March 2006#392
March 2006
#392
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 .
As I type these lines I have just finished my second week as a member of the Puffing Billy Family - and that's how it feels; as though I have been welcomed into a large family. I can definitely say that you are the happiest and most positive group of people I have ever worked with. Thanks for the first two weeks; you could not have made me more welcome and, to those of you I have not had a chance to meet yet, I will look forward to doing so when the opportunity arrives.
During the first two weeks I have tried to meet as many people as possible, in all of the many roles on our railway and to listen and learn. This is something I intend to continue throughout my time as CEO, as everybody's ideas and views are important. At the same time, there will be occasions when I have to focus on matters like writing grant applications or preparing reports for the Board and I am sure you will understand if I have to "lock myself away" at such times.
For some time the need for a Personal Assistant to assist the CEO has been recognised and as an initial step Deb Lyons has agreed to help out in this role pending the development of a position description and advertising of the job. Deb has been able to take on this role as we currently have very little Labour Market Program activity for her to supervise. Deb now has a desk right outside my office and can help you at times when I am unavailable. Thanks for helping out, Deb!
Another arrangement I have had an opportunity to review is the management of the Passenger Operations Branch, which Ray Leivers has been undertaking on a temporary basis. I am delighted to advise that Jean Clowes has agreed to act as Manager Passenger Operations pending advertising of this job. Jean has, of course, been undertaking the role of Passenger Operations Admin Officer, so she is well placed to act as Branch Manager. I will continue to co-ordinate the closely related activities of Marketing, Commercial (Refreshment Services) and Passenger Operations. Thanks to Jean for taking on the Branch Manager role!
My thanks also to Ray Leivers for his assistance in settling me in and his patience with my innumerable questions. I have the greatest regard for Ray both as a person and as Puffing Billy's first CEO. Thanks again Ray! Ray has publicly stated that he will be back as a volunteer after a few month's break, something we will all look forward to.
And thanks again to everybody for your welcome to Puffing Billy.
A workshop on Sunday 12 February has developed the Strategic plan to a point where it will be presented to volunteers at the Information session and then be available for comment by people within the railway.
The revised plan establishes some principles and identifies a number of focal points for the development for actions from the plan. These include the need to better understand what passengers want from Puffing Billy Railway, the focus of capital works on revenue generating items and better interpretation of our railway. Many actions relate to training and developing long term plans to assist our development to be more strategic.
Copies will be available for comment by end of February.
| Andrew Stephens CEO |
Graeme Breydon ETRB Chairman |
John Thompson PBPS President |
I would like to sincerely thank all those people from the Railway for the kind words, the friendship and lovely presents given to me at the BBQ on Monday 13th February. I'm somewhat humbled by the kindness of all the volunteers and staff and realise why Puffing Billy is such a wonderful organisation. Thank you to each and every one of you and I value your friendship.
Ray Leivers
Russell Bowen was noticed wearing an eye-patch at Ray's farewell. A few discussed a possible nick name for him. "Patch", "Captain Hook" and "Long John Silver" were suggested. The latter brought forth the scornful reply "Nah, he's our railway's accountant. It has to be Long John No-Silver".
In The Herald-Sun's "My Say" section, Monday 20th February 2006 from Margaret Harris, a HS reader from Frankston.
"Every now and then you realise that volunteering has a twofold benefits - for the giver as well as the receiver. I saw this recently on that Melbourne icon, Puffing Billy. From the moment we stepped on to Belgrave station we couldn't help but be impressed by the enthusiasm and professionalism of the volunteers.
The sheer pleasure and pride they take in their varied duties was a refreshing fillip in these sometimes cynical times.
Bob the conductor's people friendly manner, pointing out various features of the countryside; the cheerful lady at Lakeside pulling trolleys across the platform; the stationmaster at Gembrook coming up to our window for children to ring the heavy brass bell to send the train on its way were typical of their positive attitude.
All no fuss, just doing the job, giving locals and international tourists a sincere sense of being welcomed.
They are a commitment-plus, preserving something for future generations to enjoy. I dips my lid to them."
Alan Bailey and family would like to thank all our friends at Puffing Billy for the many messages of sympathy, and the beautiful card, we received at the time of the passing of our loved son Gary.
It is a privilege to be part of such a wonderful family. Thank you one and all.
We have had delivered in our Post box a small photo album, which includes family photos, a bi-plane parked at BC Air Lines, a beautiful old white car and train photos. Owner - please contact Sue Ham.
Recently a Conductor sent in a note saying that on Thursday 19th January on the last 'Up' from Lakeside, a family with a 5 day old baby were travelling. He commented that this baby was possibly Puffing Billy's youngest passenger.
No, sorry, this is not a record. There are rumours that a train had to be stopped at Menzies Creek until an ambulance came for a very pregnant mum. The baby was born in the ambulance. My personal experience was a mother with a three-day-old baby. Baby was born Friday, Mum discharged from hospital on Saturday. She wanted to ride on Puff (Sunday) before going home up the country on Monday. Now, that is passenger loyalty.
This year a special heritage 'mixed' Train hauled by G42 will be taking us to Gembrook, so come along and enjoy the evening.
All active volunteers and their immediate family are invited to the Annual Barbeque which is to be held on Saturday 25 th March 2006. It is proposed to have the function at Gembrook Station. The Special Train will be departing from Belgrave at approximately 4.30pm. Volunteers can board at Belgrave or Emerald (for those who do not want to get home too late) or you can drive directly to Gembrook. (Train expected about 6.20pm.) The return train is scheduled to depart Gembrook at 9.00pm, Emerald at 10.00pm and Belgrave at 10.45pm approximately. Management are organising the function and serving the food and drinks.
If you want to attend, please fill out and send in the Booking Form included as an insert in this issue of Monthly News.
The following people have mail in the station master office at Belgrave: Hayden Barr, Conor Bevan, Steve Backway, Richard Colin, Verity Dixon, Peter Hammond, Michael Georgiou, Bob Holmes Valerie Keszge, F. Jensen, Chris Jackson, Jessica Ling, Alex McLlauchan, Ian McLennan, Keegan Marsh, Charlie Nancarrow, Ian Norton-Smith, John Millard, Ian Roos, Pat Rosewall, Jason Rothwell, Aiden Stevens, Alan Saunders, Ross Saunders, Reg Sharp, Malcolm Simister, Christopher Trikilis, Stuart Turnbull, Jim Spanswick, Ashley Taylor, Geoff Urand, Rachael White, Shelley White, Ralph Xavier.
Could you please collect your mail.
Sue Ham
John Shaw is a Grandfather. Congratulations to John and Lorna as well as to their son, Gordon, his wife Jennifer and of course, Lauren Grace.
They have finally arrived is you would like a PB car sticker, please contact Wilma on 9757 0708 or drop her a e-mail or Sue on 9757 0715 we and post it by snail mail or leave it in the pigeon holes behind the Station Master
Fleur will take over as stunt double only when Kevin is un-contactable. Kevin's contact details are. kaka@vicnet.net.au. Being a successful star he takes leave each month around the 9th of that month for around 10 days.
Thanks to Alistair Brownlie for his efforts over the last 6 months.
John Hoy
Following the busy season of train running, Bob Wilson has checked through the Train Running Statements for January to compile the statistics. Unfortunately many of the statements had missing or incomplete information. Things such as Locomotive numbers, 'dock by' and 'loco attach by' times were the most common however there were a few instances of carriage numbers not being recorded and train times not being recorded. In looking at the returned statements, it always seems to be the same few.
I don't want to sound like I am harping, but your vigilance in completing the required information will make Bob's job so much easier. It will also save Bob having to ring Fleur and myself seeking clarification of some point or other and more importantly, save Bob time from having to guess what has happened during the day. So please lift your game and fill in the TRS's properly.
I would also ask that Guards (or persons acting as Guard) on special and additional trains (Undergears, Foliage Clearing, Wood Collection etc.) remember that they must submit a Train Running Statement for the operation of their train with all the relevant information filled in.
Rob Emmerson, Operations Supervisor
The S&T Branch still 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.
Just a reminder that if the internal telephone network fails to operate, telephonic access can usually be made via the Telstra network. Users are required to dial "0" to obtain an outside line and then dial either the full "indial" number applicable OR the direct Telstra number. The Telstra direct numbers are printed on the directories, however they only terminate on specified devices around the railway. Indialling is also suitable for Fax messages if the internal network fails to connect after several tries, however indialling to any number outside Belgrave still requires our internal network to complete the connection at the receiving end.
Wiring installations works are awaiting testing (for the Outer Homes). Other wiring works continue.
Works are well progressed to provide direct signalled access to both platforms for Down trains. A new 2 arm signal will be commissioned shortly and appropriate instructions issued via 'A' circular.
Urgent repairs were required recently following a vandal attack on the Flashing Lights at Lakeside. Four light heads were damaged along with a track bond which was causing the crossing to operate continuously.
Andrew Wheatland.
Patrols have been running for about two months with every crew being maned by volunteers, all due to the fantastic effort put in by our roster officer Terry Lee
Work has been continuing in the Selby Station - Selby Aura Road section, with resleepering.
There will be no volunteer week-end for April as it falls on Easter, but feel free to turn up at any other time that you desire as you will be made most welcome.
If you happen to discover a problem with a trolley apart from filling in the log book on the vehicle and filling in an IDR can you please ring Jason Bell or Tom Kilner immediately? Remember we can not fix the fault if we do not know that they exist.
Have been busy doing landscape work around the packing shed and installing a water system. At present they are identifying and cataloguing all plants and vegetation along the track from Belgrave- Gembrook. Hopefully when they have finished it will all be on a plan They have spent a couple of days working with the greening gang at Bridge 5
The water supply to the running shed from the top of 4-5 Rd Belgrave has been replaced with a more suitable material. This will eliminate all the blow outs that we have had in the past.
Another scheme has started on the 27th February This scheme is for up to 8 participants and their main project will be to rejuvenate Clematis area and building.
We have repairs planned for April for the bridge. More about this in the next issue.
Tom Kilner
As can be seen with the Roster in Monthly News, there are quite a few vacancies, especially for Trolley Drivers mid week. As March is possibly the last month of the Fire Season it is time to get in some runs before we go into hibernation until next summer. Please let Terry Lee, the Roster Clerk, know if you would like to help - just look for any vacancy and the run is yours!
NVW1 has a new mobile telephone (the number is unchanged) following the recent 'meltdown' of its predecessor. Could Fire Patrollers take care not to leave mobile telephones exposed to the sun (or any other heat source). If leaving your vehicle unattended at a Station for example, either take the mobile telephone with you or place it in a secure location. There was a recent 'incident' where a mobile telephone nearly went to a new home but was 'saved' by an alert Fire Patrol Assistant.
Is under repair after it was discovered half of Cardinia Reservoir was inside the Unit! Therefore, could Drivers please take with them a portable radio obtainable from the Belgrave SM before they depart on their Patrol.
A reminder to Drivers that if they attend to any fire, no matter how small, could they (at the end of their day) please put in a IDR addressed to the Manager Way & Works advising of the location, the size, action taken and the Locomotive concerned. Also, after you have dealt with the fire make sure you immediately let the Driver of the Locomotive know so that the Driver may check the Locomotive's ashpan. Always remember that the safety of yourself and your crewmate is your number one priority when dealing with fire outbreaks. No heroics please.
Every endeavour is made to notify Patrollers the night before if patrols are to be cancelled. Though, on occasion, a decision to cancel will be made on the morning (or even during the day) depending on the weather. If a cancellation occurs this will not preclude Patrollers from coming up to Puffing Billy as often there are Guard/Signalman and Conducting vacancies. To this effect, if you know your run is cancelled please do not hesitate to call the respective Roster Clerk who will welcome your help. (That's for sure. Ed.)
February has proved a very active month for Fire Patrols and an appreciation of the terrific effort by Volunteers who have undertaken (and are undertaking in the future) Fire Patrols is extended. We still have March to contend with, though with global warming the Roster Clerk is fearful of still having to roster well into July (this will please the Guard/Signalman Roster Clerk enormously) and more than likely send the Fire Patrol Roster Clerk into a medicated frenzy. (You mean he isn't already? You could have fooled me. - Ed.)
Terry Lee
Special Trains Supervisor - The successful candidate is Paul Golding. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome him to Puffing Billy Railway.
It's Thomas time again - 4 th & 5 th March
If you can spare a day or even half a day to assist in the shops, it would be much appreciated. Please call June
CLEARANCE SALE! Heavily reduced stock
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 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 |
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
On our February workday we learnt how to pull coupling rods and slides bars off a locomotive. Who knows what skills we will pick up on our next workday - Saturday 4th March. We had a few new faces come along to help out. Mr Wal McUtchen came along with his son, Rob. Luke McWhirter also came along to get dirty - he succeeded. Welcome aboard. The more help we have, the more work gets done.
John Conway
Due for release this month is "Super Power on the V.R." by Train Hobby. This book is all about the "S" Class steam locomotive. When this book arrives it will be available from Belgrave Shop for $33.00, less your volunteer and/or member's discount.
Note: If you are looking for a particular Train Hobby book, subject to availability, we will get it in for you. All you need to do is write to Bruce West, G42 Sales, P.O. Box 451, Belgrave, 3160.
Selling pre loved books, magazines, videos DVD's and memorabilia. Located behind the Emerald Carshops in the Thomson building near the playground. The shop will next be open on Saturday 4th March and Saturday 1st April between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. Appointments for other times can be made by phoning Peter Medlin.
We would like to thank Graeme Stapley and Bruce West for their recent donation of items.
The collection box figures for October were $1.10 and December $5.00.
Bookings have started for our 861 Footplate Experience trains. There are still plenty of spots available for those who would like to try driving a steam locomotive.
By the time of publication, we hope to have a report on the boiler from Alan Gardner up on the Climax website. Alan and Harold Hibgame have been over to the Chelatchie Boiler Works to see how things are done there and how the Climax boiler has 'scrubbed up'.
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.
There are still seats available! For last minute enquiries please call Jeff Goodwin
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 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.
Travel on the new train service from Melbourne to Castlemaine for a cross platform change onto a special mixed train for the journey to Maldon.
Once again we present our ever popular end of year event.
For enquiries on any of these events, please ring Jeff Goodwin
| December | January | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2004 | 2006 | 2005 | |
| Train kilometres for the month | 4 669 | 4 780 | 4 746 | 4 933 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 4 686 | 4 957 | 4 643 | 4 931 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 254 | 154 | 240 | 169 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 66 | 84 | 72 | 84 |
| G 42 days for month/year | 28 | 20 | 29 | 25 |
| Carriage kilometres | 44 376 | 42 474 | 46 494 | 46 050 |
| Carriage Days for month | 1 044 | 1 010 | 1 133 | 1 135 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1 424 | 1 526 | 1 463 | 1 460 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1 621 | 1 579 | 1 658 | 1 693 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 48* | 55 | 27* | 19 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 60% | 71% | 57% | 62% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 245 | 252 | 298 | 313 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 293 | 297 | 300 | 316 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 7 | 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Locos docked on trains by due times | 68% | 71% | 66% | 70% |
| Carriage sets docked by due times | 73% | 62% | 57% | 65% |
* Excludes 21NQR which ran passenger carrying trips of 381 kms in December and 914 kms in January.
Friday 23 rd December 2005 was a total fire ban day. D21 was still out of service leaving only DH31 available for running scheduled services to Lakeside. As DH31 was on the Lunch Train, NRT1 was used to run an afternoon trip to Menzies Creek leaving Belgrave at 2.25pm. It hauled 17NBH & 11NBHC. Loco and cars returned to Belgrave on the rear of No.26 Pass. ex Lakeside. (Congrats to all concerned for such a smart move!)
Mon 16 th Jan - The Peckett (No 1711) was attached to the rear of No.26 Pass. for transfer from Emerald to Belgrave.
Thurs 19 th Jan - NRT1 returned to Emerald, after a stint as 'yard pilot' at Belgrave, attached to the rear of No.19 Pass.
Bob Wilson
Our next workday will be on Tuesday 21st March. Meet at Belgrave at 9 a.m. We will be back there about 3 p.m. Wear old clothes suitable for the weather. Bring a hat. Lunch and morning tea provided. Please let me know if you are coming along.
John Conway jfgconway@yahoo.com