July 2008#420
July 2008
#420
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 .
Long serving staff member Tom Kilner passed away after a long battle with cancer on Sunday June 15th.
Tom had been with Puffing Billy just short of 26 years.
In his role as Road Foreman and later Way & Works Manager, Tom proved a very capable and popular member of staff. He worked tirelessly to teach both paid staff and volunteer's about track, bridges and other associated matters.
His knowledge of track, bridges and rail infrastructure in general made his services in demand both here, with Main line operations and at other Tourist and Heritage railways.
A very matter of fact, no frills individual, he was one of those very quiet achievers and his cheeky grin and sense of humour will be sadly missed.
To his wife Erica and the Kilner family we extend our deepest sympathy.
Long time Footplate Experience Train co-ordinator Tony passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Tony was one of the initial driving forces behind the FET's becoming as successful as they are today and remained very active and involved in all aspects of the program right up to until his passing.
To wife Kath and family we offer our condolences.
Work continues on options to get them to Belgrave.
Following John's untimely passing, his wife Rosemary has been "cleaning up" and as a result has donated a number of books and DVD's / videos to the railway. Many thanks Rosemary.
I am seeking the services of a person to bring together all the documentation and other items with regard to our rail safety management system.
The successful applicant will to need have a demonstrated track record in the rail safety accreditation process and in particular an excellent understanding of the Puffing Billy Railway systems and procedures and how they relate to the new regulatory regimes being put into place to take effect in July 2009.
Applications in writing to John Hoy by the closing date of July 11th please.
David Eaton officially retired from Puffing Billy Railway at the beginning of July. David has been with the railway for 19 years, initially as the Operations Manager, then the Marketing Manager and finally as the International Sales Manager. David's commitment and loyalty to the railway was recognised at a formal dinner on 25th June followed by drinks with volunteers, colleagues and friends on 27th June. Fortunately, we do not need to say 'goodbye' to David just yet as he has agreed to remain as a consultant to the railway for two days a week.
Welcome to Christine Dixon who joined Puffing Billy Railway on 10th June as the Executive Assistant to CEO, Eamonn Seddon.
Di Gadsden has been enjoying the 'handover' with Christine and will now be focusing on her new role as Special Events Manager, which incorporates the Great Train Race, A Day Out With Thomas and other special events.
Nadine Hutchins will commence as Marketing Manager at the beginning of July.
Following the untimely death of Tom Kilner, Jason Bell has been elevated from the position of Acting Way & Works Manager to that of permanent Way & Works Manager. As a result of this, a vacancy exists for a paid role in Way & Works. Applicants to apply to Jason Bell please.
| Peter Hiscock Chairman ETRB | Eamonn Seddon Chief Executive Officer | John Thompson President PBPS |
We would like to extend a big welcome to two new staff members here at Belgrave:
Neil Elkin has joined the ranks as our Food and Beverage Manager and by all accounts is enjoying Melbourne, but not the cold!!
The CEO's new Personal Assistant, Christine (Chris) Dixon, has also started with the railway in early June - we wish them all the best for their futures here. If you are in the vicinity of the Belgrave Office, please make an effort to make them both feel welcome."
On Friday 30th May, six participants of the Rail Pathways Program graduated after successfully completing the program.
The third group of participants commenced the Rail Pathways Program on Wednesday, 14th May and the fourth group of participants have commenced with the program on Thursday, 12th June.
Over the previous month the participants have been involved in the following activities:
As this is a pilot program for Rail Pathways, the last group of participants to commence with the program will graduate during August, concluding the program until further notice.
Warren Mauseth
Rail Pathways Co-Ordinator
Recent events, the last broad-gauge steam train to Albury and the difficulty of running special day returns to Warrnambool due to Colac no longer having crossing facilities, made me think how fortunate we are to control our own track. We can run what we like when we like (subject to safeworking rules). We can also run our locomotives at their designed speed with a designed load. Passengers can hear our steam locomotives working hard at speed. Very few railways can offer this. It is hard to envisage other railways being able to offer realistic steam specials in the future.
Bill Russell
Our next workday will be the 8th of July. Meet at Belgrave at 9.00am and finish at 3pm. Lunch and drinks will be provided. We may be painting at Belgrave. Wear clothes appropriate for the weather and work, including a hat and please remember to name all your clothing.
If you are coming along, please let me know beforehand.
Susan L Ham
Volunteer Co-Ordinator
We have received a letter for a 'ROBERT', a 20 year old German boy. Robert, please contact Sue on so we can arrange passing on of the letter to you.
Susan L Ham
Volunteer Co-Ordinator
This year the "Kids Fun Run with Thomas" event in Gembrook is looking toward raising funds for the Children's Cancer ward at the Monash Hospital. The particular focus this year is to produce (whether that be designing or building) a model railway for the Children's Oncology Department. The Model Railway is to be used as an entertainment to try to refocus the pain for the young children in the department and will be placed high enough not to be touched but to be viewed and to wind it's way through the various rooms in the Oncology unit - much the same as the one at the Ferntree Gully McDonalds.
For anyone who may have the time and expertise in this area, I would be eternally grateful for some expression of interest for the development of this Model Railway. Please call Di Gadsden for more information.
On Monday, 16th June some 50 or so people travelled to Gembrook on a crisp night enjoying the sound of the train chugging up and down the line. There were two listening stops along the way and once at Gembrook we partook in a very nice hot home-style meal from Charlotte's on Main served inside Gembrook station. The nice warm glow of the fire was an added bonus. Early indications tell us that the night raised around $1,500.00 towards the heritage rolling stock restoration fund. Well done to Nick Anchen who organised the night and also to the crew Driver Emile Badawy, Fireman Peter DeGaris and Guard Alexander McCooke. Thanks also to Dan O'Connor who drove the bus for those that wanted to arrive back at Belgrave early and to Bob Farr and his team at Gembrook for having a nice fire ready. It was a great night.
Each year at the AGM the Society Executive awards Gold Passes to those individuals in recognition and appreciation of Meritorious Service to the Puffing Billy Railway. Now is the time for branches and individuals to consider nominations. Do you know someone who is deserving of a Gold Pass? Forward nominations to the PBPS Secretary at Belgrave no later than 11th August 2008. It is also the time when Certificates of Appreciation should be considered for people who have done us proud. Forward these considerations through your Branch Meeting/Manager.
Our condolences are extended to Andrew Webster whose Father passed away recently.
We also extend our condolences to Sue Williams and Ian Bowering after their Mother passed away recently.
Larry James
All members should have received their Membership Renewal letters by now. Membership Forms can be for Individual (for Full, Junior and Concession members), Group (for Family and Corporate members) or Life members. If you wish to change your Membership type or have any questions, phone Wilma Ratcliffe by e-mail secretary@pbr.org.au .
Prompt return of your renewal would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks to those that have already returned their renewals.
Planned for early September:- " Introduction to the Puffing Billy Preservation Society" information night for new volunteers and members and other interested people. More details next Monthly News.
Members will be delighted to hear that the PBPS sponsored restoration project of the 3NU Louvre van is well underway, with the body now sitting on its newly rebuilt underframe.
If you have any suggestions related to Society membership, please forward them to the Membership Committee via secretary@pbr.org.au.
In the past Puffing Billy Railway has held promotional campaigns in various international markets as well as in particular areas of Melbourne. However, it has not always been possible to gauge the success of these campaigns without the means of establishing where our passengers have come from. This is why it is imperative that Booking Clerks obtain passenger Post Code or country of origin information.
For instance:
Puffing Billy Railway's marketing expenditure for 2008/09 is budgeted at 9% of total revenue. This is low compared to marketing models which state that 10% - 15% of revenue should be spent on marketing. We need to ensure our marketing dollar is wisely spent and accurately evaluated, which is why we seek the assistance of Booking Clerks in collection of passenger postcode and/or country of origin information. Puffing Billy Railway is a world famous Australian tourist icon and with your assistance it will remain so for many years to come.
Nadine Hutchins,
Marketing Manager
During our busy six train period we introduced queuing tickets to assist us in more accurately deciding when the train was sold out. The system proved to be very successful so I am hoping more staff would like to learn and train how to "work the queue". I would particularly like to hear from any of our conducting staff who would be interested in complementing their conducting role by learning how to 'work the queue'. Please call me or email me at jean.clowes@pbr.org.au for further information.
Jean
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Lyn Dyer to the Refreshments division. Lyn's duties will include data entry and monitoring stock control. Lyn will also merchandise and stock all shops on the Railway, manage storerooms, perform regular stock-takes and supervise as required. I know you will all make her feel welcome.
If you are able to spare some time to work in Refreshments at any of our stations anytime this month, it would be much appreciated. We have many gaps to fill and selling refreshments and souvenirs is one of the best ways of making money to pay for the things we all want to see done on Puffing Billy.
Could you please call April
The new winter clothing range has arrived. Check out the new styles and colour range.
A sad farewell to Hennie & Kees Faber, as they have now retired. We wish them all the very best and hope that they enjoy the many holidays they have planned. Thank you both for all of your hard work and dedication, it was greatly appreciated.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Norma Marshall to Menzies Creek. Norma will be taking on some of the shifts for both Refreshments and Food & Beverage. I am sure many of you already know Norma, so please welcome her back.
Also leaving us is Annick Goodridge, we wish her all the very best in her new venture.
April Williams
The latest DVD from RossRail is "Steam in New South Wales (Part 4) - The South". Running for 65 minutes it also includes scenes of the VR Cudgewa line and is priced at just $39.00.
Bruce West
Please Note that Allan Johnstone is still away and so there has not been an Engine Cleaners Roster produced again for this month. Please still turn up at Belgrave if you are able to or contact Graeme Daniel and advise him.
These have now been issued and those on the roster in June should have picked up your copies from either the Safeworking Room at Belgrave (for Guards) or the Hilton (for Loco Crews) and those not on the roster have been posted out. If you have not received or collected your copy and you think you should have, then please let me know. I have a small number of spare copies.
It appears that whilst I was away 'sunning myself' in the UK in April/May, the gremlins were loose here at Belgrave. The reprint pages (8-11 & 8-12) of Section 8 of the GI's sent out were the wrong ones and don't have the references to the 'assistant shunter' position as they should have. This will be remedied in the near future.
I still have a few (well, 24 actually) of the 'temporary' Guards Books received from the printer in lieu of the 'proper' books which mysteriously disappeared between the binder and the printer. Please let me know if you would like one and I will put it aside for you.
This course is progressing well and there are already 3 of the trainees who have completed all training and assessments and are now competent to operate as Guard or Signalman, with another 2 or 3 who are very close to finishing. I'm sure you will start to see some new 'solo' faces on the rear of trains in the very near future. Congratulations to those that have finished and those that are very close.
Rob Emmerson
Wednesday Night Work Parties - Work is now focussing on locomotive restoration.
The volunteer group are painting the NQR fleet, and they are looking very smart, the NQRs we mean not the volunteers.
223NQR has been repainted.
Hugh Markwick
Green Corp continuing Clematis and carriage at Menzies Creek progressing well. The Tamping at Main Rd Clematis has started, with the Sleepering in area still continuing. Pathways program still running group 2, 3 and 4 still going strong. Job started at Newport for extension of 85 foot of track
Fire Patrol - Thankyou BBQ to be held on Saturday 5 July at Emerald Station please RSVP to Andrew Burns .
Just a thank you to all the support and contributions dedicated to Tom Kilner over the past week. His presence will be never lost, but his traditions and sense of humor will forever be held in the highest regards and in the souls of the gangers to follow his foot steps.
Jason Bell
Belgrave Signal Box Fund: A reminder that with the end of the financial year fast approaching, it is now a good time to consider making that tax deductible donation. The plans for the building have progressed to the point where we are organising a civil engineering check and a start on construction works may not be too far away.
Andrew Wheatland
The work on the repair of the TACL is proceeding slowly and replacement gears have been incorporated. Fortunately when the unit was restored at Emerald several years ago, spare parts from other units were collected and these have been invaluable in the current repairs. We are planning to have this unit operational by Christmas this year.
Work has also been going slowly on this unit and minor work has been done. Crane access is now available and we plan to extend the roofing line and cover the historic engines presently in the weather.
This engine is coming together with the Wednesday night group responsible for its repair. The panels are being bolted together and we are in the process of placing the roof over the driver for the first time for many years.
Way & Works have commenced the removal of the hill constructed many years ago to display the Abt engine, and are using the fill elsewhere on the railway. The concrete walls of the viewing area are to be demolished and the area landscaped and contoured. The stone work is being re-used by Green Corp on other railway projects. The removal of this hill has meant that we have been able to get crane access again to the machinery shed housing the George and George.
John Frost
| MAY | 2008 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 57% | 68% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 82% | 84% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 84% | 90% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,120 | 3,288 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 3,069 | 2,716 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 109 | 805 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 60 | 58 |
| G 42 days for month | 15 | 14 |
| Carriage kilometres | 27,155 | 25,701 |
| Carriage Days for month | 743 | 759 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,009 | 887 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,492 | 1,300 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 40* | 69* |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 198 | 206 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 227 | 237 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 11 | 26 |
On Tuesday 20th May loco 861 took carriage 8NBH for a test run from Emerald to Gembrook and return.
The carriage was then worked to Belgrave and entered revenue service the following day. It had been out of service since 6th February 2006 for an extensive overhaul. A number of features have been returned to a more traditional appearance or style. See if you can spot the differences.
On Thursday 29th May 14A worked a trial Luncheon Special from Belgrave to Gembrook and return.
Bob Wilson
Come along and join your Puffing Billy colleagues for our ever popular annual film night at the GEMCO Theatre in Emerald. As usual we will be showing a rich variety of films from all eras and parts of the world, with a little something special from our own line. We will be running a special train from Belgrave to Emerald and return and there will be at tasty variety of cheese & wines served during the interval. Look for the booking form with this copy of Monthly News.
In conjunction with the Gembrook Township, we are running a special train from Emerald to Gembrook and return, taking passengers to the annual dance held in the Gembrook Community Hall. These dances have become a popular local event and we are pleased to have been invited to take part. The ticket price also includes a tasty hot dinner served at Gembrook station on arrival of the train.
The ever popular New Year's Eve Train will run again this year to take members, volunteers and their friends and family to the Packing Shed to see out the old year and to welcome in the new.
Look out soon for the booking form because this event sells out quickly!
Our calendar of events for next year is almost finalised and will be published shortly. Watch this space!
For any questions regarding any of these events, please contact Jeff Goodwin .
Readers with access to the world wide web are invited to point their browsers at www.puffingbilly.com.au/hsm. Well done all concerned, now we can share your efforts.
The Railways' archives group have been quite busy since the beginning of the year. We work at Kings Road, Emerald each Monday. At the instigation of Brenda Saunders, we arranged two displays in conjunction with the recent P.A.V.E. festival at Emerald which were well received.
Geoff Tasker is on holidays in England and no, he did not ask us to carry his luggage.
Hugh Markwick
The next opening will be on Saturday 5th July and Saturday 2nd August between 1pm and 3pm. 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. Other times to view the extensive range of items available can be arranged by ringing Peter
We would like to thank Chris Raggett and anyone else who may have been missed, for their recent donations to the shop which "Keeps G42 Going".
The donations from our Red collection box was $131.15.
Thank you to all who continue to support our efforts to 'Keep G42 Going'.
Bruce West
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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. URI: http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/puffing.billy/monnews.htm |
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