November 2006#400
November 2006
#400
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 .
The publication of this issue was delayed by my computer crashing. I apologise for the delay, it was beyond my control - Bill.
All of us in Puffing Billy and the wider community who knew Bob and Colleen Farr were saddened to learn that half of that wonderful partnership left us on Wednesday 4 October. Bob and his family arranged a lovely send-off for Colleen at Gembrook and Bob has been bravely "soldiering on" with his Railway duties despite his great loss. Our thoughts and support are there for you, Bob.
Much loved stalwart of the Gembrook line locomotive 8A is back in traffic! For most of the last century, this beautiful piece of machinery has been one of the icons of our railway and it is wonderful to again hear 8A's "woof" (not "bark") from its unique modified front end. Also, we now know how NAs are meant to ride around corners - 8A's NEW front and rear pony trucks take our sharp corners as though they aren't even there! Congratulations to all who have laboured to see 8A steam again.
Today (Thursday 26 October) saw us carry our 8th million passenger since we re-commenced running in 1962. What a mile-stone!! The lucky passengers were a family of 4 from Brisbane who received luncheon, overnight accommodation at Glovalley Bed & Breakfast and an evening on the Dinner Special. We will benefit from the good publicity, with most of the media present for the occasion.
The most recent Society Executive meeting decided to provide funds to the Board for two important capital works projects - a new underframe for Guards Van 2NC to replace the one "bent" in a heavy shunt some months ago and interpretive signs to go in all of the wooden bodied NBH Cars (except 8 NBH, which will receive a special heritage sign). The case for returning 2NC to traffic is clear - it is a heritage vehicle and badly needed for summer running. Thanks to Nick Anchen's initiative and hard work, we will soon see signs in our most popular passenger carriages detailing the key features of our line, its history, current products and a call for volunteers. Thank you Nick for your work!
At this point an offer of employment has been made to the preferred candidate for the new role of Special Events Manager, after interviewing an excellent field of applicants, with a provisional commencement date of Monday 20 October, "just in time" to start work on the 2007 Great Train Race. Once the offer is formally accepted, we will feature a profile of the new person. A strong field also applied for the General Manager position and the first round of interviews is planned for Monday 30 October. See next month's MN for details of both positions!
During discussions of the draft Belgrave Station Master Plan earlier this year an idea emerged that there might perhaps be some benefit if Puffing Billy's passenger station were located in Belgrave Township in the same general area as the electric suburban station. The logic was that this would (a) improve Puffing Billy's visibility (currently we are anything but visible), (b) overcome our current accessibility and car-parking problems (c) improve interchange with electric trains and buses (c) improve our interaction with Belgrave Township (d) enhance the viability of our refreshment rooms (e) enable our visitors to appreciate the essential "raison d'etre" for Puffing Billy in the first place as an extension to the broad gauge system (currently this essential heritage message is completely lost) and (f) free up space on our current site for "back-room" activities such as the long awaited carriage shed.
We shared the concept with the Belgrave Traders Association, of which we are a Member, and it soon became obvious that the "Belgrave Township Vision" (as it became known) is really about much more than Puffing Billy - it is also about the whole future of Belgrave Township, incorporating issues of car-parking, visual presentation, public transport and traffic circulation. The Association has enthusiastically embraced the Vision and after discussions with many interested parties, including Yarra Ranges Shire Council, the Association has called a public meeting at the Belgrave Masonic Hall at 9.30am on Monday 13 November to unveil its proposals and seek community input. We have yet to adopt an official position on the Vision but will be active participants in all future discussions. Puffing Billy members, volunteers and staff are most welcome to attend this important meeting.
| Andrew Stephens Chief Executive Officer | John Thompson PBPS President |
Society members are reminded that the Society's A.G.M. is on Sunday the 19th. As usual it will be in the Masonic Hall, Bayview Road, Belgrave. Members should have voted by the time they receive this Monthly News. Results will be announced at the A.G.M.
Dan O'Connor, PBPS Hon. Secretary
Please note that applications for the next safeworking course (No 28), which commences in February 2007, close on November 17th 2006.
Application forms are available in the Station Masters' Office at Belgrave.
Contact Robert Emmerson, Traffic Manager (rob.emmerson@pbr.org.au ) or Ray Williams (raynsuew@bigpond.net.au) if you would like an email copy sent to you.
Note: - Prerequisite for this course (see selection critera). Applicants must be members of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society and have attended an Introduction to Safeworking Course in the last 2 years or will be attending one in 2006.
Ray Williams, Safeworking Training Officer.
With the introduction of our fire season as of Monday November 1st, a desperate call and reminder for trolley drivers and assistants to get your act together again! Inquiries to Tom Kilner. Here's your chance to see how a completely refurbished trolley performs!!
Thanks to all who have contributed to the writing, collation and distribution of Monthly News. 400 monthly issues has meant much work. At times it seems unremitting, you do one issue and the calendar indicates that the next is due. In that way is like running a railway. We have never missed an issue, although there have been a few near misses. Thanks again to all whom have contributed to it. Like many things around Puffing Billy it is a record of which we can be proud.
You may remember that we traditionally try to issue January's Monthly news before Christmas. It usually includes the post-Christmas December rosters so that the busy season is in one block. Here is advance warning that the deadline for January's Monthly News will be Friday the 8th of December. Give your roster clerk a Christmas present - volunteer early and often.
The 2007 Great Train Race will be held on Sunday the 6th of May. Please reserve this Sunday so that you are available to volunteer for the railway's major event. If you wish to volunteer for the Saturday as well we will probably be able to accommodate you. Keep the weekend free. As usual it is the first Sunday in May.
On Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th November 2006 we are to have a display at the Lilydale Show to encourage people to become volunteers at Puffing Billy. Can you help us to 'man' the display on these days? Please contact Sue Ham for more information.
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.
The car stickers have finally arrived, so if you would like a PB car sticker, please email Sue on sue.ham@pbr.org.au and she will arrange delivery.
Deb Woodward has misplaced her 'Shunters' style Hat and would dearly love to get it back. If you have seen it somewhere around the railway, please let either Rob Emmerson or John Hoy know or send it back to either of us in the office.
Just to advise that we have received all the comments regarding the proposed timetables for the 2007/2008 season. These are being considered and a decision will be made shortly as to exactly what we are going to operate during this period.
Thank you to all the people who took the time to send in their thoughts.
As at 13 th October, the following persons have outstanding mail in the Belgrave Station Master's office. Please come and collect it.
Sean Baxter, Mathew Batt, Keith Cree, Richard Colin, Wendy Campbell, David Couch, Joy Davies, Graham Cornish, Thomas Collins, Colin England, Greg Campbell, Stuart Fife, James Finn, Alex Fahraufan, Kevin Eisfelder, Ben Graham, Nakheel Hussian, Imrain Hussian, Alan Hodskin, Peter Harcourt, Steve Holmes, Brian Hutton, Colin Kinross, Jessica Ling, David Isherwood, Chris Jackson, F Jensen, Rick Holden, Steven Martin, Ian Mclennan, Les Lynch, Keegan Marsh, Warren Mauseth, Alex Mclauchan, Paul Pavlinovitch, Luke MacWhirter, Gerald Mc Donald, Bill Major, Jessica O'Connor, Andrew Miller, Trevor Smith, Pat Ritter, Walter Ritter, Reg Sharp, John Scott, Denzil Seneviratne, Peter Stowell, A Rochett, Aaron Templeton, Warren Turner, Ashley Taylor, Brian Thompson, Ben Vanderlinde, Alias Webster, Shayne Van Der Wolde, Ron Welsh, Robert Weiss, Shelley White
The fifth "Kids Fun Run with Thomas" was held on Sunday 8th October at Gembrook.
This charity fund-raising event is organised by a partnership between the Rotary Club of Emerald and District, the Puffing Billy Railway and the Gembrook Township Committee and this year raised funds to provide a playground for the Children's Cancer Wing of the Monash Medical Centre.
The day involved a record 621 children competing in five different events and with assistance from 'Variety, the Children's Charity' we raised in excess of $50,000.
Very special thanks go to Bob Farr for his work both in preparation for the day and in playing the role of Sir Topham Hatt on the day despite the tragic loss of his wife Colleen just a few days before.
Thanks to all the Puffing Billy people who worked so hard to help make the event such a success.
John Shaw
Work commenced on re-building this bridge on 4th October and concentrated on preparing the bridge for dismantling.
On 8th October the main steel span over the station and railway track was lifted off its piers and placed on a semi-trailer using a 75 tonne crane. Because the bridge is over an electrified railway track this work was done between 1am and 5am on the Sunday morning with the overhead power turned off. The span was then taken to Newport Railway Workshops, where we have commenced restoring it.
Since then a specialised contractor has grit blasted and painted the cast iron staircase which is the only remaining original part of the bridge built in 1883.
Seven of the nine spans of the bridge were made of timber and work is now well under way to replace virtually every piece of timber including over 900 pickets on the fences.
John Shaw
Congratulations to Tony Marsden for the coverage we received on Channel 9 News on Sunday 8 th October. We look forward to further exposure please!
Thank you to all those who attended the familiarisation trip to Gembrook. From the feedback I have received, the time spent was worth while, but not many places can guarantee that they will always be open when we operate a service.
Opportunities exist for people to work in the Refreshment area as sales persons over the peak Summer season. Applications in writing to April Williams. If you are currently a volunteer, you are welcome to apply for these positions, in addition to your normal rostered work. Note:- these will only be short term paid positions.
Shirley Westerberg
I will be holding a Passenger Services Seminar for all staff on Tuesday 21st November at the Belgrave Masonic Hall, Bayview Road, Belgrave. Please email me jean.clowes@pbr.org.au or leave a message if you can attend. I would like to take the opportunity to discuss with as many staff as possible issues relating to our peak Christmas & January period. There will be issues for all staff:- Station Masters, Booking Officers and Conducting, so please try and be available.
Please could all staff always check Monthly News to see that you are rostered on your correct shift etc. Sometimes us poor Roster Officers make the odd mistake or a message hasn't been passed on. Thank you for that.
Ross Peterken has handed over Conductor training to Keith Trace. Keith's contact details will be listed in the December Monthly News. I'd liked thank Keith for volunteering to assisting in this training role. My thanks to Ross Peterken for the excellent job he has done with training.
I still have white shirts for sale at $20.00. Also available are long sleeve blue shirts - I have received new stock and have a small number of each size at $30.00 each.
Jean Clowes
If you are able to spare some time to work at Thomas, it would be much appreciated. Could you please call June or April.
April Williams
With Christmas fast approaching, how about a "new DVD" for the person who thinks they have everything! In our Belgrave Shop we stock the latest releases from Steam Media - an ideal Christmas gift for that favourite person! Steam Media Productions are proudly produced in Victoria and have an established a reputation for excellence. These are DVD releases of previously released VHS productions.
2 Hours, 15 mins playing time. The latest volume in this best-selling series features G42 double heading with 12A, 6A and 7A bunker to bunker, '5A' on the Olde Gembrook Pass, Thomas Day at Emerald, PBPS 50th Anniversary luncheon train & personalities, G42 journeying to Gembrook on the regular Pass, CFA and wood cut specials and G42 on spark emission trials. Of course there is other gauge action featuring Double headers Y + D3, D3 + K, K + K, spectacular aerial shots of K160 on the VGR, Steam on Glen Waverley line1 in 30 grades, fifteen different locos on over 50 operations, VGR mixed to Castlemaine, Driver training specials, D3 and 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 plus much, much more
2 hours playing time. This very popular production comprehensively covered steam tours in Victoria's Mallee and midland districts during 2002 on lines destined to be re-gauged from broad to standard. Enjoy the historic sights of steam tours on a magnitude that is almost impossible to repeat. Join K190, Dü639, R711 and R761 from dawn to dusk for many memorable sights as they journeyed to Murrayville, Mildura, Yelta, Inglewood, Castlemaine, Moolort and St Arnaud.
2 hours playing time. 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 R 711 & R 761 with double 38 class is absolute history and will never be repeated. Join the week long action from trackside and cab. Also features Bellarine Railway's Easter extravaganza with M, PB & V class locos.
2 hours playing time. Features over 21 different steam locos in action. Highlights of the 60 history making operations include: D3 639 solo to Yelta: A cabride on Lempor exhaust fitted 6A; Double headers - R+R, J+K, D3+R, K+R; 'Super R' 711 on Warrnambool and Echuca services; K 160 on the first VGR steam train beyond Muckleford; BPR Easter Specials: Puffing Billy 'little locos' push/pull at Cockatoo; K163 hauling the veteran car set at MRPS; Y 112 at Echuca Wharf line re-opening AND MUCH MORE ......
We also have stocks of A GARRATT GOES AGAIN PARTS 1 & 2which are two of the biggest selling and most popular DVDs we have ever had in the Belgrave Shop. As a pair, these DVDs are The definitive record of G 42's restoration, test runs, official launch and first 15 months of regular ETRB operations.
90 minutes playing time. This DVD comprehensively covers every line test trip of G42 as well as the PBPS and official launch trains. View the action of multi-camera shoots from lineside, parallel roads, in track and the footplate as G 42 made its historic return to service. There are brake tests on Emerald and Fielder banks, turning at Emerald, night trials, 16 car trains and the footage aired on Channel 9 News of the public launch featuring Tim Fischer which was filmed by member Tony 'Ashcat' Marsden. The majority of footage is exclusive as Steam Media were the only camera crews present to capture these historic occasions.
2 hours playing time. After a review of Garratt history, past and current operations worldwide and VR service, this outstanding DVD shows a day in the life of G42 from light up to end of day 'hostle'. It exclusively features member Chas Bevan's priceless restoration footage during the 15-year rebuild, with Project Manager Harold Hibgame describing many of the processes involved. There are scenes of the loco's first move as a 'rolling chassis', the first light up of the boiler, the first move of the completed loco and a brief look at the test runs and launch. Sequences in regular service include the first public lunch train, Tim Fischer's book launch, the first runs of G42 on the 'Night Train', Great Train Race, Santa Special and Gembrook mixed as well as scenes of the first major workshops exam.
It is proposed to conduct a Fire Risk briefing for loco crews at 7pm on November 1st at Belgrave workshops
I have a small number of sets of Red & Green Flags for sale. These are available for $20.00 per set and would be ideal for those who have their own Guard's Kit Bags. Contact Rob Emmerson (email to rob.emmerson@pbr.org.au) if you would like to purchase a set. Be Quick - there is a strictly limited number of sets available for sale.
A reminder to all Guards and Signalmen that all Outer and Inner Home Signals 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.
| SEPTEMBER | 2006 | 2005 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 80% | 68% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 74% | 80% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 74% | 70% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,240 | 3,489 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 3,402 | 3,449 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 43 | 190 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 60 | 69 |
| G42 days for month | 19 | 10 |
| Carriage kilometres | 29,544 | 30,126 |
| Carriage Days for month | 818 | 821 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,345 | 1,307 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,302 | 1,424 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 45 | 105 |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 208 | 201 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 226 | 209 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 6 | 16 |
A request please. A very small number of guards are dropping in their running sheets several days after being on duty. I try to do my work in two batches each month. If I subsequently receive a TRS for a day I have already covered, it creates a great deal of extra work for me amending a number of figures and slotting in extra data, particularly if it covered a previous month.
I'll also take this opportunity to remind everyone to please glance over your sheets front and back to check everything has been filled in before handing them in. It is not unknown for a complete trip or consist to have been omitted because a guard forgot to transpose information from the book or piece of paper they were originally written on.
However, the standard of completed TR sheets is generally excellent and for that I am very grateful. It is a far cry from the 'bad old days' of earlier times!
Bob Wilson
With the completion of the projects that the railway was able to fund utilising the CSF funds, it was found that while the Branch had some funds available to assist in the proposed transfer of the carriage repairs to Belgrave, the railway at the moment has been unable to fully fund this work. However this is not the end of the proposal as outside sources of funds are being sought. Once this has been secured please watch the progress at both Belgrave and Emerald.
Once again the branch took part in the Emerald Winterfest and displayed the Museum trolley fleet
.As it may be some time before we move to Emerald, we are investigating the possibility of re-opening the Museum to the public in the usual way as in the past. An inspection will be done to ensure that it is appropriate to do this.
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 each 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 has continued on this exhibit and the woodwork has been completed and repainted. We are now working on the motor.
This has been going on over the spring and we have our water tank full of rainwater to allow us to water the gardens in the museum using this water and not Melbourne's precious water. So if you see our garden being watered at night this is from our tank and is regulated by a time clock.
John Frost
Low numbers attending on the 2nd Saturday and 3rd Sunday are causing concern and may lead to a review of the arrangement.
Wednesday Night Work Parties. - Now that 8A is completed, work will now focus on the Climax restoration.
Hugh Markwick
Work on the Climax can now be done by the crews on Wednesday nights and the first Saturdays as 8A has been finished. The turnout for the Sunday workshop days has been low. These will be curtailed if numbers don't pick up. There is plenty and varied tasks to do, so come along for a few hours and help the Climax get back on track.
The Footplate Experience Trains continue to gather steam. We are now taking bookings for 2007. These trains offer a great day out doing something that most can only dream about. They are great fun and have been immensely enjoyed by all our Guest Drivers.
Climax merchandise will be on sale at the AGM. This is your chance to buy a shirt, coffee mug or the much-needed pair of overalls. Bring along your Christmas shopping list and we can help you. We will also be selling a massive number of railway magazine and books at very reasonable prices. We want them to go to your good home!
In 2007, we are planning to run a series of Gasworks Specials. Locomotives 861, 986 and Sir John Grice will be going on excursions and taking two carriages. The trips are spaced throughout the year. These outings will be a rare opportunity to ride behind these locos on their own. Tickets will be available for single trips. There will also be a season ticket offering a good rate for all 3 trips. Look for more information and booking forms in Monthly News and Narrow Gauge early 2007. Details will also be on the Climax webpage.
John Conway, jfgconway@yahoo.com
My thanks to those members who attended to the numerous requirements whilst I was on leave.
The new arrangements at the Up end should be installed by now and we trust are providing a welcome relief to the train crews. The down end will be completed in the near future.
The new Voice Mail system was activated on some phones last month and other changes are proceeding apace. Again, if something appears to not work as you expect, please contact S&T at the depot (650) and we'll get it sorted out.
Andrew Wheatland.
For the final event for 2006, we 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 in the convivial company of your Puffing Billy colleagues. This is followed by a pause in the return journey to welcome in the New Year at Menzies Creek before our return to Belgrave.
This event regularly sells out and bookings are rolling in already, so book early to ensure your place.
.For enquiries, please ring Jeff Goodwin (evenings on 9785 7370.)
Travel by bus from Belgrave (pick up & drop off at other points also) to visit some of the Yarra Valley's famous wineries; watch for the booking form shortly!
Travel by train from Emerald to Gembrook, hauled by 861 & 'Carbon' for the first of this year's film nights. Refreshments provided during the interval and photo stops scheduled during the train journey.
Travel by train from Belgrave to Emerald and visit the Gemco Theatre Company and enjoy one of their plays. Dinner provided at the theatre.
The second of this year's film nights will be held at Emerald (in the Thomas building, if available). Travel by train from Belgrave to Emerald with refreshments provided during the interval.
Join your colleagues as we travel by bus to Healesville and enjoy a trolley ride and dinner as we make our annual visit to one of Victoria's other steam preservation centres.
Out with Old and in with the New as we again celebrate New Year's Eve at the Packing Shed. Travel by train from Belgrave. Catering provided.
For enquiries on any of these events, please ring Jeff Goodwin (evenings )
Please note that the November meeting will be held on Monday 6 th November at Belgrave, 7.30pm start. The change is for one month only.
The Archives Group has weekly working days at Kings Road every Monday, with a 11.00 am start, the group includes Geoff Tasker, Ted Godwin & Emile Badewy. Anyone who is interested please contact Geoff Tasker.
A donation of railway books has been received from the Graeme Breydon collection.
Hugh Markwick