February 2007#403
February 2007
#403
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 .
I am delighted to announce that we have received a Community Group of the Year award from Yarra Ranges Shire Council in recognition of the contribution of our Volunteers to Puffing Billy. I know how important our Volunteers are to Puffing Billy but how wonderful that our local Council has officially recognised your contribution!
One of my priorities as your CEO is to improve our relationships with our local communities, recognising that for a variety of reasons we have not always got on as well as we would like with our neighbours. An area of contention has been the management of environmental weeds along our 24km corridor, the main challenge being our ability to effectively co-ordinate the various community groups and individuals willing to help us.
To address this deficiency, we applied for funding from the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority for a part-time Environmental Co-ordinator and today learnt that we have been successful. Watch the next Monthly News for details once the necessary contractual details have been sorted out.
And thanks to Deb Lyons who took the initiative to identify this opportunity and prepare the grant application. I have already contacted her to inform her of her success.
Now that the 2007 six train running period is behind us, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed. This year was particularly difficult, with wildly varying weather conditions (everything from Total Fire Bans to winter-like cold snaps) which required re-marshalling train sets and last minute amendments to rosters. Even so, we did well. A big thank you to everyone!
Following the State elections in November last year, the Honourable Tim Holding MP has been appointed as Minister for Tourism and, therefore, the "Minister for Puffing Billy". I have already been in touch with our new Minister's personal staff and am delighted that Mr Holding has scheduled a visit to Puffing Billy as one of his immediate Ministerial priorities.
The September 2006 MN provided a brief snapshot of our 2005/06 results which, at the time, were a source of very real concern. In brief, the position was that:
The need to match State government grant funding over a number of years had seriously depleted our reserves and working capital.
The long term costs of the Gembrook extension were starting to "bite".
Our trading results were disappointing in almost every area, falling short of anticipated budget outcomes.
In the absence of concerted action, the position would have become increasingly uncomfortable with the Railway's immediate and long term survival under considerable threat. Accordingly, the Board and the Management Team pursued a number of strategies to turn around the immediate situation.
The end-December 2006 Results show that the immediate peril has been averted, thanks to much hard work, good management and a kinder trading environment. Key points are:
Net Profit before depreciation and grants was 6% above budget and 95% above December 2005 (remembering that we still make a loss after depreciation).
Excursion Train revenue was 4% above December 2005.
Catered Train revenue was 6% above budget and 17% above December 2005.
Shop profits were 23% higher than the previous year.
Operating Expenses were 2% below the previous year.
Cash balances were double the level of December 2005.
Working capital is very considerably higher than in December 2005.
But, if this all sounds very rosy, we are not "out of the woods" just yet! Every year we need a "nest egg" of working capital to carry us through the lean winter months and although we are better positioned than a year ago, our working capital is still only about 25% of what it should be and we would need to increase our annual profit by around $500,000 to avoid making a loss after depreciation.
In addition, the long term additional costs of things like the Gembrook extension, ever increasing Rail Safety Regulation and other regulatory requirements and long term maintenance of our carriages, locomotives and buildings have yet to be fully felt and must be accommodated in the future. Finally, our trading environment remains fickle - look at the number of TFB's (total fire bans) this year and the impact on revenue!
However, our achievement over the past twelve months is a great credit to everybody and I most sincerely thank every volunteer, member of staff, manager and the Board for "turning Puffing Billy around".
This year we will be undertaking major planning exercises on four major strategic projects which will have a lasting and potentially positive impact on Puffing Billy's future viability:
Please have your say! If you have an interest in any of these exciting topics, please contact me at andrew.stephens@pbr.org.au.
Our new General Manager Business Development, Mr John Andrea, will commence duty on Monday 29th January, for a two week handover from Shirley Westerberg who ceases duty on Friday 9th February.
John Andrea's career features a variety of sales, marketing, business development and general management roles in the IT sector plus experience in the paint and industrial instrument industries. John also has a strong interest in railways, having visited many leading overseas operations (eg the Durango & Silverton) and has served as the President of the Mooroolbark & District Miniature Railway and President of the Melbourne Society of Model and Experimental Engineers. John is married with two adult children and has personal interests in documentary video production, writing and travelling.
A week later, our new Executive Assistant, Dianne Gadsden (see January MN), will commence her Puffing Billy career on Monday 5th February, so please make John and Dianne very welcome!
And, a huge thank you to Shirley Westerberg for her "slightly elastic" six month's service with Puffing Billy. Shirley has made a big contribution in a very short time and has also made many friends at Puffing Billy. Shirley, farewell but not goodbye!
As one outcome of the Volunteer Survey, we are doubling the number of Information Nights from two to four each year. The first Information Night for 2007 is to be held at7.30pm on Wednesday 21st February at the Belgrave Masonic Hall.
Please!! ..... This is your opportunity to have your say, ask questions and express your views about absolutely anything to do with Puffing Billy so be there!! An important agenda item will be to discuss the format and venue for future Information Nights. Please advise if you have an agenda item. Would you like them to be held somewhere other than Belgrave? Would you like a guest speaker? Or light refreshments? Please have your say!
Andrew Stephens
Chief Executive Officer
One of our long time volunteers, Norm Wadeson, has decided to retire from active safe working roles. I know it may embarrass him just a little but Norm is one of our "founding fathers" whose contribution is understated, even when you use the words "very significant".
Norm has been involved in so many parts of this wonderful railway and is always ready to share his knowledge and experience. Norm has promised to stay in touch as he has several unfinished projects that involve us.
On behalf of the many people who benefited from your experience, friendship and guidance - thanks. From my own personal experience, thanks for so much Norm.
John Hoy
Although he is not getting any younger (who amongst us is!), many of us who fondly remember Lon Wymond and value his massive contribution to Puffing Billy will be pleased to know that we are still in regular contact with Lon and he retains his keen interest in the organisation he led for over three decades. On behalf of us all I wish Lon a Happy New Year.
John Thompson
President, PBPS
Ink cartridges to suit HP deskwriter, deskjet or officejet series printers. Two black (51629A) and one colour (to suit HP 500, 600 & 700 series printers). $15 the lot. Contact Sue Ham for details.
As the weather is so warm we have been putting large containers of water in the fridge in the crew rooms at Belgrave and Lakeside, and smaller ones at Menzies Creek and Gembrook. We are asking for your help in keeping the supply topped up so please advise Sue on 415 or 715 when the reserve container is put in the fridge.
We have also been donated water bottles from Coke. There is a limited supply so please reuse your bottle. If you would like one, they are in the Stationmasters office at Belgrave or the crew room Belgrave
We would like to remind crews of the importance of hydrating.
Sue
We would like to congratulate Peter Binks, who received an Honourable Recognition Award, celebrating National Seniors Day 2006.
Sue
I am now residing in the portable on the platform next to the staff room. There is a brand new sign "Volunteer Coordinator" outside next to the door. If you need a new name badge, or you have not received monthly news, or would just like a chat and you are passing just drop in for a visit and cuppa, or you can ring me.
The car stickers have finally arrived. If you would like a PB car sticker, please e-mail Sue on sue.ham@pbr.org.au or phone 9757 0715 and we will arrange delivery.
As at Friday 19th January, the following persons have outstanding mail in the Belgrave Station Master's office. Please come and collect it from the pigeon holes.
Andrew Burns, Gayle Blake, Barry Rogers, Sean Baxter, Daniel Bell, Thomas Collins, Graham Cornish, Joy Davis, Jemma Eastwood, James Finn, John Freeman, Dean Roberts, Bronwyn Gardner, Scott Houlder, Rick Holden, Simon Hughes, Brian Hutton, Steve Martin, Adel LeBreton, Gary Manning, Tod Napaver, Luke MacWhirter, Bill Major, Tim Longridge, Bruce Mcintyre, Warren Turner, Stuart Turnbull, Trevor Smith, Rodney Watson, Robert Weiss, Rhylee Wolter.
As you are all aware, my extended six months at Puffing Billy will finish on Friday 9th February. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the assistance and support received. I have really enjoyed my time, albeit short, and hope you feel that I have been able to contribute to the advancement of this great railway. I wish you all & Puffing Billy every success in the future and, in particular, my successor, John Andrea.
Finally, I must say that I am fortunate to have worked with such wonderful company. Thank you all.
Following our general advertisement for Head Station Masters in mid 2006, we have now accepted applications for all major stations except Lakeside and Menzies Creek. Menzies Creek is a key priority because of:
Applications are now sought for the position of Head SM Menzies Creek, to take overall management control of Menzies Creek station "between the home signals". Preference will be accorded to applicants who are willing to reside in the Menzies Creek Departmental Residence, with suitable financial arrangements to ensure we remain within the applicable tax laws. The successful applicant will have sound management skills, commercial acumen and either possess qualifications relevant to station operations or be prepared to obtain these within an agreed time-frame.
Please contact John Andrea, GM Business Development, on 9757 0789(W) or john.andrea@pbr.org.au if you have any queries or would like a Position Description.
Applications close at 5.00 pm on Monday 12 th February 2007.
Shirley Westerberg
GM Business Development
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Refreshment staff for their time and support over the busy six train running, it has been much appreciated.
We still have a small amount of bargain stock items, eg picnic bags, clothing etc. There are no further discounts on these stock items as they have been heavily reduced.
Our first Thomas weekend is on the 24th & 25th of February, if anyone has any spare time and would like to volunteer could you please contact either April on 9757 0782 or June on 9757 0746. Thank you.
April Williams
I would like to thank everyone for making my first two months with Puffing Billy Railway such a welcoming experience. Mostly my time has been spent becoming familiar with the intricacies of The Great Train Race along with the railways operations and activities. I'm always looking for ideas regarding potential events we can run, so please contact me if you have any thoughts on 03 9757 0716 or nadine.hutchins@pbr.org.au.
Yes, it's nearly that time of year again and I know Bill Russell is keen to start putting together the roster for the big day. If you are available to volunteer your services either in the lead up to, or on the day of the race, we would welcome your assistance. Along with the standard railway operations and roles on the day, we have additional tasks that require volunteer support including:
It takes approximately 300 volunteers to pull together this major fundraising and publicity event for the Railway so please contact Bill at bill.russell@optusnet.net.au to advise your availability.
The autumn season of the "Day Out With Thomas" activities will take place in Emerald on:
Dan O'Connor would welcome any volunteer support for these days and I ask that you contact Dan at danann3@bigpond.net.au.
Nadine Hutchins
Special Events Manager
Guards and Signalmen are reminded that with the altered signalling at Menzies Creek, when you are Signalman, deal with each train or trolley movement separately. Because of the way the interlocking has been set up to allow us to operate the 'automated arrivals' under 'Guard-in-Charge' conditions, it means that you can't have separate moves at opposite ends of the station yard.
If in doubt - put all signals back to 'stop' and deal with one train or trolley movement at a time.
It is proposed to hold a training day on Saturday 10th February on the New "Spitwater" Hot Water Cleaner. This will be open to all Enginemen and will commence at 10.30am and it is anticipated it will take about 1 to 1½ Hours.
An additional training day will be held on Saturday 24th February 2007, commencing at 10.30am.
Please contact Warren Mausethfor enquiries.
Rob Emmerson
| November | December | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 2005 | 2006 | 2005 | |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 70% | 78% | 45% | 71% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 69% | 78% | 72% | 71% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 73% | 75% | 68% | 62% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,284 | 4,150 | 4,429 | 4,780 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 4,355 | 4,521 | 3,915 | 4,957 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 325 | 39 | 822 | 154 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 66 | 73 | 61 | 84 |
| G 42 days for month | 25 | 21 | 19 | 20 |
| Carriage kilometres | 37,106 | 38,058 | 42,212 | 42,474 |
| Carriage Days for month | 916 | 931 | 964 | 1,010 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,378 | 1,546 | 1,292 | 1,526 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,625 | 1,688 | 1,621 | 1,579 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 45* | 31* | 6* | 55* |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 236 | 228 | 261 | 252 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 286 | 291 | 296 | 297 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 17 | 4 | 4 | 10 |
* Excludes 21NQR which operates as a passenger vehicle
Friday 1/12 First public run of 5NBD after its conversion for Catered Trains operations.
A 9 car Dinner Special operated (89tons) made up of 5NBD, 2NBC, 4xNALs, 1NB, 24NB and 5NC. Hauled by 14A.
Saturday 9/12 - A Total Fire Ban day, yet 11 one-way trips were operated by the 2 diesel locos.
There were 6 total fire bans day in December so the diesel loco distances were up considerably.
Bob Wilson
Fish bolt tightening down past Nobelius packing shed, repairs as required to the turnout at the Packing Shed siding.
Regauging and re-sleepering of the down end No.2 Road, Menzies Creek.
Was completed by mid January with excellent results achieved.
Since Fire Patrols have begun they have run most days with only a couple of cancellations. As it is obvious we are going to have to run the patrols for quite a while yet, the pressure is on to find volunteer trolley drivers to cover these patrols, particularly mid week. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
The team has been renovating the outside of Emerald station building and doing weed eradication between Clematis and Emerald yard.
Repair works have been carried out on the packing shed after a break in. Minor modifications and maintenance have taken place in the Menzies Creek kiosk.
The major work for the month has been on Belgrave station building out the back of the S.M's office. A mammoth effort was required to install a grease trap, which required digging a trench from near the ice chest around the building to the decking area.
Tom.Kilner
Now that 8A is completed, work will now focus on the Climax restoration.
Hugh Markwick
Following the successful implementation of the Signalling at Menzies Creek, we now intend to concentrate on the outstanding maintenance and clean-up issues.
Andrew Wheatland.
The bridge was completed in mid January and by the time you read this we expect it will have been formally opened. One of the tasks involved the use of needle guns to remove old paint from a cast iron section of the bridge, while another included painting 1,224 pickets. The project took a good deal of perseverance by its primary workforce of Bernie, Brent, Ian, Norm, Herb and Terry, but the result was worth it and Williamstown now has a very attractive footbridge. Thanks to all those who worked so hard to complete the job.
We have been contracted to carry out major repairs to platforms on the South Gippsland Railway at Korumburra and Loch. The platform at Loch was needed in mid-January to allow re-opening of train services between Leongatha and Loch while the Korumburra works involve refurbishment of part of the rather forlorn platform which is already in use. The whole project should be completed by early February.
We have a number of projects which are at the quotation or tendering stage, mainly involving bridge repairs and track work. Please contact John Shaw on if you are interested in helping with some of this work.
John ShawThe Archives Group has weekly working days at Kings Road every Monday, with an 11.00 am start, the group includes Geoff Tasker, Ted Godwin, Emile Badawy plus Chas Bevan.
The group is extremely pleased work on replacing the termite damaged door frame and other timbers is completed.
Hugh Markwick
Travel on our own bus from Belgrave (pick up & drop off at other points also) for a relaxed day out to visit some of the Yarra Valley's famous wineries and sample their renowned food and wine. Get your bookings in now!
For last minute enquiries, ring Thelma Cotter
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. Look for the booking form with this edition of Monthly News.
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
The Climax boiler is now upside down in the Locomotive Workshop. This is not to allow for easier firing or quicker boiler washouts; it is to make it easier to ream out the rivet holes around the foundation ring. The rivets along the sides of the foundation ring have all been removed using a mixture of brute force and the big drill. Bolts have been placed into every second hole to keep things in place. Harry is now working on a scheme of work for the year.
The Wednesday night group will start back from the first week in February. We need people to come along and help with this project. The more we have, the quicker and easier it will be to get the Climax back on the tracks.
The first Footplate Experience Train with G42 was run on Tuesday 23rd January. It was run as an afternoon/evening train from Belgrave to Cockatoo. We cannot use 861 during the fire restriction period, so G42 stepped up.
Just a reminder to keep an eye out for the booking forms for the Gasworks Specials.
John Conway jfgconway@yahoo.com
Our Young Volunteers' day was a very hot day and a TFB, so we stayed at Belgrave. There was plenty to do. We painted three of the bench seats along the platform and the long seat in the Down end shelter. Some of the beams for the new water tank stand were scraped, wire-brushed and cleaned ready for painting. The books from a bookcase in the Workshop office were shifted to Alan Gardner's office in Stanley St. The bookcase was then moved over and reloaded with the books. Zec, Nick and Al also got to work in the Loco workshop.
One of the highlights of the day was the trolley ride along the platform. The John Hoy-powered platform trolley was loaded with kids and moved along the platform in a spirited fashion - under the watchful supervision of Andrew Stephens.
A noticeable absentee from the day was Hamish's model of G42. It is currently in the process of being rebuilt. We hope to see the new, improved version next time.
John Conway jfgconway@yahoo.com
The third book in the "Super Power on the V.R" Series by Train Hobby has arrived. This book is all about the only "H Class" 4-8-4 steam locomotive built by the V.R.
This book is now available from Belgrave Shop for $33.00 each, less your volunteer/member's discount.
Clock numbered 45 is available at the G42 Shop for $150.00. This is the last of the limited run of 50 clocks to be available for sale. 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 openings will be on Saturday 3 rd February, 2007 and Saturday 3 rd March, 2007. Other times can be arranged by ringing Peter
We would like to thank Bruce West, for his recent donations to the shop which will "Keep G42 Going".
Some of the books currently for sale:
Thank you to all who continue to support our efforts to Keep G42 Going
Bruce West
|
Updated Monthly. Contents © 2006 by the P.B.P.S. for the E.T.R.B. This service is provided for the Emerald Tourist Railway Board and maintained by Bill Russell. URL: http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/puffing.billy/monnews.htm |
|