4 th February at Belgrave. After a few months of gaining machine shop skills, we will be looking to apply them on a bigger project.
John Conway
The next workshop day will be on Saturday 4th February. We look forward to a good year and gathering a few more faces. If you are keen to get dirty on a Saturday or would like to learn some workshop skills contact John Conway, on jfgconway@yahoo.com
Joan, Linc and the guys at Chelatchie have been busy with the boiler. See Linc's report for the latest. Check the Climax website for the latest photographs.
"The boiler is nearly complete, the new first course is complete riveted on and caulked, the front and rear tube sheets are in and the ultrasound on the welds is complete, the tubes will be stuffed and rolled this week, most of the studs are done and ready for application. The boiler should be complete and ready for hydro testing by Friday or Saturday (13 th /14 th Jan.)"
This year we will be running a number of special trains to help raise money for the restoration program. These will be in addition to the new Footplate Experience Trains. Keep an eye out for the program of events and booking forms in the March Monthly News. Our sales of ,I>Narrow Gauge sets are going well. Anyone who wants to catch up on a large part of the history of the Puffing Billy Railway would do well to get a set.
John Conway, jfgconway@yahoo.com