September 2007#410
September 2007
#410
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 .
After an extensive search, the Board selection panel recommended the appointment of Mr Eamonn Seddon to the role of Chief Executive Officer and this was confirmed on 22nd August. Eamonn has had extensive marketing and commercial management experience with Ffestiniog Railway in Wales. He was then seconded to a project many of you are familiar with: he played a major part in the re-birth of the West Coast Wilderness Railway in Tasmania and once Federal Hotels assumed the lease, he was appointed the Railway's General Manager.
Eamonn will join us in November. We look forward to working with him and to the fresh energy he will bring to Puffing Billy.
In the interim, John Hoy will continue to act as CEO.
Weekends are still a real issue. If you can spare even part of a day, please contact Jean Clowes, Sue Ham or Brian Thompson.
Volunteers are reminded that the BACK gravel area of the US bus lines is available for parking. SM's and Booking officers can also park "last minute arrivals" there as well.
Note we only have access to the gravel area at the back of this area.
Please take care when entering or leaving; US still use the site for turning buses and for resting between runs for buses.
We had minor damage inflicted on the lunch train either late on August 7th or early August 8th. Access may have been gained through an unlocked carriage door.
All staff are reminded to ensure everything is locked up before you leave. If you have difficulty securing whatever, let Tom Kilner or John Hoy know about it.
Sue Ham is currently organising courses - if your qualification is dated or you are interested in gaining a qualification let Sue know. Preference is given to those needing a qualification as part of their role on the railway.
We are pleased to announce that at the 13 August meeting of the Society's Executive Committee, Jean Clowes and Darren Baker were formally appointed to fill two casual vacancies for 'Ordinary' Committee positions that had resulted from the resignations of Matt Gardner on 17 April and Nick Anchen on 27 May. Jean and Darren will serve until this year's Election of Office-bearers prior to the AGM in November.
We extend our thanks and appreciation to both Matt and Nick for their respective contributions and support during their terms on the Executive Committee.
As a result of pressures of work and personal commitments, Lachie A'Vard requested and has been granted leave of absence for the remainder of his term on the Exec. Committee and will be eligible to renominate prior to the AGM.
The groundswell of support for the eventual rebuilding of loco 3A as a Society-sponsored project has prompted the Exec. Committee to commit to a feasibility study and costing exercise. This is NOT a decision to proceed with the project and neither is it related to the Board's current strategic planning for future motive power requirements. However, a future return of 3A to the operational NA fleet would offer significant benefits to the PBR, in addition to whatever other motive power options may be explored and determined.
Enclosed with this issue of Monthly News is a leaflet offering a pre-publication discount on the latest in the 'Focus on...' series - GEMBROOK LINE Part Three, now in production. It features more magnificent photographs by the late Ted Downs, author of Speed Limit 20.
Proceeds from the sale of these books make a substantial contribution to the Society's fundraising efforts.
One of the Society's main objectives is to provide support and funding for PB projects that may not be a high priority for the Board and Management, or for the routine daily operation of the Railway. Past Society sponsored projects have included the restoration of the Peckett, the Climax and G42. Various items of rolling stock have been the subject of Society funding, most recently carriage 1NB. Future rolling stock restoration projects will include carriage 14NB, car-vans 1NBC and 6NBC, goods vans 1NT and 1NH, to mention a few.
It is very unlikely that the Lakeside-Gembrook section of the Railway would ever have been rebuilt without the Society's commitment, and funding, to do it!
If you are a non-member volunteer for Puffing Billy, please consider offering your support for the continuing restoration and preservation of the Railway's historic locomotives and rolling stock by joining the Society. Members' subscriptions make a significant contribution to the availability of funding for Societysponsored projects and members receive several benefits of membership in return.
| Peter Hiscock Chairman ETRB | John Hoy Acting CEO | John Thompson President PBPS |
If you would like a PB car sticker, please e-mail Sue Ham on sue.ham@pbr.org.au and she will arrange delivery.
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 Sue also.
On Sunday 11 th November 2007 we are have a display at the Lilydale Lake 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.
On Saturday 17 th & Sunday 18 th November 2007 we are 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.
Ahhh! The wonders of modern technology! A huge thankyou goes out to the following combination of individuals who have brought modern technology in the shape of cordless phones in conjunction with our new computer phone system into the Customer Service Centre. These are - Janice Gasking, Shirley Westerberg and Ian Marks along with our "never say die" technicians who are always on hand when something goes wrong - Rob Hillis and Neil Lewis - our heroes. Other contributors - Andrew Wheatland and John Basile. Not forgetting the man who put up his hand (not knowing what he was in for) to personally promise to carry this task to fruition and unhook the ladies in the front office - our one and only multi tasker CEO - John Hoy - many, many thanks John! This task has taken many months of testing, revamping and scratching heads - I do believe it has almost reached finality. Many, many thanks to all of you!!
Glenda Rae, Customer Service Centre
Also on behalf of Jean Clowes, Di Moss & Karen Streeter.
Hand crafted possum boxes are available for a short time at a cost of $40.00 each. If you would like to check them out please contact Sue or e-mail sue.ham@pbr.org.au. All proceeds go to the "Climax Restoration Fund".
Our condolences to Lindsay Rickard and his family on the recent death of his Father. Our thoughts are with you at this time Lindsay.
It's not long to go until the Wizards & Witches Express arrives in Emerald and bookings are increasing every day. We have had a number of people volunteer their time for this new event however we still need a few more! To refresh your memory, details of the event are as follows:
Tuesday 25 th, Wednesday 26 th and Thursday 27 th September 2007
Tuesday 2nd, Wednesday 3 rd and Thursday 4 th October 2007
We're aiming to run three shows each day at 10.00am, 11.45am and 1.30pm.
We have sufficient drivers and firemen, however we still need:
| * Guards * Booking Officers * Shop crew * Sausage sizzle crew * Popcorn sellers |
* Signalmen Station Masters * Sound person * Fairy floss makers | * Conductors Refreshment crew Ground / set-up crew * Qualified food handlers |
Remember, 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 and ensure that the kids (and yourselves) have a memorable time, please contact me nadine.hutchins@pbr.org.au as soon as possible.
The Kids Fun Run With Thomas event keeps growing each year, and this year we anticipate 800 children will run against Thomas. Volunteers are sought for this day including:`
| * An Accredited 'Road Traffic Controller' * Signalmen |
Crew * Guard | * Conductors * Refreshment Staff |
Please contact me on nadine.hutchins@pbr.org.au to be involved. This event is organised by the Rotary Club of Emerald and District Inc. and the Puffing Billy Railway is a Major Sponsor.
All proceeds raised on the day will be given to charity. Further information is located at www.kidsfunrunwiththomas.com.
The spring season of A Day Out With Thomas activities will take place in Emerald on:
Saturday 13th, 20th & 27th October and Sunday 14th, 21st & 28th October 2007
Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th November 2007
Dan O'Connor would welcome any volunteer support for these days and I ask that you contact Dan email at danann3@bigpond.net.au.
Nadine Hutchins
Special Events Manager
Mrs Mac's pies and Peters Ice-Creams have been phased in at most stations, they will replace 'Four N Twenty' and 'Streets'.
Volunteer discounts will remain the same.
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 Williams
Steam Media have released two DVDs - just in time for Father's Day. The annual 2 hour DVD 'The Victorian Year In Steam' for 2006 includes both Tourist and mainline 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 6 and 14 and solo on a mixed to Gembrook, 861's 125th birthday special, the two funeral trains, G41 on the 'Fielder Flyer', the Channel 9 news footage of 'Fun Run With Thomas' and 'Santa Special' and 861 on a Footplate Experience train.
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 mainline crew training specials and a close up look inside R707's boiler and firebox. Sixteen different locos feature on over 40 operations.
'2000 - The Victorian Year in Steam' is a 2 hour DVD release of the popular VHS title. It is incredible to see how much has changed in a mere 7 years! For the Puffing Billy fan there is footage of our line's Centenary celebrations. See the Climax in action and the Peckett minus Thomas cladding. Other features include 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 PB15-454 and K160, D3639 and K190 to Robinvale via Bacchus Marsh, Dunolly, Inglewood and Castlemaine - when the Bendigo line was still a double track railway, interlocked gates at Kyneton, inside signal boxes at Frankston and Kyneton and much more
You can be assured that any Steam Media title is an excellent production. They retail for $49.95 each with either or both making an ideal present for the railfan dad.
We will be trialling a new method of distributing the new timetable inserts for conducting staff for this timetable change. I will have the up to date timetables in the Conductor Information Books in each Conductors Float bag and we will be emailing the inserts to all conducting staff on email. If you do not have access to email I will have copies available, so please let me know if you need copies. You will notice we have changed the format a little and I would like to thank Brian Thompson for all his help in preparing the new style inserts.
The Working Time Table has now been finalised and by the time you read this will have been printed and will be available for our safe-workers. I will leave enveloped copies out for those on the safeworking and loco rosters in the first week or so of September and will then post out the remainder.
These have now been distributed to all 'active' safe-workers on the list. If you haven't received your copy and you feel that you should have, then please contact me. I am also in the process of sending out copies of the Rules & GI's to those on the 'inactive' list. There are some 54 people on the 'inactive' list but of these, some will be moved to the 'permanently inactive' list.
If you are currently 'inactive' and would like to return to the 'active' list, please contact either Warren Mauseth or myself and we will work out what you need to do to become 'active' again.
If you feel that your copy of the Rules & GI's might not be fully up to date, please contact me and we can make a date to sit down and compare your copy with the 'master' copy and make corrections as necessary.
It's hard to believe that by the time Monthly News is issued there will be some of the participants of this safeworking course who will have completed all their practical work and will be fully qualified. Congratulations to you and to all the course participants for the efforts they have put in and also to the Trainers and Examiners who have taken the time to take the trainees out with them and shown them the ropes. Your time is very much appreciated by all concerned.
I would also like to specifically thank Ray Williams, Greg Michael and Andrew Wheatland for their efforts in running this course - there is a lot of work involved in not only arranging the course schedule but in teaching the trainees in the class room, handing out and then marking assessment papers, plus a plethora of other things needed to be done to successfully run the safeworking course.
As mentioned previously, Ray Williams had asked to be relieved of the safeworking training officers job and I am pleased to announce that John Morice has agreed to take on this important role. John has a background in education, so is eminently qualified for this position. Ray will still be involved as a trainer during the course.
Rob Emmerson
Traffic Manager
Many thanks for the help I have received during my two month 'reign of terror' doing the guard and signalmens' roster while Kevin, the real roster clerk, was away sunning himself on the beaches at Darwin* and Margaret River. Kevin left the rosters set up very well for the almost three months involved however, in the first month alone, there were 32 jobs still to be covered on a casual basis which gives an idea of how much traffic the railway operates (and this is the quiet time of year). The co-operation of so many was appreciated and, as you would expect, it is a time-intensive job with phone calls involved. For the lunch train shift on one day in early July I made 24 phone calls and still did not cover the job. The ever reliable Mrs Emmerson's small boy, Rob, saved the day. You will be relieved to know that Kevin takes over again from 4.12pm on Wednesday, 29 th August.
*crocodiles close by this location only.
Tom Murray
The annual "Emerald Winterfest" took place on Sunday 29th July 2007. This year the Branch decided on a larger than usual display using the small engines normally locked away in the Nursery. As 861 was needed for a Driver Experience train, we were able to have the Peckett in steam for the whole day and it was crewed by qualified staff from the branch. This allowed us to give rides to the public in the station yard and we had 80 adults and 100 children riding in our little train.
For the first time ever, we believe, we were able to utilise the cattle dock platform at Emerald as a passenger platform to allow our passengers to board the train. The trip was very short as it only took passengers to the turntable and back but this allowed us to operate in the yard and not intrude on the main line and the usual passenger services. The 'Winterfest' had arranged the usual "Hold up" of several trains by the bushranger "Mad Dog Morgan", which added to the fun of the day.
As well as this, we had Sue Ham come and open the Thomas shed for the recruitment of potential volunteers for the railway. In the shed, we had a display of memorabilia as well as having a Station Master, Signalman and Porter on duty as well as our staff. We had the Decauville engine on display in the open with NRT1, a KS trolley and trailer and other exhibits.
Next year we will have some signage for our exhibits and will try to integrate the station yard into the festival and perhaps place some of the oil engines in the yard. We will also try to ensure that the music tent is relocated to give a full view of the station yard.
Overall, it was a good day for the Emerald township and the railway.
The Malcolm Moore rail tractor has been placed on blocks and the wheel set removed with the refurbished wheels from the spare Malcolm Moore ready to be placed in the frame. Work is progressing on the frame.
With the removal of J541 from our compound we have been doing a clean up of the site and we expect to remove two large and dangerous gum trees which have shed huge limbs lately.
John Frost
Work now focussing on the Climax restoration.
Hugh Markwick
Sleeper replacement has continued between Emerald Main Road and Pinnocks Road. Turn-outs at Gembrook have received minor routine maintenance.
'Top and line' was carried out in the running shed road at Belgrave.
This has been the main focus of work for the last month due to quite a lot of trees either falling or branches snapping off them. Locations of the major works being at Pole 75, Pole 95, Selby station area, around Emerald yard and Primary School, Pole 165 - 170, MP 202, and MP 233. Just recently a tree fell on the down end boundary fence of the Aura house property demolishing about 20 metres of paling fence. Over the last month we have run four works trains cutting back all foliage which is too close to the train, there is still a few more to run to complete the job.
Our partnership with Melbourne Water is continuing, with the next area to receive attention being along Clematis Creek frontage from the large pipes under Belgrave yard towards Stanley Street with the target of removing weeds and minor replanting of suitable vegetation. The other project with CMA is progressing nicely. The Belgrave garden team is continuing to do a great job on the grounds at Moondarra and maintaining the existing garden beds. Recently they installed a set of steps and pathway leading from the bottom car park to the back of the house, making the access to the station area a lot easier. Bob Ayres has found a full time position in the real estate industry. I would like to thank Bob very much for all the work he has contributed to the railway.
The air conditioner duct in David Eaton's office has been enclosed and a number of shelves installed. Now when you walk into his office there will be nothing lying around on the floor and you'll be able to find a chair. Toilet repairs have been carried out at Belgrave and Lakeside. The water tank stands have been repaired, having some of the bracing replaced. Wilma has had some new shelving provided to help her maintain a bit of order with her paper work. (Impossible! - Ed.) A small shed approx 2.5 x 3 metres was obtained from near Traralgon for no cost; pulled apart on site and reassembled outside the entrance door of the Nursery building at Emerald. This will be very useful as either a change room or for wood storage.
Tom Kilner
It's that time of the year once again and Andrew will be away (overseas) from Monday Sept 17 to Thursday Oct 11 inclusive.
During this time, Ian Marks will handle all Branch management issues and Ian Newman will be available for day to day maintenance activities (S&T - Mon & Tues and via Adam Black on Wed & Thurs). Our team of S&T volunteers will also continue to be available to handle their usual activities.
The fencing at Menzies Creek was progressing well until it was attacked by vandals a few weeks ago. New timbers have been purchased and should be installed by the time this reaches you.
The fence along No. 1 road has proven most effective at encouraging our patrons to remain on the platform and to use the designated walkway to exit from the station.
Behind the scenes improvements continue at Belgrave. The stand-by generator has had an electrically driven choke controller fitted and now starts very reliably. The fuel capacity has also been increased after shortcomings were revealed during a recent supply outage.
Additional computer network equipment continues to be added and should have substantially improved the availability of services at the Loco Workshops and drawing offices.
Andrew Wheatland.
The work on the Climax boiler is progressing faster now with fulltime help. This work entails the riveting of the foundation ring (removal and replacement of foundation ring rivets). Adam is also setting up the Asquith drill to remove rivets on the other side of the foundation ring. Just a reminder that the Wednesday. Workshop nights and Workshop first Saturdays give everyone a chance to get their hands dirty as they contribute to the restoration work.
We were lucky enough to be offered a VR portable building from Traralgon, Maffra siding. It is similar to the shed next to the water tank at Gembrook. Our thanks are extended to Tom Kilner and his gang. They dismantled it at Traralgon and then reassembled it at Emerald next to the locomotive running (nursery) shed. It will improve the amenity for FET and Thomas crews immensely.
John Conway
The next YV workday will be on Tuesday 2nd October. We will be working in the Belgrave to Menzies Creek section of the railway; not our usual spring haunt of Emerald. Wear appropriate clothing according to the weather and be ready to get very dirty. Lunch will be the usual wholesome stuff that we provide. Adults are more than welcome to come along, help and have fun.
Please let me know if you are coming so that we can organise transport around the railway.
John Conway
John Thompson and Norm Wadeson have donated part of their collections to the archives. Warren Doubleday is providing training sessions for the software.
Book plates are being applied to books that have been donated, showing the donor details.
If you are having a clean out, please do not throw away anything that we can utilise, but contact Geoff Tasker so he can obtain useful items.
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
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 1 st September 2007, Saturday 6 th October 2007 and Saturday 3 rd November 2007 between 1pm and 3pm. Other times can be arranged by ringing Peter.
We would like to thank Leo Duncan, Keith Hartley, Weston Langford, John Shaw, Alan Stebbing, Andrew Webster and Bruce West for their recent donations to the shop which "Keep G42 Going".
Need Magazines? Fill those gaps in your collection. Australian Loco News, Australian Model Engineering, Australian Railway History / The Bulletin, Catchpoint, The Darjeeling Mail, Divisional Diary,Light Railways, The Llanfair Railway Journal, Monthly News (PBR), Motive Power, Narrow Gauge, Newsrail, Pacific Railway, Pichi Richi Patter, Pinjarra Steam Express, Rail Australia, Rail News Victoria, Railway Digest, SA (South Africa) Rail, Stacktalk, Victorian Railways Newsletters, Westland, (NZ) Yarn, plus others. Prices start from 20c each. Very limited stocks - first come, first served.
The donations from our Red collection box for May & June was $21.25. Thank you to all who continue to support our efforts to Keep G42 Going
Bruce West
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.
The return of an old favourite! Join us as we travel the full length of the line for a sunset trip to Gembrook, stopping along the way to enjoy dinner, course by course, at the different stations.
Ride along as we travel by bus from Belgrave to visit and travel on the Alexandra Tramway.
Theatre Night. Join us for supper and a show as we meet at Ferntree Gully and visit the 1812 Theatre Company.
Look back into the archives when we meet for our annual film night, with train ride from Belgrave to Emerald.
Travel by train from Emerald to Gembrook and partake of dinner at the station before making our way to the Community Hall for an evening of varied dance.
Another old favourite! Join us as we see out the old year and welcome in the new in traditional Puffing Billy style!
For inquiries on any of these events, please ring Jeff Goodwin
The members of our Speaker Panel are volunteers marketing the railway to clubs and interest groups in a way likely to rekindle interest in our narrow gauge preserved steam trains that commenced running at the start of the Twentieth Century. When told of the history of our little railway, operating first as a Branch-line Goods Railway and since the 1960s as a preserved Steam Tourist Railway sufficient interest is likely to be generated to ensure that Victorian residents place Puffing Billy on their list of "must do" tourist icon attractions to visit.
The voluntary Speaker Panel has functioned for more than a decade. Guest Speakers who visit clubs and interest groups have been invited to speak on average, each year to more than 70 groups. Our speakers visit Probus Clubs, Church Groups, Retirement Village Residents, Legacy Widows, Senior Citizens Clubs, RSL and National Servicemen's Groups, CWA Groups, V.I.E.W. Clubs, Historical Societys, Lodge Meetings and Car Clubs etc. Presentations are made throughout the Metropolitan area and as far away as Shepparton, Leongatha, Bendigo, Ballarat, Seymour, Traralgon, Bellarine Peninsula, Sale, Warragul, Mornington Peninsula, Yarram, Wonthaggi and Inverloch. If a speaker doesn't require an overnight stop-over then a speaking engagement can be scheduled. Most bookings come as a result of word of mouth recommendations; PBR also advertise the Speaker Service in the Victorian Probian, the Victorian Senior's Newspaper and MUFTI; details are also available on our Website.
If you belong to a Club or Group (or know someone in a club) that would like to hear about the history of the Puffing Billy Railway; its struggle to survive closure and the efforts of our dedicated volunteers to keep the line operating and its grand return to Gembrook, then please contact Don Horsburgh, dhorsbur@bigpond.net.au or write to him at the Railway to arrange a guest speaker. If a speaker visits a club or group then a special discount offer is made to the club or group if they book a minimum of 25 passengers on the "Luncheon Special". (Some conditions apply). Speaking engagements are tailored to meet specific requirements however; most groups request a 45 minute presentation followed by a 7 minute DVD or VCR presentation and questions. Some Clubs have made generous financial donations to the railway as a way of thanking us for providing a Guest Speaker.
Groups visited are provided with brochures covering the different aspects of our activities. They are told that when they finish reading the literature, not to put it in the rubbish bin but to pass it on to neighbours, children, grand-children or to local schools. It is not unusual to interest a new PBPS Member and/or Volunteer.
Currently the PBPS Volunteer team, actively involved in this important marketing initiative are; Don Horsburgh (Co-ordinator), Laurie Bunn, Bill Whitford and David Paroissien. To ensure that appropriate records and administrative standards are maintained, all inquiries, in the first instance, are to be directed to the Co-ordinator.
We would like to introduce you to our ombudsman team:
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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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