December 2008#425
December 2008
#425
Please note: These pages are provided by me, Bill Russell as a service to the Puffing Billy Railway & the E.T.R.B.
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The Business Plan has now been presented to a number of internal groups and it has also been presented to all our local politicians, both State and Federal, with whom we now have cross partisan support.
The Plan has been worked on with Tourism Victoria and they have now committed to funding an external audit of the Plan along with an analysis of the external economic benefits to the area. This will give the plan robustness when working with Victoria Tourism in sourcing the funding required.
Business patronage for October was strong and, as we write, the first couple of weeks in November are proving strong as well. However, as a consequence of the poor August and early September, we have a need to tighten our belts, but in doing so we have endeavoured to stay clear of our operating workshop budgets in recognition of the need for ongoing expenditure in those areas.
I thank those who attended both the Passenger Services information evening and the AGM, and look forward to the setting of dates in the early future to continue these valuable forums.
Seasons Greetings to all Volunteers, Members and their families. We take this opportunity from the Management of the Railway to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year.
In what has been a very busy year can we take this opportunity to thank you all for your very significant contribution.
With Festive season rapidly approaching it's time to look at your availability over the coming couple of months.
This is our busiest period and every little bit extra time given is greatly appreciated. I'm sure there will be a Roster Officer waiting for your call. A special thankyou to the "regular regulars" and our long suffering Rosters Officers who, when all else is lost, pull the proverbial "rabbit from the hat".
Your efforts are so very much appreciated.
A vacancy exists for a volunteer to assist in the rail safety area as an auditor. Despite the apparent 'hoo-hah', it is a straight forward role that would take very little time. Details can be obtained from John Hoy.
| Peter Hiscock Chairman ETRB | Eamonn Seddon Chief Executive Officer | John Thompson President PBPS |
As has been the practice in the past we will attempt to have January's Monthly News to you before Christmas Day. January's Monthly News will contain rosters from 26 th December on. As a result the deadline will be Friday 12th. December.
Monthly News Editorial Team
Shunter's Hats - due to a price increase from our suppliers, these hats will now be $60.00
Jean Clowes
Overnight accommodation is available for any volunteer who is working on the railway and for whom the distance from 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 book and do not require the bed, or you need to leave early please let us know, as the bed may be required for other volunteers. If you need to get accommodation closer to your work day, please also ring as their may be a vacancy.
Sue Ham.
As we are now approaching summer and the weather is starting to warm up, we have been putting large containers of water in the fridges in the crew rooms at Belgrave, Lakeside and Gembrook, with smaller ones at Menzies Creek. Please advise Sue on 715 (or 415) when the reserve container is put in the fridge. This will enable us to provide a replacement in a timely fashion.
We would also like to remind all volunteers of the importance of keeping yourself properly hydrated during hot weather.
Would all Fire Patrol drivers/assistants that attend a fire along the railway, please report all relevant details of the incident, i.e. times, location, size of the fire, etc, at the end of your shift to the Manager, Way and Works, Mr Jason Bell, and myself. Such report is to be submitted regardless of the size and nature of the fire and whether it is the Fire Patrol or the CFA who extinguishes the fire.
One of the members of our Wednesday evening group, assisting with restoring the NGG, has kindly donated 300 copies of his own 120 minute long DVD "Fifteen miles to Gembrook" for us to sell to raise funds for the purchase of steel. (This DVD has no commentary - vision & train sounds only. - Ed.)
Harold Hibgame informs our group that we need $3,700 worth of steel to restore the Boiler Cradle of the loco. Warren Turner's donated DVD, if sold for $20 per copy, could rapidly raise $6,000 thus adequately funding the purchase of the essential steel required. With Christmas only weeks away, at this very low price, these DVDs are excellent for Christmas presents.
We wish to quarantine the monies raised from this DVDs sale from general revenues and apply all funds so raised for the NGG's restoration.
Roger Willsher
Now available for comment is the exposure draft for the replacement of the existing Section 9.4 of the Heritage Standards Manual with a new Section 9.4 dealing with non-indigenous steam locomotives operating regular "Puffing Billy" services on the Railway. The new sub-section 9.4.1 deals specifically with the former South African Garratt. This draft proposes that the rebuild of the SA Garratt be done in such a way as to keep all the original design characteristics of the loco as it ran in South Africa, other than essentials needed to make it conform with our operation and with existing policy, such as regauging, modified draw gear, braking system, livery, classification and numbering. In general, the proposed specifications are pursuant to the provisions of Heritage Policy previously adopted, and follow V.R. precedent and practice, had they obtained this loco for operation on our line in the 1950s.
The draft may be viewed on the Railway's G-drive at: G\BRANCHES\HERITAGE\Heritage Stds Manual\South African Garratt Locomotive specs (draft), or hard copies on the notice boards in the Volunteer crew room on the platform or the Board room kitchen. (Only staff can access the G Drive - Ed.) Any comments should be forwarded before December 31st, 2008, to the Heritage Advisory Committee by either post, leaving comments in the HAC pigeon hole at Belgrave, or emailing heritage@pbr.org.au.
Heritage Advisory Committee, November 2008.
To the violin player/accordion player - I have misplaced your telephone number, which is why I haven't been able to catch up with you. Could you please give me a call. Thanks.
Nicholas Aslanides
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those gorgeous people who helped with the DOWT events - there was a great team of amazing volunteers who helped before, during and after the events and they made the whole experience pleasant for all concerned - roll on March 2009!
On behalf of the "Rotary Club of Emerald & District Inc." - a HUGE message of thanks to the staff and volunteers who attended the day and helped in the raising of funds for the Monash Kids Oncology Department. These children have been dealt a shocking hand of ill health and discomfort and we should all be proud that we can contribute to make their days a little happier. Well Done everyone!
I hope everyone has a happy and safe festive season this year - and can only express my sincere appreciation for the messages and comments of support that have kept the Special Events department rolling. Please keep your eyes open for the special events coming in early 2009 as we are always looking for volunteers to add to the atmosphere and fun!! Season's Greetings to you all.
Di Gadsden
The Puffing Billy Preservation Society's Annual General Meeting was held on Sunday 16th November 2008 at the Belgrave Masonic Hall with some 100 members and guests in attendance.
The election of office bearers saw Vice President John Hoy and Treasurer John Robinson being re-elected unopposed.
We also had elections for the position of Ordinary Committeeman and the following people were successful: 1. Ray Leivers, 2. Bernie Holmes, 3. Andrew Rayment, 4. Ian Marks and 5. Roy Richens. All were re-elected for a term of two years, with the exception of Roy, who was elected for a period of 12 months to fill a vacancy, following the retirement of Hugh Markwick after 7 years of service on the Executive Committee. Many thanks Hugh for your contribution.
All are to be congratulated for their result and we extend our thanks to Chris Le Marshall who was the unsuccessful candidate on this occasion.
Our Returning Officer, Kevin Findlay, who announced the results, did another splendid and most professional job. Kevin reported that we had 373 members vote in these elections. Our thanks also to Kevin's wife Elaine for her assistance with the elections and her untiring work. A presentation was made to them both as a token of our thanks.
The Chairman of the meeting, Society President John Thompson, invited the outgoing Chairman of the ETRB, Mr Peter Hiscock to address the meeting. Our new Chairman, Mr Ray Leivers, together with our CEO Mr Eamonn Seddon also addressed the meeting and brought members up to date with their current vision.
Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to the following deserving members and to one organisation.
1. David Baker, 2. Jack Corrick, 3. Alison Crawford, 4. Ian Norton-Smith 5. Barry Rogers, 6. Kevin Stanes.
1. Hugh Markwick, 2. Bob & Pam Fullager, 3. Glenhuntly Amateur Athletic Club (for their long involvement in the Great Train Race), 4. Stan Gunn, 5. Richard & Cynthia Sealey.
A highlight of each AGM is the presentation of the prestigious Society Gold Pass Awards. This year four well deserving Society members received their award for "recognition and appreciation of Meritorious Service" to the Puffing Billy Railway.
1. Rob Emmerson 2. Peter Medlin 3. Philip Rayment 4. Herb Warren
In addition, a posthumous Gold Pass Award was made to Tom Kilner, a Puffing Billy staff member for over 25 years who passed away earlier this year following illness. Son Simon Kilner accepted the award on behalf of the family. Tom is greatly missed by all his work colleagues and friends.
Society Committeeman Bernie Holmes presented badges representing 40 years of service to the following members; Andrew Hennell (accepted by brother David), Darren Room, and Weston Langford.
In addition the following members, who were not present, were also acknowledged with 40 years of service: Graeme Jones, Douglas Moyle and Jeff Schultz.
A small number of members had pre-circulated to the Executive Committee a range of questions to be addressed covering a variety of topics and it was felt that this deserved high priority. After discussion with the members present it was agreed that a special Extraordinary General Meeting should be convened so that these items can be addressed in detail and that all members be given the opportunity to participate in the discussion. Accordingly, early in 2009, members will receive special notification of this extraordinary meeting together with copies of the questions and topics to be covered.
At the conclusion of the AGM we had a sumptuous afternoon tea organised by the Social Committee and our thanks go to that group for a great effort. Our thanks are also extended to Greg Michael for taking the minutes, to Stefan Rebgetz, our official photographer and to Andrew Wheatland for organising the PA system.
Thankyou to all of the volunteers who worked in Refreshments, it was very much appreciated.
Menzies Creek refreshments is still selling food, coffee etc, the only changes are the types of souvenirs that will be sold. See below. These products will only be available at Menzies Creek.
If you are able to spare some time to work at Menzies Creek, please contact April
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.
Local product has been introduced into the Menzies Creek Refreshment Room. Included is a variety of lavender products, biscuits, sauces, condiments, linen, honey, jams and more. Please have a look, they would make wonderful Christmas gifts.
An opportunity exists for casual staff to work in our retail areas. Christmas shifts available 7 days.
Those applying must be self motivated, enthusiastic, possess good communication skills and be able to work as part of a team. Please forward application to: april.williams@pbr.org.au
April Williams
Our best wishes to Keith Trace after a recent operation. We look forward to seeing you back on the railway soon Keith
To Nicole and Stephen Nichols on the safe arrival of their new son Joshua Stephen.
During our busy 6 train running period, we need help each day for an hour or so to assist directing our customers to the car parking behind US Motors. When this car park is full we then direct the customers up to the Mater Christi Car Park. If you are able to help please contact me at jean.clowes@pbr.org.au.
If you are unable to spend the whole day on the railway, even spending a few hours working on the platform at Belgrave would be a great assistance.
Thank you to Eamonn for presenting the evening and all the staff who attended. I will prepare a summary of the issues discussed and distribute them to all staff. We are planning another evening early February.
Thank you for all your help this year and a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.
Once again we have the Declared Fire Season coming upon us, this time for 2008/2009. Fire Patrol is a valuable service which we provide in preventative action for both, the railway, and, to the community. I, like Puffing Billy Management, do greatly appreciate your valuable and much needed assistance and time that you give in volunteering and helping in the continual running of Puffing Billy Railway. As we did last season in 2007/2008, I will be emailing and telephoning each of you to ascertain your available dates. Or, if you are able, please feel free to email or telephone me with your availability asap, as I am currently preparing the December 2008 and January 2009 rosters.
Please note: A Fire Patrol Refresher Course will be undertaken on Saturday 22nd November, 2008, commencing at 0900 hours at the Belgrave Trolley Shed. Would you each kindly advise me it you are able to attend. The course duration is expected to be the morning only.
Kind Regards,
Andrew Burns, (email address removed at owner's request).
Firstly I'd like to wish each and everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Over the past year there were many tough times, but as always has been the case, you gave when needed, with some throwing in that little extra effort when the pressure was really on. I'd like to personally thank each and everyone for their effort and support during the past year, but this may not be possible, so in the interim, please accept may appreciation of your efforts, and may your festive season one of enjoyment.
This year I will be heading to Brisbane to spend Christmas with family, but will still be running the rosters from there, so communications format will be unchanged!
Very soon a new notice board will be installed in the Safeworking Room to improve communications between the Roster Clerk and Guards; the wheels are in motion and it should be available for use just before Christmas or not long after.
CHRISTMAS SHIFTS: The Shift Roster for the Green Timetable will be simular to the past few years. To give a shorter day I have continued the practice of Continuous Work for a couple of shifts arriving and departing Lakeside. In these cases upon arrival at Lakeside the Guard concerned will go immediately to the "Up" end consist they have just bought in, or to the consist on the opposite platform. Safeworking Duties will be attended to by the Signalman on duty, or his assistant. Shift Rosters for the Green TT and the Blue+ TT will soon be available in the Safeworking Room.
Operational Procedure Notes will cover the make up of all consists, their location at Belgrave, and the set you are to bring back from Lakeside. At Belgrave a Signalman will be on duty who will direct operations there, you should consult the Signalman to see if your assistance is required. When time permits at Lakeside persons concerned are to assist the Signalman on duty.
Blue + TT: Shifts for this five train service will be the same as for a normal Blue TT with an additional service to run No.13/36 - 11:00am [Lk]. Upon arrival at Lakeside and after the engine has run around, shunt the consist into "A" Siding. When No.32 has departed, bring consist into the platform in preparation for departure. During the break period at Lakeside, the person concerned is asked to assist with Signalling duties as required.
Kevin Stanes,
Roster Clerk - Guards & Signalmen
We have obtained a supply of Red & Green Flags, thanks to Gerard Doorakkers. If you would like to purchase a set of these flags for your own kit, they are available from me for $20.00 per set of two flags. (1 x Red, 1 x Green).
Rob Emmerson
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.
The TACL has been the main item worked on by our Wednesday Night group of young people and is now operational once more. The locomotive has been completely overhauled and is in great shape for the next few years. To complete the unit we are replacing the roof over the driver in the way the engine was originally built. The roof is being fabricated from new and the unit is painted in Australian Army green.
The George & George Boiler has had a good amount of work carried out on it and is now ready for the railway's boiler inspector to inspect it and certify it. Work has been slowly carried out on this unit for several years and it is hoped that we may be able to steam the boiler again shortly.
This engine has also had a tone up and is now almost ready to run again. Due to the engines unique qualities, many of the required spare parts have had to be specially machined.
These engines have been deemed by the PBPS committee and the Board to be no longer appropriate to the collection and are to be removed to other railways. The management of the railway is to place the railway's collection of non operable carriages and wagons under the cover where the existing 3'6"engines are located for their preservation.
The annual branch BBQ will take place in the Museum compound on Saturday 6th December 2008 as usual. Please bring your own food and drinks. All are welcome.
On behalf of the Lineside Attractions Branch Committee, I would like to wish all members of the Branch, their families and all members of the Puffing Billy family a happy and holy Christmas and a joyful New Year.
John Frost
A reminder to all branch members that the final meeting for 2008 will be held between the hours of 10am & 12 noon on Saturday, December 13, at the Kings Rd offices, Emerald. Following this meeting, we will sojourn to the Paradise Hotel at Clematis for lunch in a relaxed atmosphere.
We will operate a special train (NRT1 & single NQR) from Emerald to Clematis & return. Depart Emerald 12:20 & return by 4:00. - B.Y.O. seat!
Could persons wishing to join us for lunch please provide advice to the S&T Depot by December 2 so that we can confirm our booking with the hotel.
I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas / New Year. Thank you for your efforts throughout the year.
The replacement signal mast for Belgrave's 'Up Outer Home' signal has returned from the galvanizers and is currently "weathering" prior to being painted and made ready for trans-shipment.
We are constructing a Wire Operated Circuit Controller for installation at Murchison East.
A reminder to all Lunch and Night train Guards, that both 1 NAL and the service car [5NBD] (and other power vans when used) need to be plugged into the power supply upon return to Belgrave. This applies especially when the train is to be used again that same night.
The main switch in the power van(s) is to be switched OFF please.
Small, Hand Held, Radio No.7 has been missing from Emerald since the first Thomas weekend (Oct 11/12). Would the person who has this radio please arrange for its prompt return to the railway.
Andrew Wheatland.
| OCTOBER 2008 | 2008 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 57% | 52% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 72% | 87% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 73% | 80% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,624 | 4,331 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 4,649 | 4,641 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 47 | 278 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 83 | 76 |
| G 42 days for month | 16 | 22 |
| Carriage kilometres | 39,851 | 38,004 |
| Carriage Days for month | 962 | 974 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,511 | 1,638 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,643 | 1,667 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 0 | 111 |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 272 | 243 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 333 | 331 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 16 | 5 |
Bob Wilson
The work on the Climax locomotive has been moving ahead in leaps and bounds. After a lot of design and accreditation work, a lot of parts have been cast, manufactured and assembled. The latest work includes:
A big THANKS to Adam Burrage, Harry Hibgame, Jack Corrick and all the others who have worked on design, drawing, accreditation, building and testing. There is a lot of preparation work to put in before any tangible results are seen.
On Saturday 13th December we are holding a BBQ at Belgrave Workshops to give the Climax donors a chance to see what their kind contributions have achieved. You should have received your invitation by now. If we have missed you, please ring me.
In order to give you all the chance to help the cause, we are offering you the opportunity to sponsor a number of items for the Climax. There is something for everyone. We will need to raise a lot of money in 2009 to pay for axles and wheels as well as lots of other items.
Every person who sponsors an axle will get a free Footplate Experience Train in 2009. We also have shirts and mugs for sale. The shirts have a Climax logo. The mugs have a great picture of the Climax. Please send your orders in by Friday12 th December and we get them to you by Christmas, if you live in Australia.
The Footplate Experience Trains worked well in 2008. We would like to extend a big thank you to all the crews who worked so hard to make them such a success. There have been many new crew come along to help out in 2008. Welcome aboard and thanks for your efforts. We hope to run many more in 2009 to as these are our main revenue earners for the Climax fund. The letter from Mandy Coter below, is typical of the responses that we get back from our Guest Drivers and their families. David Axup, one of our Guest Drivers, wrote a very good article about his FET. It is published in the October edition of Narrow Gauge Downunder.
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. Here we will see out the old year and to welcome in the new, all with live musical accompaniment!
The booking form was sent out with last month's Monthly News and bookings are coming in already. This is a great night out and has to be the best value for money New Year's celebration in Melbourne. Book now to avoid disappointment!!
The return of an old favourite! Take a rare evening run behind 861 from Emerald to Gembrook and return. Inclusive of dinner and photo stops!
Something new. Join your Puffing Billy colleagues when we travel by bus for a day out at this famous rally.
Last time we went to GEMCO everyone enjoyed themselves, so come along to Emerald and this great local theatre group in action.
'2009 Graeme Breydon Memorial Film Night',
Gembrook - Saturday 15 th August
Always a popular event! Join us as we travel by train to view another collection of films covering a wide range of subjects from Australia and overseas.
Come along as we visit our preservation colleagues at Healesville for a trolley ride and dinner in a Halloween atmosphere.
Our ever popular end of year event. Travel on the last train of 2009 and the first of 2010 as we celebrate at the Packing Shed.
For any questions regarding any of these events, please contact Jeff Goodwin
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