July 2007#408
July 2007
#408
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 .
Thanks to all the volunteers and staff who have provided comments on the timetable from their experience. Many of the comments were very well thought through and will be included into the new timetable. The main comments that resulted are:
Positive comment on the holding of the 10.00 am ex Belgrave at Lakeside until the arrival of the 10.30 am ex Belgrave, giving passengers going to Gembrook the opportunity of visiting the Lake then going on to Gembrook. This train is scheduled to arrive at Gembrook at approximately 12.20pm.
The 'Up' from Gembrook for the blue and yellow timetables departs at 3.00pm reducing the stopover to 2 hours 40 minutes.
Positive comment on the afternoon train on the orange timetable going to Emerald.
There are a few more radical suggestions which we will investigate further.
22 applications were received for the CEO position. The selection panel will conduct interviews before the end of June. If the process goes smoothly it would be hoped to make an announcement in July.
It is pleasing to report that we will easily carry over 250,000 passengers and this year we will carry either the second or third most passengers ever. Our figures exceed budget for Excursion Trains, 'A Day Out With Thomas', and Dinner Trains. We are also well above budget with profit estimated to be $200,000 above forecast. Thanks to all volunteers and staff for their contributions to these excellent results.
Applications are in preparation for grants to:
Yarra Ranges Council have advised that Old Monbulk Rd will be reconstructed commencing in July 2007 at a date to be advised. Half the road will be closed at any time but this will restrict coal and shop supply deliveries and appropriate managers have arranged supplies before the road works commence. We expect interference to our volunteer Car Park to be minimal and will be advised in advance.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) are invited for a position of Customer Service Officer taking bookings and answering enquires in the Reception area at Belgrave. If you are interested in a full or part time position please have an EOI, setting out your experience to Glenda Rae by 6 July 2007
A friendly reminder to staff and volunteers that the Board is pleased to supply coffee and teas to all personnel free of charge. Drinks will be served by the Refreshment volunteers in public areas (you cannot help yourself). One request is that customers be given priority for service.
| Peter Hiscock Chairman, ETRB | Ray Leivers CEO | John Hoy Chief Operating Officer | John Thompson President, PBPS |
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 July 20th 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. Please Note that this is an extended deadline for the advice in last issue of Monthly News.
Andrew Rayment
As at 15th June, the following volunteers have outstanding mail in the Belgrave Station Master's office. Please come and collect it.
Andrew Becker, Dale Austin, Daniel Bell, Sean Baxter, Derek Braidner, Colin Anderson, Chris Adams, Gary Paton, Wayne Silcock, Dean Roberts, Fred Rostron, Lydia Rawlings, Gary Sanders, Trevor Smith, Stephen Hurlston, Arthur Hagh, Brian Hutton, James Finn, Kyle Ewert, John Freeman, John Forrester, Thomas Collins, Rachelle Dawzer, Joy Davis, Joshua McKenna, Tim Longridge, Chris Munn, Alexander McCooke, Alex McLaughan,, Simon Martin, Bruce McIntyne, Herb Warren and Lindsay Walker.
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 ring.
From the 1st of the month will be issuing First Aid Kits to the Guard of each train. The First Aid Kits will be numbered and have a seal and each train needs to carry a first Aid kit. Kits will be located in the safe working room.
In the past we have had problems keeping the kits up to date. Now the kits will be checked each week and the seals have been removed it will indicate the kit has been opened.
Over the next month we will be withdrawing the first aid kits that are attached in the Guards Vans & locomotives.
If you would like more information please don't hesitate to contact me.
Sue Ham
I have new supplies of PBR jumpers in stock for $63.50 and the shunter style hats for $55.00.
I have a limited range of long sleeve blue shirts available for $30.00
Super Special - I have a range of sizes of white winged shirts available for $10.00.
I will be ordering a new supply of our Heritage stiff top hats in early July so if you are interested please let me know and we can confirm sizes. These hats can be purchased out right for approx $95.00 or available on a refundable bond of $40.00.
If you are interested in any items of uniform please fill in a uniform order form available from the Station Masters office or contact Sue Ham or myself for further information.
Jean Clowes
The new winter clothing range has arrived. Check out the new styles and colour range.
Discounted T-shirts are still available, going fast, first in, best dressed.
Great Train Race T-shirts are available in the shop
April Williams
We have a new Eftpos terminal in the Belgrave Booking Office which is directly connected to the bank. This has eliminated the frustrating "transaction cancelled" problems we have been experiencing in recent months. I have copies of processing instructions available in the booking office if you would like your own copy.
As of Monday 25 th of June all pre booked tickets will be with the train hosts for collection.
Changes to the Staff & Ticket Instructions are about to be made. It is intended to include the new pages in the forthcoming mailout of new Time Table pages and updated Supplementary & Local Instructions.
The changes can be summarised into 4 categories:
Greg Michael
Firstly I would like to thank each and everyone of you who looked ahead and forward planned their rosters for when I'll be away. This will most certainly make Tom Murray's task all that much easier. The support I received was better than I expected, even form those of you that are travelling, away on leave or working overseas; Yes, I received an SMS from a couple of you who will be back from other countries in the coming weeks.
As I send this to press the July Roster will be published with 19 Guards and 9 Menzies Creek Signalbox vacancies, August at the moment stands at 15 Guards and 1 M Ck Signalbox vacancies and September 18 Guards and 3 M Ck Signalbox vacancies.
There is also an extra shift. Tom will be looking for a Signalman. On days when the "Foot Plate Experience Train" is operating I have a requirement to staff Emerald with a Signalman. The shift will require an 08:30am Sign on and a Sign Off at 05:10pm or after the last train has departed and Emerald is closed as a Temporary Staff Station. It is presumed that the Track Patrol will open Emerald as a TSS on the way through to Lakeside or Gembrook.
The basic duties will be to assist in getting the FET on and off the main line at the beginning and end of the days work, and to operate as required during the day. Not only will this assist the FET crews, it will also be of a tremendous assistance to the crews of rostered trains in getting them in and out of Emerald much quicker than at present. We all know the problems that can be encountered when the Guard walks up the platform towards the engine, this is especially so when there is only one and in some cases no Conductors on a train. (It's those passengers - they won't leave our guards alone. Ed)
Remember that Tom does not have an E Mail service, so any electronic mail should be directed through Rob Emmerson at rob.emmerson@pbr.org.au or you can telephone Tom on 9889 5587 at home or on the Guards & Signalman's mobile on 0420 946 362. And remember Tom's office hours are from 11.00am to 9.00pm. Tom is a late starter as he parties a lot and needs his rest!
So I'll see you all when I return after August 25, but in the meantime I'll send a few postcards and hopefully remember to drop something into the August and September Monthly News. Regards,
Kevin Stanes
Guards & Signalmen's Roster Clerk [On vacation]
Now that we have despatched the 'real' Roster Clerk' to warmer weather, I would like to request more help. Firstly, stop going off sick! I had four 'thump' in the first week. Seriously however, as I am old (Ed: and quite doddery) I am proud to say that I am 'Technologically Challenged' therefore I would prefer you to use my landline phone number, 9889 5587, rather than the company's mobile. If you have to phone the mobile number that is alright but that's my druthers. As already advised, I am not deeply into yuppie emails but there is a fax machine hooked up to 9889 5587 so use it if you wish - - it's hard to get a virus with a fax.
As indicated previously, my office hours are 11.00am to 9.00pm all days and if poss., don't ring between 6.00pm and 7.00pm as I am generally stuffing myself and seldom answer the phone, allowing it to go through to the answering machine. Too often at that time if I answer it, someone says "goodness gracious, you have been specially selected to win a prize of a 30 minute trip on an elephant, blah, blah".
Please be gentle with me for, although I did some rostering for Puff in the late 1950s (AD) and for the Victorian Government Railways for 23 years after that, this is my first time in the real world. Ta.
Tom (What's a 412) Murray
Acting Guards & Signalmen's Roster Clerk [NOT on vacation]
I've had a few requests recently for Guards Books. Unfortunately these are out of print and I am waiting on a quote for the binding from our printer. By the time you read this I should have the pricing from him and will have ordered a quantity of these. I will advise those who have requested a replacement Guards Book and will also make mention in Monthly News.
I have a good supply of new S1 keys. Please let me know if you require a replacement due to wear, damage or age and I will organise to supply a replacement new one to you.
From the 1 st of July, new First Aid Kits will be provided and Guards are required to collect a First Aid Kit from the Safeworking Room at Belgrave. Further information on this can be found in the 'General News' section earlier in Monthly News. Please read this information. Thanks.
Rob Emmerson
This engine is operational and is in the best condition it has ever been in since coming to Puffing Billy.
This rail tractor restoration has commenced. This will entail some mechanical repairs such as replacing the wheel sets, and repairs to the axle-boxes, inspection of drive line, engine, gear box, forward/reverse gear box. A sander will be fitted, and an original style roof replaced on the unit and it will be toped off with a fresh coat of paint. The old paint will be removed and replaced with army camouflage green. The engine has been striped and is now being assessed. We are fortunate in having a fully reconditioned set of wheels as the present wheels are at the end of their life.
Plans have been made to repair the badly worn drive gear. This will require a pattern to be made for casting.
This exhibit has had its funnel removed to reduce dampness to the boiler.
This engine is running well and is the museum pilot engine.
Our trolley fleet has not been forgotten and NKS No.5 is running well but requires a new muffler.
NKS No.8 progressing slowly
The Whitfield Trailer frame has been removed from storage and is being assessed for restoration.
The Billabong water pump is receiving some attention so it can be exhibited in future.
Farewell to J541 and the people who restored it to operation. - Happy steaming!
New screenings have been placed in the 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 on 0401 222 998 or ring the museum on 9757 0756 between 10am and 4pm. The first of the evening work parties have successfully started.
John Frost (from notes by David Baker.)
Craven Lathe Electrical work completed. Machine has been operated for the first time.
Work continues on the Climax restoration.
Congratulations and Thanks to Ron Gunn, who is in his 30 th year of employment with the Puffing Billy Railway. This is an outstanding achievement and contribution. Ron has returned to Belgrave after being hard at work on the J-Class project.
Welcome back to Jack Corrick, our Volunteer from America who arrived at Belgrave Workshop in early June and will be helping us specifically with the Climax Boiler restoration for the next few months. Thank you Jack!
Adam Black
All turnouts at Clematis and the Packing shed have been lifted and realigned. Replacing sleepers in the Pinnocks Rd - Main Rd Emerald section is continuing on our volunteer week ends. ( 3rd Saturday of the month for those that need reminding ) Fish bolt replacement and tightening has happened in a few different locations.
Minor repairs have been affected in Nos.1, 2 and 3 Roads at Belgrave yard.
A lot of trees in the Landslide to School Road section and Nobelius station area have either been felled or cleaned up after falling over in wild weather. This is a never ending program.
People wanting to use trolleys for what ever purposes are reminded that they must first seek permission to use them. You must either contact Tom Kilner or Jason Bell to receive approval, if you are unable to contact these people then you cannot take out a trolley. Permission must also be sought from Traffic Branch, especially if it involves using a Trolley when trains are operating.
If you notice a problem or have a difficult time with a trolley for what ever reason please fill in the log book on the trolley, also an IDR would be handy. If possible contact someone from Way and Works or the Workshops and voice your concerns.
The old gang shed has been removed (in case you have not noticed and wondered why Belgrave looked different). It certainly opens up the area.
We have had approval from Melbourne Water to start a weed eradication and replanting programme in the section of Clematis Creek from the outflow from the pipe under the tracks at Belgrave to Old Monbulk Rd. This is excellent news as it will compliment the work already completed by our volunteer garden gang on Tuesdays & Thursdays, this team has blossomed in recent times and regularly has up six workers. The results of there work has been nothing short of outstanding. There are plans with Melbourne Water to continue this at various other locations along the track hopefully our association with them will continue for a long time.
A new Ladies toilet has been built in the Belgrave workshops; it is accessed from a new outside door located on the North side wall of the extension.
Minor repairs have been carried out on buildings at Belgrave and Lakeside.
Tom Kilner
The next YV workday is on Tuesday 10th July. Wear warm clothes. The day starts at Belgrave at 9:00am and finishes at about 3:00pm. Please let me know if you are coming.. We need adults to supervise. You will be most welcome and you get lunch provided.
John Conway
A reminder that you have only a few days to make your Tax Deductible donations to the Belgrave Signal Box fund for the 2006-07 financial year. With over $46,000 in hand to date, is 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.
Despite several large trees coming down in the recent storms, all lines are back in the air and working. A reminder to SMs and others at Belgrave to report to S&T when the yellow light on the board behind the SMs desk is illuminated. It was recently on for several days before is was reported and we can't fix it, if we don't know about it! Works will continue this month to complete the restoration around Clematis.
Andrew Wheatland.
The next Gasworks Special will be on Sunday the 22nd of July. It will feature Peckett 1711, without its usual garb of blue. This will be a very rare chance to see the loco in its true shape. Please send your booking form from last month's Monthly News. The third of the Gasworks Trifecta will be on August 26th, when 861 takes a trip to Gembrook. The booking form for that trip is included with this edition.
The Footplate Experience Trains continue to give our Guest Drivers and their families a day that they will not forget. The trains are very popular and we thank the crews who do such a wonderful job on them. If you would like a wonderful experience, then book a day out behind 861 and have a ride to remember.
John Conway
| MAY | 2007 | 2006 |
|---|---|---|
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 68% | 65% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 84% | 85% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 90% | 89% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,288 | 2,963 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 2,716 | 3,030 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 805 | 61 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 58 | 61 |
| G 42 days for month | 14 | 17 |
| Carriage kilometres | 25,701 | 27,408 |
| Carriage Days for month | 759 | 795 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 887 | 1,118 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,300 | 1,178 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 69 | 16 |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 206 | 180 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 237 | 198 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 26 | 6 |
Bob Wilson
A Night to Remember! How often these days can you enjoy a night at the theatre, complete with dinner and train fare and still have change from $50?
Join your Puffing Billy colleagues when we 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 and drinks are available at bar prices.
For last minute enquiries please contact Thelma Cotter
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 the 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
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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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