December 2006#401
December 2006
#401
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 .
On behalf of the Board and Society we would like to wish all staff and volunteers and their families a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. We thank each and every one of you for the enormous support that you have given the railway over the last twelve months without which we could not keep the railway going. Also, please spare a thought for your Railway over the peak season - if you can spare some time to help during the Green Timetable period this would be especially appreciated!
Further to last MN, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Nadine Hutchins as Manager Special Events. Nadine's key role will be to co-ordinate Puffing Billy Preservation Society events, the principal one being the Great Train Race, in return for which the Society is contributing most of Nadine's salary. Nadine will also be looking for opportunities to expand Puffing Billy's events business generally. Nadine has over 17 years experience within the event industry, working for The Convention Network, the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Conference Organisers, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia and The Global Foundation and is also a committee member of the Middle Distance Bicycle Club. Nadine is currently settling in at the Belgrave office and will attend her first Great Train Race Committee meeting on 29th November. Welcome to Puffing Billy!
A few weeks ago we were delighted to learn that Deb Lyons is going to be a Mother. Unfortunately for us, Deb has carefully considered her future and has now decided to leave Puffing Billy as of 21st December to concentrate on her new life and her studies. We may think that we know all of the many things Deb does around the Railway, but the truth is that we will probably only really discover the magnitude of her contribution when she is no longer with us. From all of us at Puffing Billy, a huge "thank you", good luck and best wishes with your future life.
It is our sad duty to acknowledge the passing of two highly valued members of our Puffing Billy family, John Knight and Beryl Hart. John has been a stalwart of the railway from the early preservation era and we believe as OIC had the distinction of flagging out the very first train on the reopened section from Belgrave to Menzies Creek on 28th July 1962. On 13th November, John was farewelled by his many friends from the Railway and the wider community who travelled on a special train to the Packing Shed and, as is often the case with "quiet achievers", we were humbled to learn of the many activities John had beyond Puffing Billy. For Colin Hart, the loss of his wife Beryl was a sad blow. Those who are privileged to know Colin recognise him as a gentleman and we express our condolences and support at this difficult time.
Further to our report in last month's MN, on 13th November the Belgrave Traders Association publicly launched its vision of a "new Belgrave Township" incorporating Puffing Billy extending back into the Township (Connex) Station. After supportive statements from State and Federal MPs, the Ward Shire Councillor, business and community representatives, a unanimous vote was taken calling for a scoping and feasibility study of the proposals to be undertaken. The following evening Yarra Ranges Shire Council voted unanimously to allocate $125,000 and to seek matching funding from the State Government toward a "Structure Plan" for Belgrave which would include an analysis of the Belgrave Traders' Vision. Puffing Billy will play an active role in the Structure Planning process to ensure that the result is the best that can be achieved for the Railway as well as the wider Belgrave community.
Things are happening at Belgrave and Emerald! Work has already commenced on a range of improvements to our Refreshment Services facilities, including major improvements to the Scullery, the provision of a cool room at the Up end of the platform, air conditioning for the Refreshment Room, re-configuration of the area at the north end of the station building and provision of a large verandah on the eastern side of the station building to increase the amount of covered space for our customers. These works, together with the temporary fitting out of 5NBD as a food service carriage, will improve our handling of food, working conditions for staff and amenity for customers within a tight budget. At Emerald, a Greencorps project will see a facelift for our most original station, including repainting of the station buildings and rebuilding of the original toilet with provision for it to be fitted out as a functioning toilet when funds permit and landscaping & gardening. The Heritage Advisory Committee is providing information on these two stations as required.
Two initiatives at Gembrook which focus on railway and community history are well worth a look. "Transported Back", a photographic exhibition celebrating 150 years of Victorian Railways, is on display in the Gembrook station building until 3rd February 2007. Our sincere thanks to Shirley Westerberg for co-ordinating the installation of this display. The Gembrook History Display consists of a number of permanent photographic boards in JAC Russell Park adjacent to our station which commemorate the lives of Gembrook residents since the first European settlers arrived. Travel by train to view these fascinating historical displays!
Lengthy deliberation and consultation within and outside the Railway has resulted in a 2007 timetable which is substantially based on the 2006 version, but with a number of innovations. These include a focus on minimising the through running times for Gembrook trains (aiming to equal the best regular VR times of 1hr 45mins for the Down and 1hr 30mins for the Up), avoiding long, double headed trains wherever possible, improving the timings of the "Gembrook Rambler" service by commencing trains from Gembrook operating to Lakeside and Emerald township and provision of an afternoon short-working to Menzies Creek for tour buses and late afternoon passengers. Working and Public Timetables will be prepared in the near future.
Puffing Billy is offering great Christmas savings on a wide range of merchandise, including polo and T-shirts, windcheaters, children's clothes and toys at the Belgrave Refreshment Rooms between 24th November and 24th December. Never to be repeated bargains! Shop at Puffing Billy and support your Railway!!
| Andrew Stephens Chief Executive Officer | John Thompson PBPS President |
A few interesting items from the A.G.M. held on Sunday the 22nd November 2006. About 90 to 100 members attended.
| Vice President: | John Hoy (elected unopposed). |
| Treasurer | John Robinson (elected unopposed). |
| Committee | Ray Leivers, Ian Marks, Bernie Holmes & Matt Gardner |
Approximately 385 members voted. This is only 40% of the members.
Nick Anchen, Lachie A'Vard, Heather & David Coombs, Don Fraser, Howard Gration, Wil Renfrey, and Kevin Staines.
Janice Gasking, Peter Beck and (posthumously) Graeme Breydon.
Henry Brohier, David Conlan, Graham Gardner and Chris Raggett.
From July 2007, the full membership rate will be $62 per annum (Associate $40).
It was with great pleasure that the Society President announced that the body of 6NM has been discovered on a farm in relatively good condition. The owners will be pleased to donate it to our railway.
Remember the old Friday afternoon Happy Hour at Belgrave a few years ago? When volunteers & staff gathered after work on a Friday afternoon for a sociable chat at week's end? Well, at an informal gathering at Belgrave recently it was unanimously agreed by those present that we should revive the activity, but as a special monthly event rather than weekly.
All members, volunteers and staff are cordially invited to participate in the 'new' Happy Hour, commencing at 5.15 p.m. in the meeting room at Belgrave, on the FIRST FRIDAY of each month, starting with FRIDAY 1ST DECEMBER. BYO contribution to the nibbles and drinks. All Welcome!
We would like to thank all of Puffing Billy's Volunteers for the work they do. Many of you work behind the scenes, many in front but all of you make up the Puffing Billy family.
Volunteers are unpaid because they are priceless.
Please make welcome the following new volunteers, Lesley Kelly, Karen, Black, Gail Williams, Kim Fawkes, John Freeman, Susanne Schmidt, Murray Farrell, Todd Napaver, Daniel Bell, Kevin Greenough, Russell Painter, Paul Gibson, Stuart Moore, Bradley McKay, Tim Longridge, Tony Howker, Rhylee Wolter, Luke Macwhirter, Richard Wolter, Lydia Rawlings.
Sue Ham
Many thanks to Graeme Cornish, Rolf Jinks and others from '707 Operations' for the hospitality shown to our Loco running group with our end of year function at Newport.
John Hoy
Good quality white shirts are still on sale for $20.00. Also now available long sleeve blue shirts $30.00, whilst heritage style wing collar shirts for $15.00 will be available soon and may be pre-ordered. If you are interested in any of these items there are uniform forms in the SM office.
Jean Clowes
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.
Thanks to James Cron, who has agreed to take on the position of Stationmaster at Cockatoo.
Our peak fares will start on 26 th December and continue to 15 th April 2007. I will be sending you new fare inserts for you conductors book, so please update them. If you don't receive the new fares by 19 th December please let me know and I will get you a copy.
Guards & conducting staff will work the same shifts this year. Details follow the train staff roster.
Please could all trainees organise your training shifts with Keith Trace (contact details on the back pages of Monthly News) or via email to jean.clowes@pbr.org.au . If you find you have availability at short notice please phone the SM Belgrave and he will advise if he has staff to supervise you. This is particularly important on weekends.
There has at times been a little confusion about how to reserve carriages on the 10.30am train on the Blue timetable. This is a 16 car set and the 'Up' end (SM office end) 6 carriages only go as far as Menzies Creek. These carriages are to be reserved for groups travelling to Menzies Creek only. Any groups travelling to Lakeside must travel in the 10 carriages that continue on to Lakeside. Sometimes we book groups to travel in these carriages when the train returns to Belgrave. Also, please remember that an NBH holds 28 Adult passengers.
On weekends, school holidays and other busy times, the Customer Services staff do not book any groups on the 'Up' Gembrook train from Lakeside or Menzies Creek as this train only has a maximum of 8 carriages on it. Most groups doing a return trip to Lakeside are offered an'open return', where they can travel back on any train available ( and not necessarily together as a group). No carriages need to be reserved for groups doing an 'open return'.
Jean Clowes
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Thelma Cotter to the Refreshments division. Thelma's duties will include data entry and monitor stock control. Thelma will also merchandise and stock all shops on the Railway, manage storerooms, perform regular stock-takes and supervise as required. I know you will all make her feel welcome. Thank you.
Once again this year we have managed to obtain a supply of the yummy shortbread biscuits in an embossed tin featuring Puffing Billy on the cover. These retail for much more but are on sale to volunteers & staff for only $6.50 per tin.
To obtain this special price you must order your biscuits from either June Ilett or Thelma Cotter.
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 favorite 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.
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 G42's restoration, test runs, official launch and first 15 months of regular PB operations.
April Williams
Please Note that we are intending to hold an "Introduction to Safeworking Course" on Saturday 2nd December. Please contact Rob Emmerson ( email to rob.emmerson@pbr.org.au) to book your place. At this stage the time and location are likely to be from 1.00pm in the Belgrave Library meeting room.
Please Note that the closing date for the Safeworking Course for 2007 has been extended to 5.00pm on Friday 8th December 2006. Applications Forms are located in the Belgrave SM's office and must be signed by your branch manager or supervisor. These should be forwarded to Ray Williams and can also be handed to Rob Emmerson or John Hoy.
Again this year we are hoping to have a Signalman Belgrave on duty on the 13 days when the Green Timetable is in operation. Safeworkers who are 'Examiners' may fill this role, thus enabling them to assume the role of Train Controller if things go 'pear shaped'. Please contact Rob Emmerson to place your name on the roster.
It is proposed to conduct a one day seminar for those safeworking supervisors interested in becoming (or remaining) examiners for the ensuing 12 months. We are hoping to hold the seminar on the first Saturday in February - more information next month.
A reminder to all Drivers, Guards and Signalmen that no train is to pass a Fixed Signal at Stop where the signal is protecting motorised points. This especially applies to No.10 pass. If the locomotive, after running around and coupling to the up end of the consist, remains on the track circuit for the points, then it will be necessary to set back into the platform to enable the Home Signal to be placed to Proceed. If this is not possible, then the failure provisions must be strictly complied with - i.e. obtaining the fortress key and placing and inspecting the points in the Hand position. It is therefore recommended on the blue (and green) timetable that No. 11 pass, on arrival, come to a halt as close to the Stop Board as possible to provide the maximum clearance at the up end.
| OCTOBER | 2006 | 2005 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 74% | 81% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 73% | 77% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 81% | 78% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,107 | 4,092 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 4,416 | 4,512 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 220 | 43 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 63 | 72 |
| G42 days for month | 30 | 31 |
| Carriage kilometres | 37,009 | 37,189 |
| Carriage days for month | 969 | 990 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,627 | 1,542 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,632 | 1,646 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 40 | 19 |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 232 | 239 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 306 | 305 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 6 | 5 |
Locomotive 8A re-entered service after heavy overhaul, for the first time since July 2003.
At this time of the year there is a significant difference between the scheduled number of trips run and the total number of revenue trips. This is accounted for by the number of special services operated. They are mostly "Thomas" trips ex Emerald although we are starting to see a number of driver experience trips also.
According to my records, the railway operated its heaviest train (since re-opening in 1962) on October 1 st. G42 hauled 19 vehicles at 152 tons on the Luncheon Special. Loco crew were Allan Johnstone and Warren Stephenson with Russ Bowen bringing up the rear. If someone has information of a heavier trip, please let me know.
Bob Wilson
Some re-sleepering has been completed between Belgrave and the Trestle Bridge. Weed spraying has been finished along the track & station yards with excellent results. Asphalting was completed around the Thomas shed at Emerald plus raking & burning in readiness for the recently concluded Thomas events. Point timbers have been replaced in 1 to 2 Road Down end points at Menzies Creek. Some regauging of No.2 Road Belgrave has occurred plus tightening of loose bolts between Nobelius and Pole 190.
Major bridge repairs were completed in early October. The purpose of this exercise was to replace the two outer piles and down end cross head on Pier Eleven. The task was successfully completed within two weeks with the help of a huge crane (130 tonne max. lift) which was required to lift the bridge while the cross head was being replaced. This work and the work completed in April finishes the maintenance requirements from the last engineer's inspection report from three years ago. Many thanks go to Herb Warren and Don English for their time and effort in assisting the Way and Works team and all volunteers who helped on other occasions.
Once again the fire season is upon us, with this year looking to be our driest for a long, long time (despite recent well-received rain). I would expect Fire Patrols to be operating earlier than in the past. Be prepared Trolley Drivers & Assistants to be pestered by our roster officer! Your help over the season will be greatly appreciated. We will start running from the 11th of December, 2006. (See the roster later in this issue.)
Andrew Burns has offered to fill the position of Fire Patrol Roster Officer. Andrew has taken the roster sheets from Tom and all Fire Patrol Drivers and assistants should contact Andrew to fill fire patrol roster vacancies. Andrew can be contacted by email to (email removed at owner's request).
Saturday the 9th of December, 2006 is the date for our Fire Patrol demo. For those who are interested in attending, please contact Tom. Starting time will be 10:00am at the Climax Shed, Belgrave (where the trolleys are housed).
Please be more vigilant with clearing the flange ways on our Gravel Road Crossings. Thank you.
A young group of workers have started at Emerald. This programme is for six months and involves up to ten participants. Their main priorities will be landscaping, fencing and gate repairs of Emerald yard, Lakeside plus weed eradication between Clematis and Beaconsfield Road.
From all of us at the Way and Works Branch, we wish you and your families a very happy and safe holiday season.
Tom Kilner.
The Footplate Experience Trains have been a great success this year. We have run about a dozen this year; most since September, with 5 in November. On Thursday 17th November, a film crew from Getaway came out and filmed the FET for their 2007 season. Erik Thomson was the Guest Driver. These trains have been enjoyed immensely by both the Guest Drivers and their families. The crews have also had fun running the event. Bookings are rolling in for 2007. Please look at the Climax website for details or get a brochure from one of the stations. Thank you to all the Drivers, Firemen, Guards and Porters that have crewed the Footplate trains in 2006.
Christmas gifts of Climax mugs or shirts are a great idea. We have plenty available. Shirts come in various styles, colours and sizes. We can get in whatever you need. Please use the booking form enclosed with Monthly News or else download it from the webpage.
I would like to thank the members of the Climax Committee and the Climax Workshop gang for all their efforts this year. A lot of work has gone into planning and carrying out the FETs. We are getting there. The Climax Committee would like to thank everyone who has supported the project this year. We wish a Merry Christmas to all and we look forward to your continued support next year.
John Conway, jfgconway@yahoo.com
The final meeting for 2006 will be held at 10:00 am, Kings Rd, Emerald on Saturday December 9th.
Following the meeting we will adjourn to the balcony of the Paradise Hotel, Clematis from 12:30pm for Lunch commencing around 1:00 pm.
All Branch members and partners are welcome to attend and your RSVP (to the depot phone or email) by Friday December 1st,) would be appreciated.
A reminder that all vehicles must be signalled across the motorised points unless the points have been secured into the hand position with a flagman in attendance. If locos running around trains remain in the pointwork area, then they must either set back into the platform or the points MUST be placed into the hand operation mode and the associated regulations complied with to pass a signal at stop (refer A16/2006).
The down end point machine and Home Signals at the down end of the platforms will be commissioned before the intense Summer running commences.
All calls are now being handled by either the NEC exchange or the computer based system. Our first electronic exchange (Ericsson MD110) has been retired after many years of reliable service and we trust that the new equipment will provide improved benefits and processes. The incoming lines to the call centre have been increased from 4 to 6 and a noticeable increase in calls has been recorded. It is proposed to increase this capacity further, as additional functions are implemented.
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.
Neil Lewis is currently taking a well earned holiday travelling around India. Neil had put in considerable effort to arrange the connection and transfer of the phones onto the new systems at Belgrave prior to his departure and we trust that he comes back refreshed. Until he does, we are letting the systems bed in and the minor concerns advised to us will be attended to during the coming month.
With the imminent completion of the Signalling Upgrade, it is appropriate to foreshadow one of the new features being implemented.
The current arrangements only allow the signalling for one arriving train to be set up under Guard in Charge working. The new system, when implemented, will allow for the "automatic" arrival of both down and up trains into the station. This will be achieved by allowing the levers (for opposite roads!) controlling the Inner Homes at both ends of the station to be operated at the same time, however the signals will remain at Stop. (as per the existing arrangements at the Up end when a departing train is signalled) The first train to pass inside the Outer Home Signal will trigger the circuitry and the Inner Home signal will clear allowing the train directly into the station. After the safety timer has operated, the signal for the other train will operate automatically and it will also be able to arrive unimpeded. This system will allow trains to arrive "out of order" and will assist greatly when trains have been delayed. [Well done. Ed]
Obviously trains will have to arrive back into the road from which the previous train had departed and suitable instructions will be issued, for the preferred direction of traffic, when the final changes take place.
When a Signalman is present, the signals will continue to be worked manually according to any instructions issued.
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, with cake and a glass of bubbly, before our train returns to Belgrave.
This event regularly sells out and tickets are selling well, so don't miss out, book now to ensure your place.
For enquiries, please ring Jeff Goodwin
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
Clock number 45 is available from the G42 Shop for $150.00. This is new and is the last of the limited run of 50 clocks at this price. Personal shopping only!
Selling pre loved books, magazines, videos, DVDs and memorabilia. The shop is located behind the Emerald Car Shops in the Thomson Building facing the play ground. Our next opening will be on Saturday 3 rd February, 2007. Other times can be arranged by ringing Peter
We would like to thank Hugo van den Berghe Gary Davey, Kevin Eisfelder, Mel Elliott, Kevin & Corrine Larkin, Sue Lucas, Ray Marsh and Bruce West for their recent donations to the shop which "Keep G42 Going".
Some of the books currently for sale::
| An AUSTRALIAN DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE POCKETBOOK | $25.00. |
| AUSTRALIA'S GARRATT | $30.00. |
| A CHANGING DECADE | $25.00. |
| DIESEL PICTORIAL (Orange cover) | $25.00. |
| ELECTRIC RAILWAYS OF NEW SOUTH WALES | $40.00. |
| FIRST STOP CENTRAL | $85.00. |
| GRADIENT BOOK (VR) c.1927 | $45.00. |
| G42 PUFFING BILLYS BIG BROTHER | $40.00. |
| ROMANCE OF THE VICTORIAN RAILWAYS | $25.00. |
| STEAM TO STREZELECKI | $30.00. |
| TENDER INTO TANK (1st Edition) | $70.00. |
Very limited stocks, first come first served.
The donations from our Red collection box in November were $29.05. Thank you to all who continue to support our efforts to Keep G42 Going
Bruce West
I am currently writing an up-to-date and comprehensive souvenir/guidebook for the railway. The purpose of the book is to 'get the message out' to the masses, to educate our passengers about the salvation of Puffing Billy (a fact most are unaware of these days), and hopefully inspire more passengers to join up as either a volunteer or a member.
The book is designed to be an inexpensive item which will raise substantial income for the railway by selling large quantities.
The book will include a history of the railway from the beginning, the tale of our near-obliteration and preservation, a line-side guide pointing out the interesting bits, information on locomotives and rolling stock, information on volunteering and other railway products, plus much more. It is intended to make the book interesting enough to satisfy history and railway buffs, and appealing to the average tourist, who may have little or no knowledge/interest in railways.
I would be most appreciative if anyone could help me with this somewhat daunting and time-consuming project by providing me with good photographs, both old and new, (get your photo's in print!), relevant information, particularly about the early days of the society, and any other items which may be helpful, such as old postcards etc...Hopefully this book will be on sale within six months. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Contact me at: sierra@netspace.net.au,
Regards,
Nick Anchen.