April 2007#405
April 2007
#405
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 report on two new appointments. I am happy to say, neither require introduction. First, the PBPS nominee to the ETRB, John Robinson, has been formally appointed following State Government ratification. The Board welcomes the return of someone with many years of experience in the governance of the Railway and deep knowledge of its settings.
Prior to the last Board meeting we were also advised of the appointment of Ray Leivers and once again, the Board will be considerably strengthened through his appointment.
Congratulations to both John and Ray, and a very warm "welcome back!"
The Board has asked Ray Leivers to also act as CEO for a limited period on a per diem basis. Much of the day to day running of the railway will remain in the sure hands of John Hoy. Ray will be focusing on some of the strategic issues, forward planning and financial submissions. We are most conscious that some momentum has been lost over the past six months and it is vital that this be regained. Much depends on the motivation and positive attitudes of our people. I am sure Ray will direct his energies accordingly. We do not expect him to drop into the routine of attending all the meetings nor be buried in minutiae.
Ray will also assist in the process of recruiting a new CEO. It may take two or three months.
At our last meeting we also expressed our appreciation of the way in which John Hoy has maintained the smooth running of the operation, at times under testing circumstances.
Several months ago Board member Janice Gasking advised the Board that she wished to retire at a mutually suitable time. She deferred her departure until after the formal appointment of John and Ray and we were most grateful for this. Janice was appointed as a Government nominee to the Board in March 1999. Her understanding of tourism issues in the Dandenong's, her ready availability for meetings and VIP visits and her constant focus on customer-benefit are things we shall miss.
Peter McL. Hiscock
Chairman
Tim Holding visited the Railway on 6 th March. The visit was a "whistle stop getting to know you" visit and a follow up is planned shortly.
The Minister intends to compete in the Great Train Race
Di Gadsden and Sue Ham are preparing a PBR Policy register which will hopefully capture all known and future polices.
Ray Leivers is currently reviewing the future of the SPC committee and the whole issue of strategic matters with a view to coming up with a more workable and relevant way of dealing with strategic matters.
Don't forget when you are working at whatever task you undertake on the railway, that task may require the wearing of personal protective equipment.
Don't be a dill and put yourself at risk - WEAR IT!!
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Peter McL. Hiscock Chairman, ETRB | John Hoy Acting CEO | John Thompson President, PBPS |
This year a special heritage mixed train hauled by G42 will be taking us to Gembrook, so come along and enjoy the evening with us.
All active volunteers and their immediate family are invited to the Annual Volunteer & Staff function. This event is free of charge and includes food and drink. It will be held on Saturday 14th April 2007 commencing at 6.45 pm at Gembrook Station.
For all our new volunteers this is a great way to meet fellow volunteers and staff and for Puffing Billy Railway to thank everyone for their support.
A special train will be departing from Belgrave at approximately 4.30 pm with volunteers and staff collected at Emerald (for those who do not want to get home too late) to arrive at Gembrook at about 6.35 pm.
Options are:
The return train will depart Gembrook at about 9.00 pm and is expected to arrive back at Belgrave at 10.30 pm.
Management and the Society are organising this function and will be serving behind the bar.
Date: Saturday 14th April
Time 6.45 pm at Gembrook
Things you might like to bring:- A torch, a fold up chair, and a warm coat for the return trip, as when the sun goes down it will be chilly.
R.S.V.P by10TH April 2007 by Email or note in the volunteers post box on Belgrave platform
Please Note: As the function is being professionally catered for, please let us know if you are able to come no later than close of Business on Thursday 10th April so that we can advise the Caterers well beforehand. If you reply after this date, we may not be able to provide food for you.
Sue Ham
As you are all aware, the winter and Influenza season is once again upon us. As staff and volunteers are exposed to the public on a daily basis there is a small risk of picking up the Influenza.
As a service to both staff and volunteers, the Board is offering free Influenza vaccinations to hopefully provide some protection.
The vaccination consists of a single injection during autumn. The vaccination is well tolerated with usually only minor local side effects. It does NOT cause a minor case of the 'flu, as is often (incorrectly) stated. It is highly effective in protecting against the epidemic flu, but will not prevent the common cold, an illness with lesser symptoms, which is often confused with the in flu. Please note that this flu vaccine does not cover "Bird flu", but is recommended to protect against all flu-like illness. Research is still being conducted to produce a bird flu vaccine
If you would like to receive this seasons vaccination Dr Steven Kaye will be attending at Moondarra Belgrave on Thursday the 19 th April 10 am to 11.30 am
Could you please advise Susan Ham by Monday 11th April either by leaving a message on e-mail sue.ham@pbr.org.au
Important! If you have an allergy to eggs or feathers, you may also have a reaction to the vaccine; we would advise checking with your local GP if you have any doubts.
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 on 9757 0715 or 0419 274 652 at least three (3) working days prior to your required stay date. If you need to get accommodation closer to your work day, please ring Sue Ham to discuss your requirements.
They have finally arrived, so 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.
Although we are in Autumn the weather is still hot. We have been putting large containers of water in the fridge in the crew rooms at Belgrave & Lakeside, and smaller ones at Menzies Creek and Gembrook. We are asking for your help in please advising Sue on 415 (mobile) or 715 when the reserve container is put in the fridge.
We have also been donated water bottles from coke there are a limited supply so please reuse your bottle, if you would like one they are in the crew room Belgrave. We would like to remind crews of the importance of hydrating.
Sue Ham.
Please Note: The railway provides water and tea and coffee free of charge. Volunteers and staff are not permitted to take other drinks from the shops. They are available at discount rates that have already been published. If stock is taken from any of the shops it will be treated as theft. If you wish to discuss this please come to see me.
Ray Leivers
First I must thank all the Santa Special committee for their dedication to making 2006 our best year ever and to every one else involved in the Santa Trains. There are far too many to mention here but you know who you are thank you. I have not got the final financial report yet but it will be a significant amount. The total number of passengers carried in 2006 was 1320 [2005 was 973]. This is an increase of 347 passengers and is the first time we have filled every seat. In fact we had to ask for an additional carriage on the last train to accommodate every one. This was the first year we advertised in Melbourne's Child and this accounted for 33.4% of booking and previous passenger's 40%. The committee is all ready working on this years trains and we hope that we can repeat last year's effort again.
Chris Raggett
Convenor, Santa Special Committee
I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Easter.
You can still purchase Puffing Billy shortbread's at the special discounted price. These will make a great gift for Easter. Also, come and check out our extensive range of DVDs.../p>
April Williams
Steam Media & Series 567 Rail Video have combined to produce a DVD, the contents of which are absolute rail history. Filmed on VHS and re-mastered to digital, the picture quality is outstanding. Filmed on a variety of different gauges in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland highlights include: Cheetham's Laverton Salt works 2' gauge, ICI Deer Park Explosives factory 2' 6" gauge system, SECV Yallourn electric railway, Brisbane suburbans - loco hauled & EMU, cane train action, 14 vintage trams cavalcade, multi unit diesels of many classes in all 3 states and a parallel run with 3801, R766 and K183 and much more.
This is a re-release of the extremely popular Steam Media VHS title.Revisiting six years ago you will see 6A returning to service with its Lempor exhaust triple heading with 7A and 14A, the final run of 'The Climax' before restoration, Quadruple header with K183, R761, R707 & R766, VGR steam freight weekend featuring K160 & J549, K190 on the veteran car set, cabrides on Y112, K160 and Coal Creek 'Bundy', BPR 'Easter Extravaganza' with many double and some triple headers. Twenty one different steam locos appear on 50 operating days.
Ken Fishley's 1960s V.R Steam Action 1 hour DVD, RRP $33.00. Just released by Channel 5 Productions on this DVD covers the Ararat, Hamilton and Bendigo Districts as well as the Geelong and Ballarat lines plus the steam shunters at the Newport Workshops.
* Of special interest to volunteers and members is footage of J541 which is under restoration at Menzies Creek in regular service on the V.R.
We would like to advise that the only copies of the Walhalla and Whitfield books left are those in Belgrave Shop and retail outlets.
Bruce West
We have appointed Peter Stowell as Station Master, Menzies Creek, effective as at the end of March. As most of you will know, Peter has made a substantial contribution to the railway over many years, and of course we are confident that this will continue, albeit perhaps, with a different cap. Our congratulations go to Peter, however it must be said that all the applicants, without exception, were of a high standard, and our thanks go to them for the effort they put in to apply for the position.
Peter will rent the 'Aura' residence at Menzies Creek from the railway, which means we will have some 'presence' at Menzies Creek after normal timetable activities. On days when he is not on the footplate, Peter may also act as signalman but again, this activity is entirely voluntary.
We trust that all staff will support Peter in this new role, and that he enjoys his new responsibilities as much as he obviously enjoys his current ones.
Jean Clowes
The race is now only a few weeks away. Entry forms are flowing in and we are pleased to advise that The Honourable Timothy Holding, Minister for Tourism shall be competing. We shall forgive the Minister fo not appreciating the beauty of G42 should it happen to pass him on the day!
We are still seeking volunteers so if you, a family member or friend are happy to volunteer, please contact Bill Russell on email at bill.russell@optusnet.net.au to confirm your availability.
Well over 6000 children, family and friends attended our 'Day Out with Thomas' events that took place during February and March. These are long days for our volunteers and we thank them for their efforts as it is from their commitment and enthusiasm that the littlies return home having experienced such a memorable day.
The Spring 'Day Out with Thomas' events commence again in October on 13 & 14, 20 & 21, 27 & 28 and November on 10 & 11. We are always seeking volunteers for these days and I ask that you contact Dan O'Connor on email at danann3@bigpond.net.au to become involved.
The PAVE (Performing and Visual Arts in Emerald) is taking place from Friday 13 to Sunday 22 April. Puffing Billy Railway is supporting the Festival and shall be hosting one of the 'Amazing Race' activities taking place on Saturday 14 April in the Thomas Shed at Emerald Station. Twenty teams consisting of two teenagers will be carrying out various tasks during the course of the race. At the Thomas Shed they shall be constructing possum houses so by the end of the day we will have twenty possum houses available to be placed in Puffing Billy grounds. The competitors will be assembling the possum houses between 10.00am and 5.00pm so why not pop in and give them a word of encouragement!
Other activities taking place during the Festival include an attempt to break the World Record 'Wobble Board Ensemble'. This will take place at Emerald Lake Park on Sunday 15 April at 12 noon sharp. Over 400 wobble boarders are needed, so go along and lend them your support to break the world record.
On Sunday 22 April, historic re-enactments will be carried out between 9.00am and 5.00pm in the grounds of Emerald Station, whilst over in Puffing Billy Park, activities such as circus performers, karaoke, face painting and kids crafts shall be taking place. For further PAVE Festival activities visit http://www.pave.org.au/.
Nadine Hutchins
Special Events Manager
All members of the current safeworking class have been issued their own keys for use during their training, hence there is no longer a need for the training keys to be available. Therefore these have now been removed, or at least one set has. The other set appears to be missing. Could all safeworkers check their bags etc in case the other set has been retained inadvertently & if found, please return it to Rob Emmerson.
For those who have used these keys to open the catch points on No.3 Road, please in future ask the driver or fireman of the loco for their safeworking key to unlock the catch points.
Following some recent feedback, briefing sessions have been scheduled for Friday 6th April (Good Friday) and Saturday 21st April for those safeworkers who wish to have an opportunity to have the operation of the signal frame explained to them.
On Good Friday 6th April, the session will start at 1:15 p.m.
On Saturday 21st April, the session will start at 9:30 a.m.
Thanks to those who were able to attend the two sessions held in late Feb & March.
If you were unable to attend the previous two sessions, a further session is planned for Sunday 15th April 2:00 p.m. at Belgrave. Please advise Rob Emmerson if you are able to attend on this date.
Of those who have previously been safeworking trainers/examiners, some have indicated they no longer wish to remain as trainers. To them I extend many thanks for the work they have done in the past in training and supervising our trainee safeworkers. It has been greatly appreciated and has been instrumental in ensuring that our safeworkers are trained to such a high standard.
Greg Michael
The additional 'diesel-hauled' train will commence operating from Gembrook this month on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays during April, May, June, July, August & September initially. There has been much debate about how these trains will be operated - these notes are intended as a very brief guide for those running these trains.
The trains will originate from Emerald and will consist of three or four NBH's or Passenger NQR's as vehicle availability dictates. As we don't have enough Guards vans (or 'carvans') to have a van at either end of this set, there may be only one van or in some cases, no van at all. In the case where there is no van available, the portable air brake apparatus located at Emerald will have to be used by the Guard of this train.
Please Note that even though the train from Emerald to Gembrook is not shown in the Public Timetable, if we do get any passengers wishing to travel, please allow them to do so, as long as the appropriate fare is obtained from them.
There are some special safeworking arrangements that will need to be carried out by the Guard or Driver to enable the train to Gembrook to depart Emerald without opening it as a Temporary Staff Station. These will be outlined in the Operational Procedure which will hopefully be available by the time you read this. The Operational Procedures for the other Timetables are also being updated to reflect the new Timetables and these should also be available soon. On the final 'Up' journey, the loco and cars will be attached to the regular 'Up' Pass. ex Gembrook to work back to Emerald, where they will detach.
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact me either by phone or email (see contacts list at rear of Monthly News) and I will try and answer your query.
Rob Emmerson
Warren Mauseth has been appointed to the Voluntary Position of Train Operations Co-ordinator. This position involves the processing of rail safety health assessments & safeworking re-exams and the compiling of a report each month for Public Transport Safety Victoria.
Recently Warren arranged a Management Systems training course for Managers and our Rail Safety Internal auditors.
John Hoy
No Way & Works report this month as Tom Kilner is on leave.
A reminder that the next S&T Branch meeting will be held on Sat 14 th April, 10:00 am Kings Road offices. As usual, all branch members are invited to attend.
The more observant amongst you, will have noticed that Neil Lewis is now listed as being the Communications Supervisor in the "Contacts" section at the rear of Monthly News. Neil takes over from Geoff Tasker who, after more years than we can remember as Communications Supervisor, has decided to concentrate on his other area of interest - the Archives.
I would like to publicly record our thanks to Geoff for his many years of dedicated work with the S&T Branch and especially the communications area. He was our mainstay with the previous telephone exchange and associated apparatus at Belgrave. Well done Geoff.
With the change to the new exchange and systems, it is appropriate that Neil take over, as he brings a wealth of knowledge concerning the new equipment and the other exchanges along the railway.
A reminder that there is a second Fax machine at Menzies Creek. Located in the Booking Office, it can be reached on 764 should contact with the Signalbox machine be impossible. Obviously, the operating staff will need to be informed that the fax has been transmitted to the alternate machine.
S&T have been recently completed the power, computer and phone installations into the new Loco Workshops Drawing Office and provided temporary power into the new Gang Shed. Major electrical supply alterations now see the station complex at Belgrave fed from the new supply at Gate 6. The previous supply into the station had reached its capacity and with the alterations to the scullery and new cool rooms etc. it was necessary to substantially increase the supply capability. Combined with the transfer of the other loads previously fed from the station (Toilets, No.3 Rd & Running Shed, Old Station Building, and Moondarra), the new arrangements have provided over 60% additional capacity to the station building proper and this is expected to reliably meet the supply requirements for many years to come.
Andrew Wheatland.
Work will now focus on the Climax restoration.
Hugh Markwick
I am pleased to advise that the Branch has completed the repainting of 129Q at last as we have had to wait on favourable days to paint this wagon which is in the open at Emerald. We needle gunned the wagon and then used a compound to bind the worst affected areas of rust before painting with a metal undercoat. We then completed the repaint with a top coat of VR red. The final stencils will be placed to complete the job. We think that this would be the first repaint for this wagon in the last 50 years.
This engine is receiving a tone up and has various cosmetic things done to it to improve the engine's appearance and operation. Final work is going on to allow this engine to move again.
This diesel engine is almost ready to operate again with the bearings being white metalled and the side rods refitted. The fitting of the side rods has been tricky as each nut holding the rod to the axle is slightly different in size and each has had to be machined separately.
The KS trolleys have received attention and one is waiting for a repaired engine and the other trolley is operational. It was put on standby for fire patrols behind Thomas recently but was not required due to a change in the weather.
This has continued and the garden is being watered by pumping from our rainwater tank, so if you see our garden being watered at night this is not Melbourne tap water but is from our tank which is regulated by a time clock.
John Frost
We were contracted to carry out major repairs to platforms on the South Gippsland Railway at Korumburra and Loch which were completed in late February.
This lovely old end platform car of 1886 vintage has had a varied career, starting life as the Colonial Governor's car and ending up as a Way & Works sleeper before being sold for use as an adjunct to a scout hall in Carnegie. Unfortunately the car has a wooden underframe which is almost entirely rotted away and our task was to gently lift it to allow it to go on a low loader for transport to Newport. We succeeded, but not before digging a number of tunnels under it to place supporting beams. - An interesting couple of days work.
The railway track at Mangalore is now finished, having been given a final lift and line in early March.
John Shaw
John Shaw has donated back copies of Monthly News plus a collection of photographs and slides.
The 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 Badewy and Chas Bevan. The group is progressing well and would appreciate any assistance from interested parties.
Hugh Markwick
The Climax Committee is a hard-working bunch of people. I was pleased to receive an email from a chap in NSW. He is in a modelling club and is interested in getting the club to sponsor a part of the Climax. He was very appreciative of our efforts to get the Climax back on the tracks. If you or your club would like to sponsor a gauge glass, a bag of rivets or a brake cylinder, please let me help you out. We have a register of sponsors. Our sponsors are most welcome to visit the Workshop and see how the restoration work is going.
Following the recent broadcast of Getaway featuring the Footplate Experience Train, we have been inundated with enquiries and bookings. The segment showed the Emerald-Cockatoo section of the line at its best. There is some very good footage of 861 under the expert care of Graeme (with a tie), Jean (without a tie) and our Guest Driver Erik. You can see the video on the Getaway website.
We have also hosted some journalists from Hong Kong. They had to be dragged away from the train after their trip. The large number of FETs will give us a good income for Climax fund. There is, however, plenty of need for continued support from sponsors.
Every Wednesday afternoon/evening and on the first Saturday of each month, there is the opportunity to assist on the Climax project by coming along to the Belgrave Workshop. There are many and varied tasks to be done. The jobs range in skill requirements from some to none. We can even teach you the skills to do some of the harder jobs. The work is interesting and it is great to work with a bunch of like-minded enthusiasts. Come along. You will be made most welcome.
The Gasworks Trifecta is still open for booking.
The first part is on Sunday 29th April.
Carbon (Locomotive 986) will be hauling its own train from Emerald to Gembrook and back. There will be ample opportunity for photos to record this rare outing of 986 by itself. Seats are strictly limited (only 2 carriages). The fare for this unusual outing is only $50 or $30 for under-17 year olds. Save money by booking all 3 parts. Use the brochure from March or ring/email for another.
John Conway jfgconway@yahoo.com
Travel on our own train from Belgrave to Emerald and visit the famous Gemco Theatre Company and enjoy one of their plays. Dinner is provided in the theatre as part of the package. Look for the booking form which will appear shortly.
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
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 7 th April, 2007 and Saturday 5 th May, 2007. Other times can be arranged by ringing Peter
We would like to thank Weston Langford his recent donation to the shop which will assist us to "Keep G42 Going".
Some of the books currently for sale are:-
The donations from our Red collection box in February were $48.85. Thank you to all who continue to support our efforts to Keep G42 Going.
Bruce West
| FEBRUARY | 2007 | 2006 |
|---|---|---|
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 66% | 78% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 78% | 78% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 81% | 75% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 3 563 | 3 608 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 3 616 | 3 640 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 309 | 285 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 57 | 58 |
| G 42 days for month | 22 | 20 |
| Carriage kilometres | 32 118 | 32 373 |
| Carriage Days for month | 817 | 812 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1 329 | 1 419 |
| Highest kms operated- -pass vehicle | 1 469 | 1 461 |
| Highest kms operated -- wagon | 0* | 72* |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 212 | 209 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 239 | 239 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 9 | 8 |
*Excludes 21NQR which ran passenger carrying trips of 116kms in 2007 and 122 kms in 2006.
Bob Wilson
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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 |
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