August 2008#421
August 2008
#421
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 .
Wife of long standing volunteer John Stephens passed away recently after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Carolyn Stephens was a regular "early days volunteer" and a tireless supporter of Puffing Billy behind the scenes.
To John and his family we offer our thoughts at this very sad time.
The first arrived on Monday July 21st. The plan is to initially place them at Menzies Creek Museum whilst the site here at Belgrave is prepared for the unit that is complete to be worked on.
To use an AFL term "the ball is bounced". It is hoped to bring the centre section to Belgrave in order for it to become a volunteer project. If interested please contact Adam Black.
It is also intended to have a meeting of the initial group who contributed to the loco's purchase to provide an update and future directions shortly.
In addition, we have appointed Harry Hibgame, John Brady & Russell Hicks to manage the project.
An Information Evening is planned for Wednesday August 20th 2008 at the Belgrave Masonic Hall, Bayview Road, Belgrave, commencing at 8.00pm. All members & volunteers are welcome to attend.
| Peter Hiscock Chairman ETRB | Eamonn Seddon Chief Executive Officer | John Thompson President PBPS |
Thank you to members who have returned their renewal and a special thanks to those members who have donated towards Society projects. It is greatly appreciated. We are now in the process of sending out receipts, membership cards and train travel vouchers, and reporting on feedback provided to help determine future directions.
Wilma does a fantastic voluntary job processing all the membership renewals. Please return any outstanding renewals a.s.a.p. to enable her to complete the task.
If you require another membership form, please contact Wilma on email secretary@pbr.org.au .
If you have any suggestions related to Society membership, please forward them to the Membership Committee via secretary@pbr.org.au.
Larry James
In line with the new government legislation, we have been requested that all volunteers and staff have a "Working with Children" check by 2011. We are progressively processing groups in order of priority. Thomas, Youth Group and the Santa Special are our first priority, the next group will be the Drivers and Fireman.
We have been directed that 'direct contact' is any contact with a child that involves the following:
If you have any questions please call Sue Ham.
I have sourced a supplier for Guards/Conductors dark navy pants. These trousers are permanent press & stain resistant and I will be able to sell them for $40.00 each including GST and courier costs. They come in a range of sizes and leg lengths. If you are interested I have a sample pair that I can show you before you order.
If you are interested please contact me jean.clowes@pbr.org.au.
Jean Clowes
Get out your bobbie socks, poodle skirts, brylcream and tight pants, Saturday 20th September we are holding a Rock and Roll Dinner Train. There will be a live band, themed food(!!!) and a great deal of tail feathers being shaken. So please keep the date free and your eyes peeled for further information in upcoming editions of Monthly News.
We are holding the " Wizard and Witches Express " once again this year during the September School Holidays - Tuesday 30th September, Wednesday 1st October & Thursday 2nd October. Any staff or volunteers who may be interested in helping conduct this event - don your worldy wizard attire and keep these dates in mind!
Due to popular demand our " Day Out with Thomas " Events are happening again in October & November! With the new format we are looking for crews and staff to assist. Can all those interested in helping out please keep these dates in mind - October 11th & 12th, 18th & 19th, 25th & 26th and November 8th & 9th. Let me know if you would like to come and join the madness!
Di Gadsden,
Special Events Manager
The following are the current discounts/offers that you may encounter.
The Entertainment Voucher "buy one, get one free" - regular fares only. NB. The family ticket is already a 'discounted offer', so this offer does not apply.
The Entertainment Voucher "25% off regular fare for up to 4 people " - regular fares only. NB. The family ticket is already a 'discounted offer', so this discount does not apply.
Where to Enjoy -"buy one, get one free - regular fares only. NB. The family ticket is already a discounted offer, so this offer does not apply.
Frequent Values - "up to 20% off any regular fare - up to $60 value " - does not apply to a family ticket. (It is planned to get this voucher modified by our Marketing Staff so the wording and intent is clearer for staff.)
Australian Geographic - "one free child with a paying adult".
ANZ Staff member - 10% off regular fare (member only).
We also regularly have Puffing Billy members, guest, PB Congratulations etc.
RACV - the only RACV offer is a 'pre-booked' & 'prepaid' Luncheon option. Please do not give any discounts to RACV members who turn up at the Booking Office window. They need to have pre-booked and paid through the office.
Entertainment Voucher - "25% off for up to 2 people" is a prepaid Luncheon Option" - again this is a voucher that should not be accepted by booking staff on the day. It must be pre-booked and paid through the office.
As you will be aware this August Roster is the last on the present timetable.
At the time of going to print the new timetable for 2008/09 is being finalised and there will be new inserts for conductors books and because of the nature of some of the impending timetable changes it is also probable that some new fares will be created and accordingly there could be some new fare inserts produced.
Everyone with a valid email address will be sent attachments (Excel Files) which will enable you to print the new time tables and the new fare inserts directly. If you are unable to or do not wish to print your own inserts then please let Jean Clowes or Brian Thompson know and printed copies will be made available from the Conductor Notice distribution Folder kept in the SM's office.
For anyone who does not have email, printed copies will be also available from the small folder in the SM's office.
Jean Clowes,
Passenger Business Manager
The shops at Puffing Billy are looking very sad and dilapidated in comparison to other tourist destinations. Other tourist destinations re-vamp their shops internally every few years for very good reasons, as this contributes to increased revenue, the customer's overall experience and improves customer flow to mention a few.
If you have any contacts regarding shop-fittings (at a reasonable price or free) or would like to contribute labour wise, I would very much appreciate hearing from you.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Jessica Thomas to the Refreshments division. Jessica's duties will include data entry and monitoring stock control. Jessica 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.
A big thank you to Bronwyn Francis and her wonderful team of cleaners for the fantastic job they performed on the Belgrave shop floor, it looks brand new.
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
.April Williams
Hi and glad to see you all, well at this stage most of you anyway. But before I continue I would like to thank Jon Medlin for the job he did while I was away, it's not easy as he'll tell you, and from what I have heard there were some very rough periods, great job done all the same!
I started my trip in Brisbane. Brisbane's new suburban trains are very nice to ride in, although they are mostly in service on the Gold Coast service to Robina. The duplication of the track from Beenleigh to Robina has almost been completed and when finished, the only single track will be from Helensvale and Nerang. Very shortly work will commence on the first part of the Coolangatta extension to Varsity Lakes. The first stage of the Nambour duplication from Caboolture to Beerburrum will be in operation mid 2009.
It was a quieter trip this year - after leaving my families place in Brisbane I headed to Newcastle, where I started my trip around the New South Wales regional lines covering Moree & Armidale. I then went through to Sydney for a two week stay during which time I went to Griffiths for a weekend, then off to Dubbo & Broken Hill before boarding the Indian Pacific to Perth. The work being done across the City Rail (in Sydney) and Country Link (NSW) lines is unbelievable with billions of dollars being spent. By the time the work is finished almost all track will have been upgraded with concrete sleepers, rail where required and re-ballasted. The extended passing loops should be completed by years end or early in 2009 between Junee and Albury; there were no delays going to Sydney as has been the case in the past couple of years. Work on new and extended passing loops was taking place west of Maitland to Werris Creek, but at this stage nothing appeared to be happening on the northern line to Brisbane, although there are thousands of sleepers being dropped at several locations. While in Sydney I paid another visit to the Zig-Zag Railway, the day there was a 'freezer' with only about 30 minutes of sunshine. Quite a few of the folk there are getting to know me and all send their regards. I believe a few PBR folk are heading there shortly and, as always, you'll be welcome!
I spent a couple of weeks in Perth during which I took a trip out to Mandurah on the new electric train service. It's great to travel on a service that goes down the middle of a freeway at 130kph leaving cars behind. There are about 10 stations along the 72 kilometre route which is covered in 51 minutes; it's a great experience and one worth looking up if you are in Perth. Unfortunately the Hotham Valley Railway, the prime purpose of my trip to Perth has not fully opened, they appear to be having problems getting the work finished, and advised me that it is hoped to have it operational by Christmas. When in Perth you can get information from their shop on the east concourse of Perth Central Station, which is just outside the barriers towards Barracks Street. The railway is still operating from about halfway, but you need a car as it's about a two and a half hour drive.
My final stopover before returning to Melbourne was for a week in Adelaide. Here I rode the new tram service along King William Street and took a trip on the revised train service to Gawler. I paid a visit to the National Railway Museum at Port Adelaide where I meet up with one of our members in Tony Harris. Tony as always made me welcome and I was very privileged to be invited to watch the testing and re-commissioning of 'Peronne', a 3'6" gauge locomotive once owned by BHP and which doubles as 'Thomas'. Later Tony invited me to be the first person to travel in the cab over the tracks that 'Peronne' will be running over in a few weeks.
So, with this trip coming to an end, I have now travelled on every passenger line in the country.
Kevin Stanes,
Guards & Signalmen Roster Clerk
On Wednesday 16th July, a further seven participants of the Rail Pathways Program graduated after successfully completing the program. The graduation ceremony was held at Nobelius Siding Packing Shed. It was pleasing to see a number of parents present to see their sons receive their certificates.
Our last graduation is due to be held on Wednesday 13th August when all participants in group four are expected to Graduate.
Over the past month the participants have:
Warren Mauseth,
Rail Pathways Co-Ordinator
Wednesday Night Work Parties. Work now focussing on locomotive restoration.
The Carshops are experiencing difficulties in obtaining brass slotted-head wood screws. If any one has some spares the Carshops would be very pleased to hear from you.
Hugh Markwick
The Up Outer Home and Disc Signals were severely damaged by a falling tree early on Monday June 30th. A concentrated effort saw a replacement signal installed during the same day, after the post was shortened by removal of the damaged 8' upper section. The Disc Signal will remain out of service until a replacement post can be provided.
A sincere thank you to those who have made recent contributions. The fund is certainly approaching the $60,000 mark and may well have exceeded that figure by now. Detailed constructional design continues.
The wires (poles 54-57 & 64-65) brought down during June, have been returned to their aerial position. Some follow up work remains to be completed. Thanks to those who continue to keep us informed of faults.
Andrew Wheatland
Re-sleepering on Bridge 5 (Monbulk Creek) starting to happen. Down end points at Clematis lifted and packed. Basic track maintenance was carried out in several areas along the track.
With the unexpected weather patterns, trees have fallen everywhere along the track. We are doing our best to clean up what has fallen. A dangerous 'hanger' in Emerald yard was removed.
The Green Corp group are doing a marvellous job around the designated areas for their group. The group will be finishing in the month of August.
We will be starting to get the trolleys looked at for general maintenance and start the preparations for the fire season. (It is never too early!)
The last group has started and is well into the course. Group 3 has graduated in mid July. Congratulations to all the participants from the boys in Way & Works.
I have had a lot of interest shown in the position, now just have the interview stage and the lucky applicant will be starting in the next few weeks. Thank you to all have applied/enquired.
Jason Bell,
Manager, Way & Works
I have started to get hold of the ropes around the railway. (Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks). Long standing maintenance issues are starting to be addressed, although it may be a slow process I hope to have most of them under control.
Please note that for any buildings or maintenance issues that arise, an IDR will get the job done more efficiently. "No IDR = No action".
Gerry Chirgwin,
Manager, Buildings
| June | Financial Years | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2007 | 2007/08 | 2006/07 | |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 55% | 70% | 54% | 63% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 77% | 88% | 75% | 77% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 82% | 94% | 79% | 79% |
| Train kilometres for the month/year | 3.190 | 2,836 | 45,233 | 44,372 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 3.034 | 2,906 | 46,079 | 43,213 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 169 | 98 | 2,642 | 4809 |
| NA locomotive days for month/year | 61 | 53 | 742 | 757 |
| G 42 days for month/year | 12 | 18 | 294 | 228 |
| Carriage kilometres | 26,722 | 24,218 | 408,038 | 393,157 |
| Carriage Days for month/year | 729 | 719 | 10,558 | 10,347 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1.064 | 1,209 | 12,261 | 14,049 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1.505 | 1,268 | 18,105 | 17,186 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 68 | 95* | 591* | 475* |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 203 | 192 | 2,754 | 2,666 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 228** | 222** | 3,170** | 3,061** |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 10 | 6 | 98 | 138 |
* Excludes 21 NQR which ran 1574 kms on passenger carrying trips over 9 months.
** Includes Driver Experience trips.
8A ran the highest kilometres for the year. (12,261kms over 248 days) followed by G42 (9,395kms over 294 days) and 7A (8,930kms over 184 days). Diesel loco distances were DH31 (1,447kms over 49 days) and D21 (1,181kms over 46 days).
Peckett 1711 (Thomas) covered 330kms over 21 days and loco 861 "John Benn" ran 674kms, mostly on driver experience trips, over 29 days.
2NBD recorded the highest vehicle distance (18,105kms) over 359 days. 20NBH followed with 26NAC coming third. The average length for all passenger trains throughout the year was 9 vehicles, the same as for the last 3 years. 91NQR recorded the highest distance for non passenger carrying vehicles (591kms) over 24 days.
4 or more steam locos were used on 85 days. 402 one way trips were operated using more than one locomotive. There were 8 total fire ban days when diesel locos only were used. 69 Dinner and Wedding Trains were operated as against 74 the previous year.
Bob Wilson
Last minute reminder - tickets are still available!
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. A special train will run from Belgrave to Emerald and return and there will be a sumptuous choice of cheese and wines served during the interval.
For last minute enquiries, please ring Jeff Goodwin
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.
Watch for the booking form coming shortly.
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 (evenings only please).
We have quite a few things to report this month.
The FET's keep going along the track from Emerald to Cockatoo, making the dreams of little boys, who are now 50, 60, 70 or 80, come true. The feedback from the Guest Drivers continues to be constant in its praise of the wonderful work that the FET crews perform. Thank you to all the crews and also to Stefan, Brenton and Andrew, who work on non-running days to prepare the 861 for its days out.
So as you see, a lot of painstaking work has been carried out, and of course all the above work and more needs to be completed before the Boiler has live steam in it. On another bright note, Jack Corrick will be arriving from the USA in middle of July to assist Adam Burrage with his endeavours. We all look forward to Jack's arrival as he is no stranger to the Climax.
John Conway & Richard Elphick
The new version of our computer software program has been installed to enable cataloguing of our collection.
Warren Doubleday of BTMS has organised training sessions to enable the team to use the computer to full advantage.
B. Saunders and E. Godwin have attended the software user group at the Royal Historical Society of Vic who have offered to help.
We have received a donation of a HOn3 model of 6A originally purchased from the Model Dockyard in Melbourne 40 - 50 years ago. It is in black livery and looks to be in good condition, and to use modern day parlance is boxed. The very kind donor is Geoff Chantler from Western Australia. Geoff thank you very much for your gesture and would not be an easy decision.
Hugh Markwick
Volunteer Coordinator
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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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