(03) 9757 0700 All public enquiries, timetables, special events, bookings and general enquiries. (03) 9757 0705 Belgrave FAX
(03) 9757 0777 Business enquiries

There is no change to individual extension or indial numbers.

Award to Warren Mauseth

At the recent ATHRA conference in Adelaide Warren Mauseth was awarded the prestigious Graeme Breydon Award for his contribution to Rail Safety in the Tourist and Heritage Sector. Well done Warren.

Fatigue Management

With the busy period approaching, now is a timely reminder to all Safeworkers that under the Victorian Rail Safety Regulations 2006. The Rail Safety Accreditation Officer (John Hoy) is required to ensure that all safeworkers observe the following rules in relation to fatigue management:

• Not to work in excess of 12 hours in any 24 hour period.
• The minimum rest period between shifts shall be 10 hours; however 8 hours shall be acceptable during periods of emergency operations.
• Locomotive crews must also observe the following Rule;
  "For locomotive crews a maximum of 9 days in any ten day period can be worked. The rule of 10 days applies to days/shifts worked in positions at Puffing Billy Railway (e.g. Driver, Fireman, Guard, Signalman, Station Master Fire Patrol, Track Patrol etc.), plus days/shifts worked at other Tourist Railways and/or Main Line Railways.

ARHS Railway Museum Open Day - Sunday 2nd December< 2007

We have been advised that the ARHS are having an Open Day on Sunday December 2nd at their Railway Museum, Champion Road, North Williamstown. (Melway Map 55, Ref. K7) See previously unseen footage of A2's and 'S' Class action, Gold Coin Sausage Sizzle and more. Be there or be square.

New Worksafe Licence For High Risk Work

All personnel who hold an appropriate OH&S Certificate of Competency, issued by Worksafe for the operation of steam locomotive boilers and/or reciprocating engines must transfer to a new high risk work licence to perform high risk work prior to existing certificates of competencies expiring.

To transfer to the new license, register on line at the 'Worksafe Victoria' website. The web address is www.worksafe.vic.gov.au For further information send an email to Warren Mauseth or phone Warren. Email address warren.mauseth@pbr.org.au

The Answer to Last Month's Trivia Question

The one branch line that Tom Murray never travelled on was the Mont Park Branch. Perhaps that is just as well. When I was a child the expression "Take a trip to Mont Park" was an indication that the speaker thought that you were not the most rational.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

I have resided for nearly a year in the portable on the platform next to staff room, commonly called "Volunteer Coordinator ". So if you are passing just drop in for a visit and cuppa, or you can ring me

Mentors We Need You

Can you help, we need mentors volunteers who are willing to listen then act, volunteers who will put their hands up, so when new volunteers arrive they assist them into the Puffing Billy family. The mentor program is aimed at new volunteers so that they have another contact point besides roster officer and the training officer. It is anticipated that the new volunteer and mentor will communicate for a minimum of six occasions. The mentor and new volunteer will discuss together anything that concerns the new volunteer.

Cool Water

As we are now in summer and the weather is hot have been putting large containers of water in the fridge in the crew rooms at Belgrave and Lakeside, and smaller ones at Menzies Creek and Gembrook. We are asking for your help, please advise Sue on 415 or 715 when the reserve container is put in the fridge.

We would like to remind crews of the importance of hydrating.

Can You Help

The gardening group are looking to continue improving the Belgrave Zig Zag garden.

We would like you to bring any bulbs or irises if and when they're dividing them. Any plants need to be labelled eg. dark purple bearded iris, short form etc. so we can plant them in the right spot. Plants and bulbs and can be deposited under Moondarra against green shed, we thank you for donations which beautifies the entrance to the railway.

International Volunteer Day - 5^th December

Wednesday 5^th December is International Volunteer Day. Thanks to all of our volunteers, who assist in keeping Puffing Billy operating day after day.

Sue Ham

Business Development Division

Special Events

Great Train Race - 4^th of May 2008

We held our first Great Train Race (GTR) committee meeting in October where it was agreed that we will be capping the number of entries to 3,000. We will also be developing a new Great Train Race database which will be able to accept entries on-line. These decisions will significantly assist in the organisation and administration of the race.

Bob Cochrane has agreed to join the Great Train Race committee and we are delighted to be benefiting from his unique experience of actually having run in the race for many years.

Applications are now open for the position of GTR Co-ordinator. This position will report to myself and will be part time for a contract period commencing late Feb 2008. For a copy of the Position Description please contact me on nadine.hutchins@pbr.org.au. Applications close 7^th January 2008.

Day Out With Thomas

Our Spring Thomas season wrapped up in November which saw 8,695 patrons journey on Thomas and enjoy the pantomime and associated activities. Apart from the Spring 2005 season (which included an extra weekend for Thomas' 60^th Birthday), this season attracted the biggest attendance numbers that we have ever had.

Our Thomas event has become extremely popular and is a great revenue source for the Railway, however it does require an enormous contribution from our volunteers, for which we are extremely grateful. However rather than you continuing to hear me say thank you (for which of course I am!), I thought you might like to hear a thank you from one of our patrons who emailed us recently:

"Hello there, my name is Ali and I have just returned home from A Day Out With Thomas. I just want to thank all of the people involved for making my little boy Darcy's day so fantastic. He is an avid Thomas fan and the look on his face when he saw Thomas and Sir Topham Hat is one that will live in my heart forever. The show was fantastic and we could not have asked for a better day. Fantastic work, keep it up, we will definitely be back and will certainly tell all our friends about this wonderful family day. Ali and Owen".

The dates have been set for our Autumn and Spring 2008 seasons so if you already have your 2008 diary, pop them in!

March 2008	October 2008
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd	Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th	Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th
	Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th
April 2008	November 2008
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th	Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th
Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th

We are always keen to involve more volunteers, so if you are interested in becoming involved in our Thomas days, please contact Dan O'Connor on email at danann3@bigpond.net.au. (Please don't send to the 'Secretary' email address - Dan is no longer the Secretary.)

Nadine Hutchins
Special Events Manager

COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS BRANCH

To all Refreshment Staff, have a very Merry Christmas and a Safe & Prosperous New Year.

On special again this year are the 'Puffing Billy Railway' embossed lid Shortbread biscuit tins.

If you are able to spare some time to work at any of the stations, it would be much appreciated. Your assistance is vital to the continuing success of Puffing Billy. Could you please call April to offer your time. Thank you.

DVDs for Christmas

Our two most recent DVD arrivals "Vic's Railways Volume 2" produced by Series 567 and Steam Media and "1999 - The Victorian Year In Steam" from Steam Media have both been selling well. Customers have been enjoying the historic and, in many cases, unrepeatable footage in these excellent titles. Both retail for $49.95 each.

Our shop also has an extensive range of other rail related DVDs - any of which would make an ideal Christmas present for the rail-fan in the family. So if you need a 'stocking filler' drop in to the Belgrave Shop to see what we have available.

April Williams

PASSENGER BUSINESS

Thank you and Merry Christmas:

I would like to thank all Station Masters, Booking Clerks, Head Conductors, Conductors, Porters and Passenger Guides for all your help and support this year. I would like to wish you and your families a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Help please for 6 train roster :

Could all SM's please have a look at the 6 train roster as I still have some vacancies particularly for some afternoon shifts. Please let me know if you can help. Lakeside Booking is another area we hope to cover through 6 train running and the following week to the Sunday 13^th January, so again I would love to hear from you.

Kind Regards, Jean

OPERATIONS DIVISION

TRAFFIC BRANCH

Menzies Creek:

With Fire Patrols about to commence we offer the following reminders to our operating staff.

• The Outer & Inner Home signals are put back to stop by an arriving train - Each lever will need to be re-operated to admit the following Fire Patrol.
• Fire Patrols should be held at the Outer Home signal if there are engine run round movements. (e.g. Nos11/10 pass) and only admitted when they will not interfere with these movements.
• Unless Guard-in-Charge working is in force (i.e. No signalman rostered on), only ONE movement should be signalled at any one time. The simultaneous operation of the inner home levers at both ends of the frame is to be avoided, as this often leads to confusion - especially when Fire Patrols are operating.
• On the Blue Timetable (when No.10 runs), the loco released from No.9 pass should be moved beyond the Approach Section Indicator Board well before No.11 pass is admitted to the station.
• Whenever a signal is restored to stop, with the track approaching it occupied, there will be a time delay before the points can be moved. The "availability" light above the point lever will flash while this time delay runs and during this time the points will not operate (even though the point lever may be free). The prompt return of signal levers to the Normal position when the points require changing will ensure the minimal delay - remembering, of course, to not return signal levers until the diagram has indicated that the train/locomotive has cleared the area of the points.
• And finally, a reminder to be especially vigilant with the operation of trolleys over the motorised points. The trolleys, Road Rail etc. are not track circuited and will not stop the operation of the points should the lever be moved. Signalmen are reminded to visually determine that the points are in fact clear before operating the lever when trolleys are operating.

Andrew Wheatland

Belgrave Top Yard Gates

When the fencing was installed around Nos.3, 4 & 5 Roads, instructions were issued to close the 'down' end gates after every move. This was to prevent some of the locals trying to walk up there like they used to do. As sufficient time has now elapsed and all of the locals walk along the platform on their way towards Belgrave main street, the gates need not be shut during the day but can be left open until all expected movements in and out of the 'top' yard are completed for the day. This should make some shunts easier by not having to go up and open the gates first.

Belgrave Signalman - Time Table G

As in previous years, we will again be operating Time Table G with a Signalman at Belgrave. (rather than a Train Controller.) This proved effective last time. Safeworkers who have qualified as a 'Train Controller' are asked to contact Rob Emmerson to offer themselves for the 6 train running period.

Safeworking Course 2008

All those who put in applications should have been contacted in regard to setting a time for an interview. If you have out in an application and have not heard from me one way or another, please call me. Interviews will be held on Saturday 8^th and Sunday 9^th. We will be holding the interviews throughout both days, so I will need to arrange a suitable time for each interview.

At the interview we will discuss with you the course requirements, timetable and expected outcomes.

Rob Emmerson

Infrastructure Services Division

Rolling Stock Branch

LOCOMOTIVES

3A

At Gembrook, investigation proceeding.

6A

In traffic, D examination.

7A

By the time you read this is hoped that 7A will have passed light steam and traffic trials, and be in traffic.

8A

C examination in progress.

12A

The frames are being cleaned, crack tested and painted by the Navy, Boiler stays being welded in place by external contractor.

14A

In traffic

G42

In traffic.

1694

Replacing of rivets in the foundation ring completed. Replacement smoke box being prepared.

Peckett

In traffic.

DeCauville

Repairs to ash pan.

John Benn

In traffic.

D21

In traffic, Torque converter seal repaired.

DH31

In traffic, batteries replaced.

NRT1

In traffic.

NVW1

In traffic.

NK3

In traffic.

NK2

In traffic.

NRR2

Repairs to rear drive completed, in traffic.

NRR3

Investigations re external suppliers of components proceeding.

ROLLING STOCK

3NU

Awaiting underframe restoration.

8NBH

Work has recommenced.

12NBH

In traffic.

2NBH

Lifted.

18NBH

Lifted.

51NBH

Roof and guttering replaced, being painted.

2NC

Is at Belgrave, new underframe prepared, body being fitted.

149NQR

Slight progress.

220NQR

Lifted, being repainted.

Bogie Frames

The frames that were outside the compound at Emerald have been cleaned, examined and primed.

New Staff Member

Gerry Chirgwin has commenced at the car shops as a full time carriage builder. Gerry did his apprenticeship at Swindon Carriage and Wagon workshops (home of the Great Western Railway) as a Vehicle Body Builder.

Wednesday Night Work Parties.

Work now focussing on the Climax restoration.

Hugh Markwick

WAY AND WORKS BRANCH

Track Maintenance:

The Up end of Pinnocks Road was lifted and packed. Menzies Creek to Main Road Clematis has been raked and leaves burnt etc.

Resleepering of No.3 Rd Menzies Creek occurred where necessary. The tamper has been busy at the up end of Menzies yard and in Menzies lifting holes out in Nos.1, 2 & 3 Roads.

Half a dozen point timbers have been replaced in Emerald yard.

Our six-monthly track walk was completed with no critical issues discovered.

Buildings:

Repairs to the security bars, entrance door and cash drawer in the booking office Belgrave have taken place. All fire extinguishers have been inspected and are located in their proper places. The hot water tap was replaced in the Menzies Creek kiosk. One complete toilet was replaced in the men's loo in the Belgrave station. Two water leaks have been repaired on the Belgrave platform.

Dangerous Trees:

One dead tree was cut down and removed from Moondarra grounds. A couple of snapped off poplars were carefully felled and cut up.

Environment:

Lineside clearing has now started with four extra staff being employed casually, one on the tractor slasher and the others on brush cutters, this normally takes approximately two months to go from Belgrave to Gembrook.

All programs are continuing as planned.

Trolley Maintenance:

A tremendous amount of time and effort has gone into the trolleys lately preparing them for the approaching fire season. Thanks to paid staff and Mike, our new volunteer Trolley expert, all the fleet is looking marvellous and running perfectly.

Trolley Drivers:

Recently Bob Fullager and Colin Mason successfully ran a trolley driver course; thanks to them the railway has four new qualified drivers for the up and coming fire season. Congratulations to Graeme Clarke, Coupar Hind, Stefan Rebgetz and Clive Brooks.

Tom Kilner

SIGNAL & TELEGRAPH BRANCH

Christmas Greetings:

Seasons greetings to all our members, families and friends. Thank you all for your efforts during the past year and may you each have a safe and happy Christmas and looking forward, with you, to 2008.

Branch Meeting:

The final S&T Branch meeting for the year will commence at 10.00am sharp! Sat December 8th at 10 Kings Rd, Emerald and will finish by 11:30am.

Branch Luncheon & Special Train:

At the completion of the Branch meeting we will travel by special train from Emerald to the Paradise Hotel for luncheon (commencing at 1 pm).

The special train (NRT1 & 2 open NQRs) will depart Emerald at 12:15 pm and will run to and stable at Clematis.

Departure from Clematis (for a spirited run up the hill) is scheduled at 3:35 pm.

Branch members (and partners) are invited to travel however, as all rolling stock with seating will be in use elsewhere, those wishing to travel will need TO BRING YOUR OWN SEAT!!, or be prepared to sit on the floor. Stable "director's type chairs" are suggested and we will secure them inside the station building at Clematis.

RSVP to the depot by December 1st would be appreciated.

Menzies Creek:

During November, additional speakers were installed on the Van Goods Shed and the toilet block at Menzies Creek. This should now give much improved coverage of the platform and toilets.

Andrew Wheatland

Miscellaneous

Climax Committee

Work is moving along very nicely on the Climax boiler. The foundation ring riveting has been completed and seal-welding of the foundation ring is underway. The regulator valve is being overhauled. The ash pan is currently being worked on. Various studs have been manufactured for the boiler. The support brackets for the fire-bars have been manufactured. We are hoping to do a hydrostatic test of the boiler by Christmas.

Next year, work will continue on the smokebox. The boiler will then be prepared for a steam test out of the frame. The work is proceeding well with Adam Burrage in the Workshop and we would like to thank him and Harold Hibgame for their efforts.

We are grateful to all the people who have made donations to the project this year. Donations towards the project in general or specific items are most welcome. Visit our website for details.

The Footplate Experience Trains have been very successful this year and we have some bookings for 2008. I would like to thank all of our FET crews who have allowed all our Guest Drivers and their family and friends to enjoy a day that they will long remember. Thanks also to the crews of the trains that we have crossed. They have let the Guest Drivers have a look over the larger locomotives. This has added to the fun of their day. We have had some very complimentary feedback from Guest Drivers. The Friday night light-up crew also gets thanks for turning up and helping to prepare 861. Thanks are also due to Colin Rees, who generously lets us use 861 for the FETs.

I would also like to thank the Climax Committee members and the Workshop Volunteers for the enormous amount of time and effort that they have put in during the year.

Merry Christmas.
John Conway

Archives Report

Warren Doubleday provided training sessions for the software, and conducted sessions at Ballarat Tramway Museum as well as the Gold Museum near Sovereign Hill. These covered storage facilities.

The team has also attended a seminar by the PRO re computers and archives.

Sorting and filing proceeding continues.

Alan Maggs has donated some original style trolley wheels, as well as an enamel sign from the former locomotive shed at Fern Tree Gully. Thanks Alan.

If you are having a clean out, please do not throw 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 is progressing well and would appreciate any assistance from interested parties.

Hugh Markwick

Statistics

OCTOBER	2007	2006
On-time running (OT - 5")	52%	74%
Locos docked on trains by due time	87%	73%
Carriage sets docked by due time	80%	81%
Train kilometres for the month	4,331	4,107
Loco kilometres steam	4,641	4,416
Loco kilometres diesel	278	220
NA locomotive days for month	76	63
G 42 days for month	22	30
Carriage kilometres	38,004	37,009
Carriage Days for month	974	969
Highest kms operated - loco	1,638	1,627
Highest kms operated - pass vehicle	1,667	1,632
Highest kms operated - wagon	111	40
Scheduled trips run (one way)	243	232
Revenue trips (one way)	331	306
Non-revenue trips (one way)	5	6

The large variation between scheduled trips run and revenue trips operated in October 2007 was due to the number of 'Thomas' days, Footplate Experience runs and other specials. I count each one way trip, regardless of length, where revenue is earned by the railway.

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