September 2006#398
September 2006
#398
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 .
It is our very sad and distressing duty to inform you that Chairman of the Board and Society Treasurer, Graeme Breydon, passed away early in the evening of Monday 21st August.
Graeme became ill while travelling on the Up Luncheon Special during the afternoon and was taken by car from Menzies Creek to the Angliss Hospital. He was transferred to the Box Hill Hospital where he died at about 7.45 p.m., only one day short of his 55th birthday. While we come to terms with this sudden and tragic loss, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Graeme's family and friends.
(As the following was written by Graeme Breydon after input from John Thompson and Andrew Stephens, we have left his name at the footer for the last time as a mark of respect. Until a new Chairperson is elected by the Board, Deputy Chair Janice Gasking will undertake the Chairman's duties.)
In April 2005 the Board, Management & Society Executive Committee commenced a review and update of the Railway's 2001 Strategic Plan (then titled the "ten year plan"). After numerous meetings and seven drafts the updated document has now been formally adopted, incorporating substantial comments from volunteers, staff and members. This Plan, which has a shorter time focus than the previous one, is developed under a series of guiding principles:
The Plan takes these principles and develops ten Strategic Directions we will pursue and identifies Actions that will be taken to deliver the directions. Copies are now displayed on noticeboards and in crew rooms along the railway. You can send a request to deb.lyons@pbr.org.au to receive a personal copy of the Strategic Plan by reply e-mail.
The Society Endowment fund has received a boost of $30,250 from the estate of long time conductor volunteer the late Hugh Ballantyne for which we are most grateful.
Two reports on the results of the anonymous survey of PBR volunteers have now been produced; a summary that is being mailed to all Volunteers and Members and a more detailed statistical analysis of volunteer recruitment, motivation and satisfaction. The detailed report is displayed on noticeboards and in crew rooms along the railway and includes an action plan, agreed by management, to address areas of dissatisfaction. The report recommendations have caused reprioritisation of some actions listed in the 2005 Volunteer Strategy. Some actions have already been taken as a matter of urgency and work is well advanced on others. Send a request to deb.lyons@pbr.org.au if you want to receive a personal copy of the detailed report by reply e-mail.
Timetable planning for the period from March 2007 is underway and drafts will be available for comment by branch committees and individuals shortly. If you have any suggestions, or want to comment on the drafts contact john.hoy@pbr.org.au.
To ensure we are fully compliant with all requirements, we are about to construct, as a matter of urgency, a new oil store at Belgrave to replace the facility lost when the workshop extension was constructed.
We carried 245,088 passengers in the year to 30th June 2006 (versus 248,852 in 2004/05), bringing to 7,931,286 the number of passengers carried since reopening in 1962. We expect to pass the eight million mark in late October. 139,221 rode the excursion trains plus 76,086 who came in tour groups or charters. 16,220 tickets were sold for Thomas events, 8,613 people experienced the Luncheon Special and almost 4,948 rode on the Dinner Special and Wedding trains. On average our daytime passengers spend $3.48 on food, drinks & souvenirs. Overall our results were fairly positive in the circumstances but we will be trying hard to do better in 2006/07 and need to recognise that the market is changeable and challenging.
| Andrew Stephens Chief Executive Officer | Graeme Breydon Chairman, ETRB | John Thompson President, PBPS |
The Railway offers its condolences to John and Lorna Shaw and family following the death of John's mother at the age of 88 after a long and difficult illness.
We would also like to note the death of Chris Rodakis in June. Chris had been absent from the railway for the past ten years or so. He was a prominent member and regular volunteer in the early days.
Enclosed with the printed issue of M/N is a flyer/order form for this magnificent new book, produced by David Burke and being published by the PBPS as a fund-raising venture.
Although due for release in September, the books are already on hand and all orders received will be processed within 14 days of receipt of order.
Note the option of picking up your copy from reception at Belgrave, which will also apply within 14 days of receipt of your order. Order your copy now to be sure of securing your copy of this limited edition publication.
If you are submitting an IDR and would like a response in writing, you will note toward the bottom of the IDR form that there is a tick box. Simply tick and you'll receive a reply.
John Hoy
On Sunday July 30 th as part of Emerald Winterfest, the railway simulated a level crossing accident between a works trolley and a car. The operation was organised in conjunction with CFA, SES, Ambulance and Police emergency services. At approximately 1.40pm I drove NVW1 up to the side of a pre-prepared wrecked car at Kilvington Drive. The trolley was shut down and the victims placed into the car after being covered in suitable amounts of 'dead-horse'.
The 000 "emergency call" went out, and almost immediately the CFA arrived with their pumper - they had the "fire" under control in no time. The SES was next on the scene and wasted no time at all setting up their mechanical car tin openers whilst their medic evaluated the victims. The Police arrived at high speed and proceeded to control the crowd just as the SES started to cut into the car to remove its roof. The ambulance arrived and prepared to receive the victims. The ambos checked on the trolley driver (me!) taking me from the trolley and sitting me on the ground, after ascertaining I was only in "shock", they moved on to the other victims. SES had by this time removed the passenger and was working on the driver.
The TOG Policeman breathalysed me (0.3 apparently - legally dead - it was Winterfest after all - only kidding - 0.0 really). By this time the car driver rescue was complete and the patients were sped away in the ambulance. I have to say that had the circumstances been real, I would have been very happy to be in the safe hands of our local emergency services - volunteers and paid members alike. Much like our railway people they live for their jobs and eagerly serve the community of which they are part.
The whole scene from start to finish was over in a little under 20 minutes. Not bad for nearly two weeks of organisation to get everyone together. Thanks to Train Operations, Way and Works, Signals & Telegraph, Rolling Stock and Lineside Attractions for the huge degree of cross branch cooperation to pull it off.
Paul Pavlinovich
As part of our food handling requirements, it is important that non-refresh staff DO NOT go behind the counter or into food handling & serving areas. If you want a hot or cold drink or food, please go to the 'customer' side of the counters. This applies to everyone both at Belgrave and at all the out stations. Your co-operation in this matter would be much appreciated.
April Williams
Myford ML7 Lathe for sale. Good condition. $1000 O.N.O.
Parkson No.1NA Milling Machine for sale. Well-used condition. No tooling. $1000 O.N.O.
These machines may be viewed in the Belgrave Workshop at any time by arrangement through Fleur Barrell or Adam Black
Offers will close by the 8th of September, 2006.
As mentioned in the August Monthly News, a date has now been set for the visit to Gembrook. This will take place on Wednesday 11 th .October at 11.30am.
The bus will depart from Gate 4 at Belgrave. The township tour will take about 1 hour, refreshments will be available with complements of the Gembrook traders
To reserve your seat on the bus e-mail Jean Clowes jean.clowes@pbr.org.au.
The Belgrave Traders are also interested in organising a PBR familiarisation of the town and the business, more details in the October issue.
Shirley Westerberg
Steam Media tapes have superbly recorded the changing face of Victoria's rail history for the past twelve years. By popular demand all VHS titles will be progressively released on DVD format.
'Easter Steam 2000' and '2002 - The Victorian Year in Steam' are now available on fully chaptered DVDs. Steam Media's excellent VHS tape vision and sound quality is EVEN better on DVD.
This DVD is 120 minutes in length and features over 21 different steam locos in action. Highlights of the 60 history making operations include: Puffing Billy 'little locos' push/pull at Cockatoo; D 3 639 solo to Yelta; A cab ride on Lempor exhaust fitted 6A; Double headers - R+R, J+K, D3+R, K+R; 'Super R'711 on Warrnambool and Echuca services; K160 on the first VGR steam train beyond Muckleford; BPR EasterSpecials: K163 hauling the veteran car set at MRPS; Y112 at Echuca Wharf line re-opening AND MUCH MORE ...
This DVD is 120 minutes in length. The VHS tape was popularly rated as the 'Best Production on the Millennium Aurora Tour' when 3801 & 3830 journeyed from Sydney to Melbourne, Portland and Dimboola. The 'rail heritage event of 2000' saw steam run on the recently converted standard gauge lines in Western Victoria for the first time. The parallel run of Lempor fitted R711 & R761 with double 38 class is absolute history and will never be repeated. Join the week-long action from trackside and cab. Also features Bellarine Peninsula Railway's 'Easter Extravaganza' with M, PB & V class locos.
The latest volume in this best selling series features G42 double heading with 12A, 6A & 7A bunker to bunker, '5A' on the 'Olde Gembrook Pass', Thomas Days at Emerald, G42 journeying to Gembrook on the regular Pass. and on a CFA Special, triple header with 12, 7 & 14A on the 10.00 am Pass and G42 at night on spark emission trials. Of course there is other gauge action featuring:- Double headers Y + D3, G + Na, D3 + K, K + K, Steam on Glen Waverley line's '1 in 30' grades, 15 different locos on over 50 operations, Victorian Goldfields Railway mixed to Castlemaine, Driver training specials, D3 & K up Ingliston Bank, first steam to Bairnsdale for over 20 years, inside Bacchus Marsh signal box, footplate rides on Y112, G42, K160 and V1209 on the Bellarine Peninsula Railway plus much, much more.....
What an ideal Father's Day present(s) for the rail fan Dad who thinks he has everything.
Just a reminder that Brian Thompson can be contacted by email to pbrconductors@iinet.net.au.
Thank you to all you wonderful booking clerks who have helped fill in all the extra shifts in the booking office for August and September. I have appreciated your extra efforts. Thank you again.
Jean Clowes
Train Operations is seeking expressions of interest for the role of Firemen's Roster Officer. Dave Conlan has completed his 12 month stint and is stepping down as of September 30 th . Thank you Dave for a job very well done. The appointment to this role will be for a 12 month period with the option for you to continue longer if you wish
Just a quick reminder - if you are leaving a carriage consist for a prolonged period of time or over night then every handbrake must be applied and at least two handbrakes at each end must be locked on.
If you are in-between moves, then two handbrakes applied at either end is fine.
We are proposing to run a course for firemen on Sunday September 10 th commencing at 10.00am and going for around 4 hours at Belgrave in the Conference room.
If you are a current qualified Fireman looking to brush up on your knowledge, current Cleaner or Trainee this is for you.
On Sunday October 1st commencing at 5.45 am we are running a practical training session for Cleanersand Trainee Firemen on light up and preparation of locomotives.
Ring John Hoy to register your interest. As places are limited on both courses, first in best dressed!!
Trainee enginemen are reminded they are expected to contact the firemen's roster officer before presenting themselves for footplate duty.
If you don't do this you run the risk of not being able to be accommodated on the day.
Thankyou for your co-operation in this matter
John Hoy
A reminder to all Guards and Signalmen that the new Outer Home Signals at Menzies Creek are automatically returned to STOP by an arriving train. The controlling lever must be operated again to clear the signal for a following train (where applicable). Please ensure that you check the appropriate Signal Repeater on the Block Shelf before departing.
An additional reminder that:- Unless Trains are scheduled to Cross, only one Outer Home Signal should be at Proceed at any given time.
Please refer to the notice on the Block Shelf if in doubt.
Andrew Wheatland
Welcome to the first of the successful members of Safeworking Course No. 27 - Rob Hillis. - congratulations on your achievement.
Paul Pavlinovich
| JULY | 2006 | 2005 |
|---|---|---|
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 71% | 70% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 88% | 88% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 91% | 94% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 2,535 | 3,373 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 2,609 | 3,370 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 58 | 225 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 57 | 76 |
| G42 days for month | 15 | 2 |
| Carriage kilometres | 23,005 | 25,836 |
| Carriage Days for month | 717 | 768 |
| Highest kms operated loco | 1,081 | 1,424 |
| Highest kms operated pass vehicle | 1,127 | 1,498 |
| Highest kms operated wagon | 27 | 108 |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 161 | 172 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 175 | 186 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 6 | 24 |
Bob Wilson
There is a vacancy at the Car Shops for a qualified carriage builder or carpenter. Duties will include maintenance of the wooden bodied carriage fleet, monthly carriage inspections, and advice re maintenance and painting requirements. A driver's licence is required. Written applications to reach Adam Black by 4.00pm on Monday 3rd September please.
Hugh Markwick
The first stage of ballasting, lifting and lining has been completed. There is still minor drainage and tidy up work of the area then this section will be completed.
Renovation of the Stanley Street house is continuing with the office area for the Road Foreman and Buildings Manager being completed. Painting of the exterior has also been started. The new gang shed has been ordered and hopefully will be erected in about four weeks.
All fencing and major work has been completed on the Clematis area, with some more tidy up work on the wood stack and landscaping around the station building area still to be done.
The Departmental Residence at Menzies Creek has had minor upgrading with new carpet, some painting, a thorough cleaning and central heating being installed. The front and rear yards have had a substantial clean up. Other buildings work has concentrated on minor repairs being carried out at various locations along the railway.
Work concentrated on digging jack holes at the Selby project and repairing or replacing whistle boards between Belgrave and Menzies Creek which had been vandalised.
The September work day is the 16th .
We still have vacancies for truck drivers on weekends and more importantly a roster officer. If you are able to assist please ring Tom Kilner or Jason Bell
Tom Kilner
On Saturday 5 th August, the Workshop Volunteers took part in some extraordinary shunting. D21 hauled every vehicle from the Workshop: two NAs, 1 Climax frame and cab, 1 flat NQR with a Climax boiler and assorted NQRs with bits and pieces on them. Never has there been such a motley train consist! They ended up scattered all over the lower Belgrave yard. They were then shunted back into the Workshop ina different order. This was not done to give Lyn Wade and myself waving practice, but to set things up for easier working inside the Workshops. After the dust had settled from the shunting, work resumed. The air compressor, turbo generator and the tanks were lifted from 12A using the wonderful overhead crane.
The new Climax workdays have started. Work on the boiler fittings is the theme for the moment. The new smokebox for the Climax has been rolled and work will soon start on preparing it for drilling and riveting to the boiler. The smokebox will be rebuilt as close to original design as we can.
On Thursday 21 st December 2006, the Climax Committee and the Workshop branch are combining to hold their family Christmas party for all their dedicated workers. Keep this date free. This year we are grabbing a train and heading to Lakeside for a BBQ. We intend to leave Belgrave at approx. 5:30 pm and return about 9:00pm.
John Conway
The Footplate Experience Trains are going well. September and November will see 861 out on the track just about every weekend. There are still some dates available. These make ideal gifts for birthdays or retirement.
The bookings are coming in for 861's 120th birthday party on September 17 th . Get your booking in soon to avoid disappointment. We have some good things planned to make the day memorable. It will be well worth the money.
John Conway
Our next workday will be on Tuesday 26 th September. Wear your best old clothes. The lunch will be up to the usual high nutritional standards and the work will be good, clean and dirty. All most welcome. Give me an email (jfgconway@yahoo.com) to let me know if you are coming.
John Conway
It's that time of the year again. The S&T manager will be away overseas (and without a mobile phone!) from September 12th until October 6th . Issues requiring attention should be directed to either Ian Marks or Alan Gardner.
The new Up Inner Home Signals should now be in commission.
The works at the Up end points are due for commissioning prior to the Manager's departure. We have been devoting considerable effort in order to progress this project and are confident of completion shortly after the manager's return.
We are in the process of replacing the Belgrave Telephone Exchange and the equipment for the Call Centre, the Voice Mail and the Interactive Voice Response systems. Whilst not visible to our users, there are numerous connections being altered behind the scenes. If something appears to not work as you expect, please contact S&T at the depot (650) and we'll get it sorted out.
The additional office at the rear of the Stanley St property has seen the installation of power, phone and computer services. Thanks for the co-ordination of the works which allowed the services to be provided in a planned and timely manner.
The strong winds mid August damaged the phone lines in the Menzies Creek forest (1 wire and circuits transferred to the second pair) and at Nobelius Siding (all 4 wires and the Telstra service - temporary repairs, up and running 2 days later)
Mid August saw the de-commissioning of North Geelong "A" Box and we were onsite the following day to recover numerous rare artifacts (including 4 ground discs). Later the same week, the 6 tonne truck came back fully loaded with assorted point rodding and fittings required for future use around the railway.
We are thankful to Vic Track that this time we were able to rescue these items before the vandals got to have a go and before it was just scrapped (as had been the case with equipment removed from service at Geelong Station).
Andrew Wheatland
Join us as we travel in the splendour and comfort of our own bus (departing from Belgrave and running via Spencer Street) to Castlemaine where we will travel in our own carriage on the way to Maldon. At Maldon there will be time for a winery visit or a leisurely lunch and a walk around the old town before returning on the train to Castlemaine and our bus to Belgrave.
For enquiries and bookings, ring Phil Sutherland.
.We are pleased to announce that are once again offering 'Midnight at Menzies', which has to be the best value-for-money New Years Eve event in Melbourne! The evening includes train travel from Belgrave to the Packing Shed, where a buffet dinner will be served and a rare Highland treat may be enjoyed! This is followed by a pause on the return journey to welcome in the New Year at Menzies Creek before our return to Belgrave.
This event regularly sells out, so book early to ensure your place using the form enclosed with this copy of Monthly News. For enquiries, please ring Jeff Goodwin
Our calendar of events for next year is being finalised and should be available shortly. Watch this space! For enquiries on any of these events, please ring Jeff Goodwin
.Following a successful application for a grant an independent consultant has surveyed our archive holdings and storage, both at Kings Road and off railway holdings and is preparing a written report for our information.
Thanks to Norm Wadeson for his donation of early PBPS records, and to Hugh Markwick for a poster and newspaper cutting.
Hugh Markwick