April 2006#393
April 2006
#393
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 .
We are delighted to announce that, following careful consideration of a broad field of candidates, John Hoy has been appointed as Train Operations Manager. Welcome aboard John! It goes without saying that John has a lengthy background with Puffing Billy, and his experience and "corporate knowledge" will be invaluable. As a consequence of his appointment as a full time employee, John has offered to stand aside as Deputy Chairman of the ETRB, an offer the Board has accepted. John will remain as an ordinary Member of the Board. The Way and Works Manager position is being given careful consideration and a further announcement should be possible in the near future.
In the March edition of Monthly News, we advised that Jean Clowes had been appointed in an acting capacity as Manager Passenger Operations (see below) and that for an interim period Andrew Stephens would manage a Division which combines the Marketing, Commercial and Passenger Operations Branches. The respective Branch managers have now met and decided that the new grouping will be "Business Operations Division" headed by a "General Manager Business Development".
As foreshadowed in the March Monthly News, applications are requested for two part time paid positions based at Belgrave:
Please contact Andrew Stephens for further information or a Position Description for either of these employment opportunities. Applications close Friday 7 April 2006.
So far we have only received three submissions on the Strategic Plan, which charts our future direction and will be the reference point for business and infrastructure development projects. If you believe that a particular issue or project is not adequately covered, please speak up, or forever ......! Friday 31st March is the deadline to email Andrew or drop something into his office. Even if you think the Plan is OK as it is, please let us know.
| Andrew Stephens CEO | Graeme Breydon ETRB Chairman | John Thompson PBPS President |
On Tuesday, March 14th, 12A ran light engine from Menzies Creek to Belgrave shops behind the Up Luncheon Train. Loco crew Adam Black & Adam Taylor reported the loco ran without fault despite having been stored in the open in the Museum for the past 9 months in addition to using coal that had been stored in the bunker for that time as well.
Work will commence on a general overhaul shortly.
We are delighted that Bill Russell has offered to take the role of the 2006 GTR Manpower Co-ordinator. He can be contacted on 9733 0808. If you had a particular job last year, you will probably be contacted again this year. My apologies in advance to those whom I upset by not ringing. Get in first and ring me.
The railway is proposing to run Boiler certificate class shortly and as such is calling for expressions of interest.
Applications are to be sent to me at PO Box 451, Belgrave VIC 3160.
Preference will be given to those who have had continuous involvement in the loco, safe working or workshops area.
John Hoy
All Safe workers are required to have periodic medical exams. Depending on which age category you fall into dictates how often you are examined.
Sometimes you may visit a Doctor for whatever reason which may have some impact on your safe working ability. Don't wait until your next safe working medical before you let us know your health circumstances have changed.
You can have a confidential chat with either of our Doctors, Stuart Turnbull, Steven Kaye (9558 2155) or myself (9757 0713) at any time to discuss your situation and whether it impacts on your Safe Working.
John Hoy
Could all Railway personnel using Ferguson Street (dirt road near Way & Works and Workshops Buildings at Belgrave) please take it easy. We are receiving complaints from residents about the dust and noise being generated by people driving too fast. Thank you.
Those who want an electronic copy of the Strategic Plan should contact Andrew electronically.
Several months ago, I contacted Puffing Billy and requested assistance removing the noxious weeds on land owned by you, which adjoins my property.
While the weeds haven't yet been completely eradicated, I couldn't be happier with the action taken so far. Puffing Billy's response was swift and thorough; before Christmas a team spent the day clearing and burning the weeds and today Jason has returned to spray the regrowth.
I particularly wanted to let you know how much I've appreciated Jason's involvement. He's unfailingly polite and patient. I've asked a million questions and he's happy to explain what's happening that day, and what the next steps will be.
Thanks too, to the other guys who worked so hard to clear and spray the area. Their effort was noticed, and really appreciated.
Kind Regards, Alice Badcock, Emerald
One day we sat sad and lonely and without friends, When a voice came to us out of the gloom,
It said, "Cheer up, things could be worse", So we cheered up, And they got worse.
I would like to thank all those who supported me, and made life much easier than expected in putting my first roster together. Your support with the April Roster has been excellent. Many of you have assisted me beyond my expectations during March and with the April Roster in doing extra shifts. Believe me, there have been times I felt a terrible sense of guilt as I picked up the phone to make a second or third call to one of you to plead for assistance.
Just one point: Don't forget I spend 10 days of the month, usually from the 9th, up in the sun country of Echuca/Moama. Unfortunately Telstra are yet to lay the new landlines beyond the Moama town limit of 2 kilometres so I am unable to have the Internet available, therefore I have to rely of my mobile and can be contacted on 0412 430 245. I also check my E-Mail at the Echuca Library on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so if I don't respond immediately I know you'll understand, and I will get back to you ASAP.
Once again thank you for your support.
Kevin Stanes, Guard & Signalman Roster Clerk
I would like to thank all those who have wished me well in my new role as acting Manager of the Branch the support I have received has been appreciated.
The Passenger Operations Committee has accepted the recommendation that the following conductors be invited to accept the position of Head Conductor:- Wendy Campbell, Greg Campbell, Bob Collier and Darren Baker.
Over the next few weeks I'll be giving all conducting staff a call so if you have any suggestions or issues you would like to discuss with me start taking notes and let me know your ideas. P.S. this will just be a chat, there won't be a roster in sight.
Over recent months the training group has been meeting and working through the process to establish the tasks and on job training that will be needed to be completed to become a Head Conductor. When this is finalised experienced conductors will be invited to commence the training. Until the new system is in place the Passenger Operations Committee will follow the current practice of accepting recommendations from the training committee. The procedure that will be put in place for Head Conductors will be used as a basis for conductor training and assessment.
Dates to note for training are:
|
Saturday 29th April, 2006. Saturday 27th May, 2006. Saturday 19th August, 2006. |
I will be inviting all conductors who have not completed this training to participate.
Training for Station Masters and Duty Managers with Belgrave Booking System
I will be inviting all Station Masters and Duty Managers to an 'Intouch' training evening in May. We will be offering three evenings, Tuesday 16th, Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th May. The evenings will start at 7.00pm and will include a presentation of an overview of the system and then some hands on training. I will send more information and if you could let me know which evening is suitable. We are very keen as many SM's and Duty Managers as possible can attend these evenings.
The new Intouch system is going well and easy to use. We already have several trainees from the conductors ranks that finding the system quite user friendly. I would welcome hearing from anyone who would like to learn the new system and who would be happy to work a regular shift in the booking office, particularly weekends.
Just a gentle reminder: If all booking officers could try and record the post code of each booking as this information is valuable for our market research of where our passengers come from. Thank you again for your help.
As always don't hesitate to contact me and either email jean.clowes@pbr.org.au or try 0757 0781 or 9757 0719.
Regards, Jean
Once again, thank you all for the time you have given over the past few months and into April. We are currently desperately short of "regulars" on weekends and Fridays at the moment. If you can assist to fill a vacancy on any of these days it would be greatly appreciated.
With the introduction of the Purple Timetable in April and to even out the length of conductors shifts the crews from the 10.00am Gembrook Train will swap with the Lunch Train crew on arrival at Lakeside and return to Belgrave on the Lunch Train, while the Lunch Train crew will continue on to Gembrook and stay with that train for the remainder of the day. Please contact me if you have any queries.
Sign on times 9.00am for 10.00am Gembrook and 10.30am shuttles
Sign on times 11.00am for Lunch Train / 2nd Gembrook 12.20pm
I am currently assisting Jean with the filling of uniform orders, if you have any outstanding orders please email or phone me and I will endeavour to chase up your order as soon as possible. Check under Conductor Roster Clerk in the back of Monthly News for my contact details.
Darren Baker
A reminder that the next S&T Branch meeting will commence at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday April 8. As usual, the venue is 10 Kings Rd Emerald.
Thanks to those who have made suggestions re obtaining these items. To date we have had no success, so we're still on the lookout for any units people may be able to source.
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.
A reminder to include the battery number when reporting radio faults.
The new Down Inner Home Signals were brought into use on Tuesday March 14th. The ability for the first train on the blue timetable to arrive directly into No.1 road has been greatly appreciated by the operating staff.
Works are resuming at Menzies Creek following the successful signalling additions at Lakeside. Wiring for the 'Outer Homes' is currently undergoing testing and other wiring works have re-commenced.
Andrew Wheatland.
Are still running even though they seem to be cancelled more times than not. I do not anticipate that they will continue after March.
Terry Lee has decided to move on to greener pastures. Over the period Terry has been in this role he has been absolutely fantastic. He not only has run the roster to perfection but he has kept us amused with his wit and charm, I will certainly miss Terry's reports.
I could not say enough congratulations on a job well done. Thank you very much Terry, and hopefully next year we will still see you putting around on NK2.
Obviously now Way & Works is in need a of a new roster officer. Anybody who feels like working with a great bunch of guys is most welcome to apply. No previous experience required. Please if you can help out ring or talk to Tom Kilner for more details.
Starting on April 3rd, we are planning to do major repairs on the Monbulk Creek trestle bridge. I envisage the project will take approximately 7-8 days work. The major tasks involved are changing the right side outer piles on Piers 6 & 8. The way in which you interpret which is the left or right side of the bridge is, you stand with your back to Melbourne facing the bridge. Right hand side of the bridge on the right and so forth. On Pier 11 we are changing both outer piles and the down end cross head.
This will all be completed under traffic.
Work continued in the section between Selby and Selby-Aura Road, with the major work being resleepering and changing modified fish plates. Just a reminder there is no volunteer week end in April.
Work has started on upgrading Clematis station. At the moment we only have two starters for the project & considering we only have them for two days a week, progress will be slow but we should receive more participants over the coming weeks.
They have been busy working around Belgrave and 'Superman Corner', doing weed eradication and other environmental work. All participants have completed a chain saw course. The scheme has now finished.
Tom Kilner
The Fire Patrol season is drawing to a close and as can been seen in Monthly News, the Fire Patrol Roster only covers the period up to Easter. Should Patrols operate after that date they will run on an 'as needed' basis and the Roster Clerk will contact Patrollers to check on their availability to help in this regard.
Effective immediately, if a Trolley (including the NRR) has a mechanical problem, then this is to be reported in the first instance to the Manager Train Operations Branch (John Hoy) who will then arrange for the matter to be dealt with. Way & Works personnel will no longer be responsible for the maintenance of Trolleys.
As the Fire Patrol Season is ending, I would like to take the opportunity to extend to all Volunteers and Staff who have assisted with Fire Patrols my gratitude and appreciation at your assistance given. Without your very generous donations of time, your willingness to help and to do so with good humour and enthusiasm, Fire Patrols would not have operated as effectively as they have been. It has been my pleasure this Season to have been your Roster Clerk.
After a few years in the 'hot seat' I feel it is time to pass on the Fire Patrol Roster baton to another intrepid soul. If you would like to undertake the Fire Patrol Roster for the next Fire Danger Season (generally starting around December) please let either myself or Tom Kilner know. This also includes undertaking to do the weekend Track Patroller and Way & Works Roster. I might add again, it has been my enjoyment to have acted as your Roster Clerk during this time. I, of course, would be remiss if I did not thank Tom Kilner, (and prior to Tom, John Hoy & John Shaw) and the terrific team in Way & Works for their constant encouragement and support offered me during my watch. Thanks guys!
Terry Lee
Happy Easter from all at Refreshments.
It's Thomas time again - 1st & 2nd April - 8th & 9th April
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 on 9757 0746 or April on 9757 0782.
Puffing Billy Steaming into the 21st Century, DVD, Was $35.00, Now $29.99.
VIDEO, Was $30.00, Now $24.99.
If you would like to apply for the position of Roster Officer for Refreshment services, please contact either myself (see phone number above) or June Ilett for a position description, on 9802 9677 (H) or 9757 0746 (W) as soon as possible.
Great Train Race T Shirts - $10.00. Available at all stations.
April Williams
Work is concentrating on the centre discharge doors, the next stage will focus on the main hopper section. (I presume this refers to the new ballast wagon. ED.)
The work on 8A continues. Please come along, all are very welcome and we will train you in any skills required.
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 yourself 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.
Work of this 2' gauge engine is continuing & the bearings are receiving attention before replacing the rods & the air receivers. The aim is to have the engine operational again by Easter.
We have been given a length of the original 1886 Krupps rail (with the date and manufacturing marks on it) that was used to build the line back in 1899, by Peter Stowell. We are cleaning it up and will mount it on a suitable wooden base to display. Thank you Peter. If any other members have similar memorabilia that they wish to have donated and displayed please contact the Branch Manager, John Frost.
The restoration of this boiler is to commence soon and we plan to use some of the capital from the sale of the Abt engine to extend the roof of the existing shed over the historic stationary engines which are in the open.
The repainting of this historic 5'3" gauge wagon is continuing. The vehicle has received an undercoat with the top coat to be placed shortly in VR Freight Brown/Red. The condition of the steel work is very poor and brushes have pushed through sections where the metal has totally corroded.
John Frost
Due for release early this month is 'S Class' Steam Part 2 by Train Hobby. This book features S302 and S303 along with a lineside essay of these streamlined locomotives in service.
Expected late this month is the third book in the "Super Power on the V.R" Series by Train Hobby. This book is all about the only "H Class" steam locomotive built by the V.R.
Both these books when released will be available from Belgrave Shop for $33.00 each, less your volunteer and/or member's discount.
Part 1 of "Super Power on the V.R - S Class steam" is still available and has become one of the fastest selling books released by Train Hobby since they started publishing their books in 1991. This book is available and sold by G42 Sales through the Belgrave Shop.
Selling pre loved books, magazines, videos, DVD's and memorabilia. The shop is located behind the Emerald car shops in the Thomson building near the playground. We will be open on Saturday 1 st April, 2006 and Saturday 6th May, 2006 between 1pm & 3pm. Appointments for other times can be made by phoning Peter on (03) 9758 5387 to arrange a suitable time.
We would like to thank David Sheppee for his recent donation of books and magazines, Rob Emmerson for his recent donation of magazines and anyone else who may have been missed.
The collection box figures for January were $11.00 and in February $49.50. I would like to thank all those who continue to support our efforts to "Keep G42 Going".
Bruce West.
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.
Last time we went to Eltham, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and this time should be no different.
May, Saturday 27th - Wild East Film Night - Train from Emerald to Gembrook with films in Gembrook Station.
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.
Look for the booking form and get your booking in early before we sell out!
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 (9785-7370 - note new number!).
The next exposure drafts for Sections 9 to 12 of the Heritage Standards Manual are out for comment. There are two hard copies for perusal. One is pinned up in the upstairs Meeting Room while the other is pinned up in the Volunteer Crew Room on Belgrave platform. These may be taken down for reading but must NOT leave the locations and must be pinned back up when finished.
Comments should be received by April 30th and should be addressed to Andrew Rayment at the Belgrave Office. (If you want to email your comments, send your email to Rob Emmerson (rob.emmerson@pbr.org.au) who will forward them on to Andrew. -Ed.)
| FEBRUARY | 2006 | 2005 |
|---|---|---|
| Train kilometres for the month | 3 608 | 3 647 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 3 640 | 3 954 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 285 | 109 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 58 | 57 |
| G 42 days for month | 20 | 28 |
| Carriage kilometres | 32 373 | 32 674 |
| Carriage Days for month | 812 | 848 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1 419 | 1 376 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1 461 | 1 473 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 72* | 11 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 78% | 80% |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 209 | 219 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 239 | 255 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 8 | 9 |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 78% | 81% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time < | 75% | 67% |
* Excludes 21NQR which ran passenger carrying trips of 122 kms.
Bob Wilson
The boiler has been completed at the Chelatchie Boiler Works, USA, and is on its way back to Melbourne. It is due here mid-April. Alan Gardner reports that the repair work is of a very high standard and that the boiler should last for a long time. We would like to thank Joan, Linc and the Chelatchie Boiler Works for the great service that they have provided to the railway. Our thanks are also extended to Alan Gardner & Harold Hibgame for making the effort to go to Washington State for the Hydrostatic testing of the boiler.
The bookings for 861 Footplate Experience continue to come in. This is our major fundraising effort for the Climax. If you have ever dreamed of driving a train, here is your chance to do so for a day. See the Puffing Billy or Climax websites for more details or you can obtain a Booking Form from either the Belgrave office or myself.
John Conway, jfgconway@yahoo.com
The March workshop day saw work continue on the slide bars & coupling rods from 8A. It is remarkable how much there is to learn about maintaining locomotives. If you would like to see what happens behind the scenes of our working railway, feel free to come along on our workday. You might find that you want to jump in and have fun with us.
A survey of the fire fighting & safety equipment was also done. This is important as there have been many changes to the layout of the workshop recently.
Our next workday is Saturday 1 st April.
John Conway, jfgconway@yahoo.com