June 2007#407
June 2007
#407
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 CEO position was advertised in 'The Age' on Saturday 12th May 2007. Several people with the appropriate skills have been made aware of the opportunity.
The Board will carry out interviews during June and hope to able to make an announcement soon after that.
The Board is seeking an applicant with good people management skills and demonstrated experience in all areas of management.
The diesel service from Gembrook to Lakeside and return which commenced in April has been cancelled. The service did not receive sufficient patronage to justify its continuation. The full implications of running an empty set from Belgrave to Gembrook empty on the maintenance program for both locomotives and carriages have become obvious.
Management believe that there needs to be facilities to stage an engine and carriages at Gembrook before we run similar services. Such a proposal also needs to be in 'shoulder periods' and have a comprehensive marketing program to stimulate business from the growth corridor when we try it again.
Thanks to all the volunteers who have supported this service.
Many of you will have noticed how busy the trains are this autumn, particularly on weekends. This February, March and April we have carried some 9,000 passengers more than last year and in combination the most passengers for the same period since 2000. At present time we are on track to break 250,000 passengers for only the second time ever.
Thanks to all the volunteers for your support in meeting what is at times, a challenging demand. A particular thanks to those who have squeezed passengers onto the busy trains, avoiding them being disappointed and maximising our revenue.
An unfortunate consequence of Belgrave being included in Zone 2 of the Metropolitan train system is that all the Connex Car Park is full by 9 am each weekday. This is causing us some real problems and we are now in discussions with the Department of Infrastructure, Yarra Ranges Shire and others to try to find short and long term solutions.
Congratulations to our Marketing Manager David Eaton who was inducted as a Life Member of Victorian Tour Operators Association recently. This award is given for David's service to the industry including his contribution to the Board of VTOA and for his work in promoting Puffing Billy and Victoria.
The Board has been re-examining the Strategic Plan. We are particularly focusing on a major interpretive facility at our destination which will both add to the visitor experience and enable us to develop a stronger education market. To realize it will require a lot of creative input from both within and outside the Railway and considerable Government support.
Personal issues have resulted in Mathew Gardner resigning from the Executive. Mathew has been active in the membership area, Social Committee and Climax Restoration Committee and has never been afraid to give his opinion. We will miss his input, thank him for his work for the Society and hope he will return in the future.
A new book published by Sierra Publishing (Nick Anchen) is now on sale at the railway. This book has a lot of information on Puffing Billy and the other narrow gauge railways. A special offer for Puffing Billy members and volunteers is available at the Belgrave .
A Draft timetable for September 2007 to 2008 is now available for comment. Copies are in the SM's office or can be sent by Email by contacting ray.leivers@pbr.org.au. Comments will be received up to 15th June 2007.
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Peter McL. Hiscock Chairman, ETRB |
Ray Leiverws CEO |
John Hoy Chief Operating Officer |
John Thompson President, PBPS |
We need some help. Are you or do you know someone that would like to be involved with Puffing Billy in the development of our new membership database. We would brief you well and you would have support from a senior IT volunteer who would mentor you though the project. We are ready to start and believe the project would go for about six months. Experience in PHP and MYSQL would be of great assistance.
Contact Sue sue.ham@pbr.org.au
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, please also ring Sue.
Sue Ham
New DVDs from Train Pictures
The history of the GM streamliners in Australia with 2 audio tracks, 50 mins. Price $39.95
These two DVDs cover the iron ore railways of Western Australia. Both have added extras and two audio tracks and run for 50 minutes each. Price $39.95 each.
"Visions of Steam" featuring 5711, 45 minutes, $39.95
"Visions in Steam - The Moss Vale Train", 60minutes, $39.95
All supplies required for each department must be signed for upon taking goods. The book for this purpose is kept in April's office downstairs. Please ensure that you do sign this book.
April Williams
We are trying a new format for our Passenger Business roster, all staff are on the one roster. I welcome your feedback to this change.
Jean Clowes
Our annual Great Train Race took place on 6th May and fortunately, for both the runners and volunteers, we were greeted with ideal running weather conditions (as opposed to the wet weather last year, something that many people felt compelled to advise me of in the lead up to this years event!)
We received 3,184 entries - a record number and a true credit to those Great Train Race committee members and PBPS volunteers who have contributed to the success of this event in past years.
The male winner, Chris Hamer from Box Hill (43:14 minutes) and female winner, Robyn Millard (49:28 minutes) from Prahran, crossed the finish line to each win a trip to Antarctica courtesy of Croydon Travel's Antarctic Flights.
Overall 375 runners (including 24 females) beat the first race train which was driven by David Campbell and fired by Barry Rogers and arrived in 57:54 minutes. 468 female runners beat the second race train which was driven by Gavin Clark and fired by Graham Cornish and arrived in 75:56 minutes.
A notable entrant this year was The Honourable Timothy Holding, Minister for Tourism. Minister Holding completed the race in 60:40 minutes, a very respectable time, but not fast enough to beat G42! We hope to see the Minister again next year along with all our regular runners.
The morning went smoothly with only a few hiccups such as the Safeway truck pulling down the Start Line banner on Belgrave - Gembrook Road. Fortunately many hands helped re-erect the banner in time for the 9.30am start. G42 was suffering from pre race jitters on the Saturday, however with the help of Graeme Daniel and the workshop crew G42 was ready to race on Sunday morning.
We introduced some changes this year including:
Ben Reid, Belgrave Station Master for the race has asked that his most sincere thanks be passed on to all the staff at Belgrave Station for their hard work. Everyone contributed to the smooth loading of nearly 800 passengers and the very prompt departure of trains.
I would also ask you to indulge me whilst I pass on my thanks to everyone involved in the event and in particular:
This event could not proceed without the support of our sponsors and I do ask that where possible you support these organisations:
| Datasend Australia Fitness First The Fitness Generation Powerade Cadbury |
Brooks Croydon Travel Centre 3AW and Magic Alan Dawson Removalsk South East Waterk Streets |
The feedback I have received from runners has been extremely positive and this is due in no small part, to the dedication and enthusiasm of all our volunteers on race day. Already my mind is ticking over with how we can improve things for next year and I would welcome any suggestions you may have. Our Great Train Race is truly a unique event and one which I was extremely proud to involved with. Thank you.
Nadine Hutchins
In the previous issue of "Monthly News" I asked if anyone was interested in doing the Guards & Signalmen's Rosters while I was on my trip into the big blue yonder. I received two applications which I appreciated and was impressed with. After deliberation with my colleagues it was decided to offer the temporary position to Tom Murray.
Tom is a former Victorian Railways Suburban Guards Roster Clerk and was based at Jolimont in the days before the place was re-built as the National Tennis Centre. Tom had an extensive career with the Victorian Railways working in many areas across the State. He was also responsible for including the Puffing Billy runs in the Rosters Books during the 1970's, something he is very proud of. To those who know Tom, you will be well aware of his very dry humour, to those who do not know him, be prepared; his dry humour will have you in stitches; or maybe scratching your head.
I will be preparing the June and July Rosters, and as I asked in the last Monthly News, if you could think ahead to August and September, I'll be telephoning you early in June to see if you can offer some dates. Many of you have already done this and I thank you for your co-operation. Tom's main task will be the ongoing maintenance of the monthly roster, and of course the final preparations of the August and September rosters.
Tom has advised me that his office hours are between 11.00am and 9.00pm each day. He doesn't have an email service, (him being a 'miserable old pensioner' who is also prone to 'overacting' you see - Ed!) but can be contacted on 9889 5587 or on the Guards & Signalmen's Mobile Phone
Tom will officially take over the rosters from the 12th June and I leave for the big blue yonder on the 19th June. I'll also drop an occasional Post Card in the mail for posting in the Safeworking Office at Belgrave.
Kevin Stanes
Guards & Signalmen's Roster Clerk
On May 17th & 18th The Department of Infrastructure [responsible for ensuring Rail Safety compliance] audited Puffing Billy to ensure our railway is compliant to our safety management system and compliant to all other relevant regulations.
The areas audited were Way & Works, Rolling Stock, Signals & Telegraph and Administration. Apart from a minor non-compliance with regard to the fuelling of vehicles from our unleaded fuel pump we passed with flying colours. There were also a couple of observations noted which simply involve "fine tuning" of existing processes.
My thanks go to a number of volunteers and paid staff who worked above and beyond what was expected. I dare not name any one because I'd end up leaving some one out - thanks to all involved.
Whilst on the subject of rail safety, have had a couple of calls from safe workers who were slightly upset that due to them allowing lapses in either medicals or safe working re-exams they received letters advising that they were not able to perform safe working duties until their qualifications were up to date.
This is part of our rail safety management system and is just one of many aspects the Department of Infrastructure audits us on.
Keeping your qualifications up to date is critical. If you are struggling with these requirements talk to Rob Emmerson or John Hoy.
John Hoy
Guards - on days when we have either limited or no Conductors, could you please assist by removing the batteries from the train and returning them to the battery cabinet and put them on charge. Your assistance in this would be greatly appreciated.
Work will continue on the Climax restoration.
Graeme Kidgell (as Hugh Markwick is away)
The final work to be completed on the restoration of this diesel engine is the drilling of holes in the nuts which hold the side rods on to the axles. This engine is an interesting one mechanically as the engine is a Gardner Diesel and the transmission to the torque converter is by way of a rope drive train.
The transmission to the wheels is similar to that of a steam engine using side rods. The drilling of these holes is underway and a split pin will hold the nuts in place.
The 11 th May saw Hudswell Clarke No.4's boiler ticket renewed. This now gives the branch an operational steam locomotive. This loco turned 82 on 25th May. Thank you to all involved. A huge amount of work has been done on this engine and the only long term fault discovered is that the saddle tank needs to be replaced with a new tank. This will cost quite a few dollars and the Museum is looking for donations to have a new tank built outside of the railway. If you would like to participate or sponsor a new tank please speak to a Committee Member. Remember if you or your company can sponsor the cost of manufacture of the new tank, such a cash donation will be an allowable Income Tax Deduction.
The TACL has had a main forward gear removed and requires a replacement gear. Also the associated timber jinkers have also had some work done on the rubbing plates and this is progressing well.
New screenings have been placed in top shed to reduce dust and improve work conditions. If you would like to assist in the maintenance of the Branch's historic exhibits, and would like to do so during the week under supervision please contact David Baker or ring the museum on 0756 between 10am and 4pm.
John Frost
The old gang shed is now completely empty. The two car parks located in Stanley Street. beside the W&W house are now fully operational.
To maximise the space available it is necessary to park some vehicles behind others, as everyone working in this area work the same hours this should not cause any problems. There is definitely to be NO parking in front of the house, thankyou.
Top, line and ballasting of the track over bridge 10 has taken place. Re-sleepering of the section of track between Pinnocks Road & Emerald Road. has started. The next volunteers work day on Saturday 16th June will be working at this location.
Fish bolt tightening has occurred at various locations along the track.
This project with the young unemployed is now finished. After six months work the results have been quite good. Landscaping of the area near the entrance gate to the Emerald yard was completed on their last day, it certainly has improved the appearance of this area.
Assisting with the Great Train Race preparation and clean up was pretty full on for a couple of weeks.
A new water tap has been installed at the down end of the yard at Cockatoo. This will enable locos to take water if required. It is located outside two road.
Tom.Kilner
A reminder that the next S&T Branch meeting will be held at Kings Road, 10:00 a.m. on Saturday 9th June.
A reminder that the end of the financial year is the best time to make your Tax Deductible donations to the Belgrave Signal Box fund. With over $46,000 in hand to date, it appears certain that we will exceed the $50,000 mark this year. Your continued support is appreciated and will ensure that we are able to proceed confidently when the time comes.
The barrier fencing works at the down end of the platform are continuing.
The lines are presently working well and with the recent addition of a continuity system for the main pair, fault detection and rectification has been enhanced. Works will continue this month to complete the restoration around Clematis.
The annual audit was held last month and S&T passed with flying colours. Thanks to all those involved in ensuring that our high standards of maintenance and safety are maintained.
Andrew Wheatland.
The second 'Exposure Drafts' of Sections 13 - 16 have been prepared and are available for review and comment. These sections cover the following:
SECTION 13.- Advertising Signage.
SECTION 14.- Uniforms and Costumes.
SECTION 15.- Activities and Re-enactments.
SECTION 16.- Audible Characteristics.
Hard copies of these are available to be read (but not be taken away) in the crew room on the platform at Belgrave and in the Board Room. They may also be accessed on from the G-drive on railway computers at Belgrave.
Any comments or suggestions should be made by June 30th 2007 by addressing them to the HAC at Belgrave, or placing them in the HAC Pigeon Hole upstairs at Belgrave or sending them to heritage@pbr.org.au.
The Footplate Experience Trains are proving very popular. We have run about eight so far this year and have another sixteen to go. This number will doubtless increase. The Guest Drivers and their families have all enjoyed their day out; thanks to the efforts of the FET crews.
In late April, locomotive 986 appeared outside the Nursery. Its job was to haul two carriages of keen guests to Gembrook. A very special guest that day was Bill Ferris. Bill had rescued the three little locos from the Gas and Fuel Corporation many years ago.
The day was fine and everyone enjoyed a great day out. Many photos were taken of the little yellow loco as its train wound through the hills up to Gembrook. Some of these can be seen at http://duttonbay.fotopic.net/c1266752.html. The day was enjoyed by all and declared to be very successful, but ..... it nearly didn't happen.
On the day prior to the event, Peter Stowell, rostered to drive 986, thought that he would do the right thing and put a warming fire in the loco. Peter had the pressure up to 90 psi when he noticed that steam was coming out of the stack when there should not have been any such issue of water vapour. On examination of the smokebox a leak was found around one of the firetubes. Then began a rescue effort that would last until 1:30am the next morning. Adam Black was called and promptly came in, Al Marr, Stefan Rebgetz and John Conway were busy with Peter trying to ensure that all the passengers on the Sunday would get to see that locomotive was scheduled for the trip. Stefan and Al prepared 861 as a standby; just in case. Adam, Peter and John worked on methods to seal the offending tube. Eventually the tube was sealed and the boiler tested to full operating pressure. Adam declared that it was right to go out on its special day, and we all went home. We were tired & filthy but happy that we had done a good job on the little loco. The Climax Committee would like to thank Adam, Peter, Al and Stefan for their dedication and perseverance. It was a splendid job, very well done!
The booking form for the Gasworks Special No.2 is included with this Monthly News. Please get your forms in early as this trip gives a very rare chance to see Sir John Grice without his Thomas pyjamas on.. This is even rarer than 986 being out on the line.
John Conway
Just released by Train Hobby is Locomotive Profile, Victorian Railways "N" Class Mikado 2-8-2 Light Lines locomotive. Available from Belgrave for $36.00, less your Member/Volunteer discount.
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 days will be on Saturday 2 nd June, 2007 and Saturday 7 th July, 2007 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be arranged by ringing Peter
We would like to thank Suzanne Dawbarn, Ashley Greaves, Dave Hancocks and Peter Medlin for their recent donations to the shop which "Keep G42 Going".
Fill those gaps in your collection. Australian Loco News, Australian Model Engineering, Australian Railway History / The Bulletin, Catchpoint, Divisional Diary, Light Railways, Monthly News (PBR), Motive Power, Narrow Gauge, Newsrail, Pacific Railway, Pichi Richi Patter, Rail Australia, Rail News Victoria, Railway Digest, Stacktalk, Victorian Railways Newsletters, Westland, plus others. Prices start from 20c each. Very limited stocks - first come, first served.
The donations from our Red collection box for March/April totalled $67.65.
Thank you to all who continue to support our efforts to 'Keep G42 Going'.
Bruce West
| March | April | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 52% | 54% | 52% | 58% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 75% | 75% | 74% | 74% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 84% | 65% | 68% | 82% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 4 215 | 4208 | 4 624 | 4376 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 4 199 | 4310 | 4 255 | 4485 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 552 | 179 | 911 | 270 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 86 | 64 | 69 | 64 |
| G42 days for month | 0 | 28 | 25 | 30 |
| Carriage kilometres | 35 133 | 37614 | 39 877 | 38755 |
| Carriage Days for month | 897 | 944 | 980 | 938 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1 387 | 1339 | 1 479 | 1590 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1 646 | 1794 | 1 590 | 1621 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 53* | 48* | 6* | 55* |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 235 | 250 | 268 | 253 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 307 | 268 | 286 | 295 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 12 | 14 | 21 | 6 |
The new diesel loco hauled service from Gembrook to Lakeside and return which began on 1st April has contributed to the increase in diesel kilometres shown above. G42 was undergoing work in the workshops which meant it didn't 'turn a revenue wheel' in March.
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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