August 2007#409
August 2007
#409
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 Board selection panel comprising Chairman Peter Hiscock, Deputy Chair John Hearsch and Board member John Robinson are currently conducting interviews. Peter has reported that we have a very good field of applicants and the panel will present their short list to the Board for final interview following the next Board meeting.
An announcement will follow that.
Ray Leivers stepped in as Acting CEO for an interim period. Ray made it clear at the time of commencing that he and wife Nola were committed to beginning their "grand tour" in early July. He will return to the Board later in the year. The Board has been grateful for his assistance and looks forward to his return in a voluntary role.
In the meantime, John Hoy is acting as Chief Executive Officer until a permanent appointment is made.
A quick reminder that there has been a change in the refuelling process - an instruction sheet on the procedure is contained in the box holding the fuel log and Material safety data sheets.
If you are at all in doubt, see Tom Kilner.
Weekends are still a real issue. If you can spare even part of a day, please contact Jean Clowes, Sue Ham or Brian Thompson.
For those who may be unaware, the 'J' moved from Menzies Creek and is now undergoing commissioning trials at its new home at Maldon. From all accounts the locomotive is a credit to all who were involved with its re-build at Menzies Creek.
Magical madness is taking place at Emerald town station during the Spring 2007 school holidays. Volunteers (no magical experience necessary but possibly quite helpful!) are keenly sought.
In the financial year just ended we carried 255,619 passengers.
This is the third highest number ever and 10,500 more than the previous year.
We bettered budget in almost every category.
The only disappointing month was January during the height of the fire danger period, and as a result, January's passenger figures were the lowest for 25 years.
Fare revenue for the year totalled $4,136,000, and this was 2% above budget and almost $300,000 above the previous year.
Credit for these results must go to all of our Volunteers and Employees who have done an outstanding job over the last twelve months.
To celebrate the excellent results above, the railway invites all active volunteers, staff and immediate family to attend our End of Financial Year 'Thank You' function.
This will be held at Campbelltown Railway on Sunday 26th August from 12 Noon.
A booking form is enclosed and it is essential this is returned to enable catering to be organised.
| Peter Hiscock Chairman, ETRB |
John Hoy Acting C.E.O. | John Thompson President, PBPS |
The following three items were accidentally left out of the July edition. My apologies to all. WR.
It has been some time since S.A.G.A [South African Garratt Appeal] reported on this loco, however much has been happening 'behind the scenes' to progress the restoration of the Board's second Garratt NGG16 No.129. The components of the loco have been thoroughly examined and their condition assessed for restoration suitability. This information then allowed for a detailed feasibility study to be undertaken. The completed document was presented to the Board in October 2006.
This comprehensive study covers the physical and financial aspects of re-gauging the loco from 610mm to 762mm, the fitting of air brake equipment, the fitting of new tyres, provision of a new all-welded boiler, constructing new water tanks, a coalbunker and a cab.
The project will be managed by the ETRB. Most of this work will be undertaken by outside contractors with testing of the loco on the railway by ETRB personnel. We express our sincere thanks to the study team who gave there expertise and time 'gratis' - saving the project around $30,000. Depending on whether the project is undertaken over a 10-year timeline or shorter period, the cost is estimated to be between $1.3 and $1.7 million. The recommendation to construct a brand new boiler follows the lessons learned from G42's restoration. With many other new components it is prudent to have a boiler of the same age, as this will give a long period before a major overhaul is required.
An approach will be made to the Board to seek 'in principle' approval for the restoration project, subject to the necessary finance being available. Once agreement has been received from the Board, a fund raising campaign will be initiated. The restoration will not begin until all the required finances are in hand.
Further reports on progress will appear in future editions of Monthly News.
Peter J.O. Ralph
S.A.G.A Convener.
After 10 years Ray Williams has decided to resign from his role as safe-working training co-ordinator.
Ray has been a tireless contributor in that time and he will be a hard act to follow. He has indicated he intends to remain as part of the training group.
On behalf of the Railway Ray, many thanks for a sterling contribution.
As a result of Ray's decision I am asking for expressions of interest in the safe-working training co-ordinators role. This is a voluntary role and details may be obtained form Rob Emmerson or myself.
John Hoy,
You are invited to attend!. You have a choice of two courses:
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 14 August & Wednesday 15 August (Class limit 15) |
8.45am - 5.00pm Belgrave Masonic Hall Bayview Road , Belgrave |
| Saturday 25 August & Saturday 1 September (Class limit 30) |
8.45am - 5.00pm Belgrave CFA Bayview Road, Belgrave |
RSVP : Friday 10 August Lunch Supplied & Please wear your name badge!!
Di Gadsden,
di.gadsden@pbr.org.au
Thank you to all the guards for their support over the past month. The system seems to bed in, the kits in the locos will be followed up over the next couple of weeks to update and organise a maintenance program. The First Aid Kits are numbered and have a seal; each train needs to carry a First Aid kit. Kits are located in the safe working room.
In the past we have had problems, keeping the kits up to date, the kits will be checked each week, and the seals will indicate if there have been open.
If you would like more information please don't hesitate to contact us,
On Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th November 2007 we are to have a display at the Lilydale Show to encourage people to become volunteers at Puffing Billy. Can you help us to 'man' the display on these days. Please contact Sue Ham for more information.
Sue Ham
Could any volunteers who are interested in undertaking the Safeworking Course please send an email to rob.emmerson@pbr.org.au or leave a brief letter at Belgrave addressed to Rob to express their interest in this course.
This is not a formal call for applications, but is just to gauge the level of interest out there for this course to assist in our planning for next year.
Replies by the end of August would be appreciated.
Greg Michael
The Wizards & Witches Express is coming to EMERALD and we are calling on volunteers to make this magical journey a memorable event for budding young wizards and witches.
Tuesday 25th, Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th September 2007
Tuesday 2nd, Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th October 2007
We're aiming to run three shows each day at 10.00am, 11.45am and 1.30pm.
| * Drivers | * Firemen | * Guards | *Signalmen |
| * Conductors | * Booking Officers | * Station Masters | *Refreshment crew |
| * Shop crew | * Sound person | * Ground set-up crew | * Sausage sizzle crew |
| * Fairy floss makers | *Qualified food handlers | * Popcorn sellers |
Just in case you weren't sure.....no, you don't have to act... .however we are keen for volunteers to tap into their inner child and dress as witches and wizards.
If you would like to become involved, please contact me on nadine.hutchins@pbr.org.au preferably before 24th August 2007.
Without the support of our volunteers we cannot run this new and special event for Puffing Billy Railway, so please come on board and provide a magical day for our young folk.
The spring season of 'A 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.
Puffing Billy Railway is once again supporting the Kids Fun Run With Thomas organised by the Rotary Club of Emerald and District Inc. It will be held on Sunday 7 October 2007 at Puffing Billy Railway's Gembrook Station. Entry details will soon be available at www.kidsfunrunwiththomas.com
Nadine Hutchins,
Special Events Manager
THANK YOU to all Refreshments staff for your ongoing support and dedication throughout the school holidays, it was very much appreciated.
If you have any spare time and would like to volunteer to work in either the kiosk or the shed at Emerald for Wizards and Witches (September school holidays), or Thomas (October/November, weekends) or at the Thomas Fun Run (October 7th) at Gembrook, where we will have a stall inside the shop, please contact either June or April.
April WilliamsAny title from the Steam Media Depot is always an excellent production. Two productions will be released in late August - just in time for Father's Day.
The annual 2 hour DVD 'The Victorian Year In Steam' for 2006 will feature both Tourist and main line action. Puffing Billy features well with G42 on that rather quick run up Fielder bank on the March Members' special, the return to service of 8A - triple heading with 6A and 14A and solo on a mixed to Gembrook, 861's 125th birthday special, the two funeral trains, G41 on the 'Fielder Flyer' and the Channel 9 news footage of "Fun Run With Thomas" and "Santa Special". Other action includes double headed K class to Ballarat via Ingliston Bank, R761's first run on the new single line beyond Kyneton bound for Echuca, J515 at the VGR, BPR Easter specials, Glen Waverley and Hurstbridge line shuttles and mainline crew training specials.
' 2000 - The Victorian Year in Steam' is a 2 hour DVD release of the popular VHS title. It features double R class paralleling double 38 class, Y112 to Wakool, BPR Easter Extravaganza, NSW 38 class in Victoria, Super R711 on regular and special trains, cab rides on PB 15 454 and K160, D3639 and K190 to Robinvale and much more .....
Both retail for $49.95, with either or both making an ideal present for the railfan dad.
Could all conductors remember to check the lights are turned off before you lock the toilet doors. When a signalman is on duty at Menzies Creek, the signalman is responsible for locking the toilets. (And hopefully, also turning off the lights - Ed.)
Jean Clowes
Could any volunteers who are interested in undertaking the Safeworking Course please send an email to rob.emmerson@pbr.org.au or leave a brief letter at Belgrave addressed to Rob to express their interest in this course.
This is not a formal call for applications, but is just to gauge the level of interest out there for this course to assist in our planning for next year.
Replies by the end of August would be appreciated.
Greg Michael
The reprint pages have been produced and are available for collection in your usual work area (Guards in the Safeworking Room and Drivers/Firemen in the Crew Room). I am endeavouring to envelope the reprint pages and, using the published rosters as a guide, leave them with your name on them in the various locations for the next few weeks - this will hopefully mean most people have them and then I will post out the remainder. This should keep the cost of posting these to a minimum.
If you know you are not rostered before the 12th August and would like me to post out your copy, please let me know.
In addition, we have updated and reprinted Appendix One and this has also been included. Please remove your existing Appendix One and replace it with the new version. This was inadvertently missed from the accompanying WTT circular.
Work on the new Timetables is progressing well and these should be ready for distribution prior to the end of August. The new Timetable will take effect from 1st September and will run through to the end of August 2008. Most timetables have been altered only slightly, and apart from when the Green Timetable operates, trains will be scheduled to depart Belgrave at 10.30am, 12.20pm (Luncheon Train) and 2.20pm each day. The departure from Gembrook is at 3.00pm on any day a train operates to Gembrook (except Green). Other timetables have additional trains and these are shown below.
The Blue Timetable has the 10.00am departure to Gembrook, which waits at Lakeside until the 10.30am departure arrives.
The Purple Timetable is for the Winter Weekends and School Holiday period. On this timetable, there is a 10.30am train to Lakeside followed by an 11.10am train to Gembrook.
The Orange Timetable has had the afternoon departure returned to 2.20pm with the train going through to Emerald instead of Menzies Creek.
The Green Timetable has had the Up departures from Gembrook altered to 1.40pm (avoiding the triple way cross at Lakeside) and 5.20pm, with this train being the last Up right through to Belgrave. (Previous train departs at 5.30pm from Lakeside.)
Recently, long standing safe worker Howard Gration indicated to our 'acting' roster clerk that he would no longer be undertaking any safeworking duties. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Howard for his dedicated service over 27 years, during which time he has performed both Guard and Signalman duties. We all hope that you enjoy your 'retirement' from Puffing Billy and that you will come up and see us all occasionally. Best Wishes from all of us Howard.
Rob Emmerson
The annual Emerald Winterfest is taking place on Sunday 29th July2007. As usual the Lineside Attraction's Branch is taking part and will have display at Emerald. It is anticipated that we will have some of the little engines from the Nursery on display and in steam as well as NRT1. Other displays will be there and the entire town will be in carnival mode. A good day is envisaged.
Since its overhaul and rebuilding, this engine has been regularly steamed to keep it in top condition. Boiler treatment has been placed into the water to lengthen the life of the boiler.
The injector check valve has been lapped due to excessive dripping. This work was done by Stan Gunn. Otherwise the engine steams well. Long term we need to replace the saddle tank and this item could well be a subject for a donation to the railway as any donations are an Income Tax allowable deduction.
The operating Malcolm Moore rail tractor has been partially dismantled and some parts have been sent to be externally sand blasted. Some cracking has been found in body frame. The cracks in the frame have been ground and welded, and preparation has started on the main frames and sub frame. The amount of rust on some areas was surprising considering that the unit has had regular maintenance. and this is being treated. When the work is completed the original type of cabin roof is to be re-installed and the unit painted in Army Green.
The four brake blocks on the tractor need renewing and new blocks will have to be cast. As part of the restoration a new wheel set is too be fitted and the existing wheels are to be placed in the frame of the second Malcolm Moore tractor, allowing that unit to be made into a static exhibit.
The gang shed presently holds the several trolleys and work is about to start on completing the shed by placing the door on the shed.
The Billabong type 5 water pump has been stripped for assessment as a static or operational exhibit.
The Wednesday night work group is going well and this group is concentrating on the Malcolm Moore restoration.
John Frost
Work will now focus on the Climax restoration.
Hugh Markwick
Fish bolt tightening has been carried out on various parts of the line. Some sleepers have been replaced in the area of Emerald gang shed. Minor maintenance took place to the 1 - 2 road points down end Lakeside.
Cockatoo station yard has had trees thinned out on the down side, this will help with security of the area. Trees which have fallen over recently due to wild weather have been cleaned up - Down end of Marshalls straight, Pole 71, Superman Corner, Pole 175, MP 228 and around Maple Ridge corner.
Near the entrance rotunda at Belgrave three trees were removed as they were regarded as a hazard in the near future.
The Melbourne Water project for Clematis Creek revegetation works in the grounds of Moondarra has been completed. We should have another grant in about two months to continue along the creek in the up stream direction. We have started progress on another grant obtained from Port Philip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority - this involves identifying and mapping of all weeds along the track, then plotting out a management plan to deal with the situation.
The coal stage apron at Belgrave has been extended to accommodate extra coal and help keep the area drier. Maintenance work has been carried out on the toilets at Belgrave, Lakeside and Gembrook. A storage cage for our oxygen & acetylene bottles has been built next to the new gang shed. A new secure area (jikka) is in place in the gang shed to house all electrical tools, brush cutters, chain saws and other valuable items.
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 jfgconway@yahoo.com
This day saw a crowd of over 20 Young Volunteers and over half a dozen slightly older Volunteers working at Belgrave and Emerald. Carriages had their blinds rolled up and their sides cleaned. Wood was split for lighting-up. At Emerald, the Peckett was stripped of its Thomas clothes, the Nursery was tidied up, leaves and branches were raked and shifted. Lots of work was done by a big group of very enthusiastic youngsters, including Doris. It was great to see such a large group of people having fun getting dirty and staying warm without a fire. Well done everyone.
John Conway
A reminder that the next S&T Branch meeting will be held at Kings Rd, 10:00 a.m. on Saturday 11th August.
We are in desperate need of a minute taker. About 2 hours, every second month!! - any offers???
A thankyou to all those who continue to support this project. Dependant (as always) on other priorities and finances for construction, we are progressing design and other works associated with this project. With over $50,000 now in hand, the ability to proceed confidently when the time comes is assured.
The barrier fencing works around the wooden signals has progressed substantially and the unsightly orange fencing removed. Final arrangements and top coat painting are being planned. Other works will be to extend the fencing parallel along No. 1 road for a short distance (20') in order to discourage patrons from climbing onto the track.
The "B" Pattern Annett Key behind the frame has been bent (probably by somebody standing on it?) We are yet to receive the IDR detailing how the damage was inflicted.
We have had several trees demolish the pole line (twice!! in the month at pole 75) and more recently around poles 6 and 58.
Thanks to the SM's and others at Belgrave who have reported to S&T when the yellow light behind the SM's desk is illuminated. It is hoped that all is restored by the time you read this.
Andrew Wheatland.
Re-decking of the "Botanical Gardens" footbridge at the MCG was completed in early July. Thanks to all those who were involved - it was a real team effort.
We have just finished re-building the timber platform at Musk on the Daylesford line. The weather at Musk varied from poor to dreadful over the three weeks we worked there but in the end the result is very attractive.
During our work at Musk we diverted our efforts to Ballarat to re-build a short section of the tramway track. This was done to take advantage of road works.
We recently carried out some minor repairs to the Ballarto Road Bridge at Clyde.
Removing Somerton Signal Box from Somerton to Moorooduc has still not occurred although we are hopeful of it happening before the end of July. Once it is moved there is a fair amount of refurbishing to be done. If you would like to help, please call John Shaw.
This 600 ft (183m) long bridge has now had its track, ballast and decking removed and we are preparing to start work on replacing piles etc.
We are still waiting to hear how much, if any, of the bridge and track repair work might come our way. If we get the go-ahead we expect to start sometime in late August.
John Shaw
Progress on the Climax 1694 is expected to get a boost in August as we get some fulltime work going. The money raised from Footplate Experience Trains, sales, special trains and donations has allowed us to get together enough money to fund some fulltime work. This will also enable more efficient use of volunteer time on Climax workdays as there will be a program of activities for them to do and tools ready to do it with.
The FETs are still going strong and we have nearly sold out the available weekends for this year. Get in quickly or you will need to wait for your drive until next year. The trains have been very popular for 50th and 60th birthdays. Some people, however, just book them because they want to drive a train.
We would like to thank everyone who has donated to the project in one way or another. There have been so many of you and we have received lots of encouragement from people all over the railway. A few examples, Graham Watsford was kind enough to sponsor a gauge glass in 2005. He found that one wasn't enough so he has now sponsored the other one. Bernie Holmes heard that we need a vacuum cleaner to help out at the Nursery. He found an old one and brought it up. Steve Holmes organised the donation of a cubby house which we have painted up and sold to raise some useful dollars. All these contributions help and will speed up the restoration programme.
The next Saturday workday will be on 4th August stating from 9 am until 4 pm. If you can't stay for long, just drop in and say hello to the gang.
Don't forget to sign in and grab a pair of safety glasses as you come in through the side door of the Workshop. This will make you visit safe and enjoyable.
John Conway
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 Badawy plus Chas Bevan. The group is progressing well and would appreciate any assistance from interested parties.
Hugh Markwick
| June | Financial Years | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 2006 | 2006/07 | 2005/06 | |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 70% | 70% | 63% | 67% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 88% | 77% | 77% | 77% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 94% | 82% | 79% | 77% |
| Train kilometres for the month/year | 2 836 | 3230 | 44 372 | 45 754 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 2 906 | 3 355 | 48 041 | 47 067 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 98 | 31 | 4 809 | 1 888 |
| NA locomotive days for month/year | 53 | 55 | 757 | 789 |
| G 42 days for month/year | 18 | 25 | 228 | 252 |
| Carriage kilometres | 24 218 | 29 939 | 393 157 | 410 384 |
| Carriage Days for month/year | 719 | 781 | 10 347 | 10 646 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1 209 | 1 244 | 14 049§ | 14 049§ |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1 268 | 1 313 | 1 7186 | 1 7015 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 95* | 12 | 475* | 397 |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 192 | 180 | 2 666 | 2 632 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 222** | 216 | 3 061** | 2 964 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 6 | 4 | 138 | 111 |
* Excludes 21 NQR which ran 1810 kms on passenger carrying trips over 10 months.
** Includes Driver Experience trips.
These figures are correct but locos are different!!
Ballast hopper wagon NNN2 made its first trip attached to train No 21 from Belgrave to Menzies Creek on Friday 22 June.
Some more statistics for the full financial year follow:
6A ran the highest kilometres for the year. (14,049kms over 309 days) followed by 8A (10,398kms over 217 days) and 14A (10,103kms over 231 days). They were the only NA locos to run during the year. G42 ran 7,665 kms over 228 days. Diesel loco distances were DH31 (3,013kms over 76 days) and D21 (1,777 kms over 55 days).
13NBH recorded the highest vehicle distance (17,186kms) over 364 days. 1NBH followed with 2 NBD coming third. The average length for all passenger trains throughout the year was 9 vehicles, the same as for the last 2 years. 91NQR recorded the highest distance for non passenger carrying vehicles (475kms) over 22 days.
4 or more steam locos were used on 67 days. 355 one way trips were operated using more than one locomotive.(11.6%) There were 14 total fire ban days when diesel locos only were used. 74 Dinner and Wedding Trains were operated as against 70 the previous year.
Bob Wilson
This really was a memorable evening and we extend our thanks to the GEMCO Theatre Company for putting on a fantastic evening's entertainment for us. All who attended fully enjoyed the experience.
The second of this year's film nights will be returning to the GEMCO Theatre in Emerald. Join us for another mixture of films and slides from Australia and further afield. We have a special train organized for us as we travel from Belgrave to Emerald and refreshments will be provided during the interval.
Look for the booking form with this edition of Monthly News.
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 inquiries on any of these events, please ring Jeff Goodwin
Society Secretary Dan O'Connor suffered a heart attack on Sunday July22nd.
Fortunately quick action by Dan and his family prevented more serious consequences.
Dan is now home and on the mend - speedy recovery mate from your friends here.
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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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