January 2009#426
January 2009
#426
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 .
As new Board Chairman, I propose to include a summary of relevant matter for each Monthly News.
At its November Meeting the Board dealt with the following issues:
Many of you will have seen the Draft Society Strategic Plan published in Narrow Gauge. This is available for member comment and we would be taking comments up to end January 2009 when a final plan will be produced. We would welcome your comments on the Draft version of the document.
| Ray Lievers Chairman ETRB | Eamonn Seddon Chief Executive Officer | John Thompson President PBPS |
Did you notice that in December's Monthly News someone had changed the last word in the following "January's Monthly News will contain rosters from 26th December only." We did write from "December on".
Would all volunteers please remember to sign your name in the "sign on" book located in the SM's office at Belgrave. It is very important that you record your hours of duty as this is always helpful when we need to check voluntary hours provided in running the railway. Many submissions that we submit to Government and other agencies require this information. It is also important for checking purposes if their is any query from our insurance company should we receive a claim at a future date for an injury or medical condition.
If you are working at other locations, some have there own "sign on" book e.g. Lakeside but if you are unsure simply pick up the phone and dial 721 and the Station Master will record your name in the book.
Some people are still not following the guidelines that were issued earlier this year when providing inserts into our magazines (Narrow Gauge & Monthly News). The guidelines are displayed in the crew room at Belgrave and on the notice board outside the Booking Office. You must send a copy to the Secretary of any item for approval prior to printing and despatch to our mailing house. Please don't just expect that all items presented will be approved, however we will generally assist where we can. Would all Branch Managers and Committee Secretaries please re-read the procedures and ensure that they are followed.
Larry James, Secretary.
Please note new signs to the entrance of Gates 5 & 5A reading "Permit Parking Only, vehicles without valid parking permit will be towed at vehicle owner's expense"
We hope this will assist volunteers and staff to find parking, especially during the six train running.
If you need a volunteer car park sticker, please contact the volunteer coordinator to obtain one.
As we are now in summer and the weather is hot, we have been putting large containers of water in the fridge in the crew rooms at Belgrave, Lakeside and Gembrook and a smaller one at Menzies Creek. We are asking for your help, so please advise Sue on 415 or 715 when the reserve container is put in the fridge.
We would like to remind all volunteers of the importance of hydrating.
Overnight accommodation is available for any volunteer who is working on the railway and 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 contact us, as the bed maybe required for other volunteers. If you need to get accommodation closer to your work day, please ring.
Sue Ham
During the restoration of Emerald Station, the old counter from the former kiosk has been removed along with other non-original internal arrangements. To facilitate the selling of tickets at Emerald station during the restoration period, the former booking window will be reinstated by Christmas. Anyone wishing to act as Station-master or Booking Clerk will need to arrange for the float as usual, but access will now be through the middle of the three doors in that end of the building (safeworkers may use the door that previously opened behind the counter as this now has an "S1" padlock on it). Members of the public must not be allowed to enter the building while the restoration works are in progress.
Andrew Rayment,
Head Station-master, Emerald.
We would like to wish all a Merry Christmas and safe New Year. To all our volunteers, who have been unwell and not enjoying the best health we hope that 2009 is kind to you. Please remember our thoughts are with you, and we look forward to the pleasure of your company shortly. If you have time, we would love to hear from you in the New Year, give us a call or drop us a line.
Sue Ham
On behalf of all Executive members, l extend the compliments of the season to all members and volunteers and their families and wish you all a safe and happy 2009.
Larry James, Secretary
Seasons greetings to all of you. May whatever god(s) you believe in smile upon you for 2009. The team that brings you Monthly News (the editors, the proof-readers, the envelope stuffers and the carriers) would like to particularly thank the roster clerks. Without them there would be no staff on our railway, nor Monthly News. We also thank the Managers who report the doings of their branches for keeping the railway community informed.
"Membership Matters" - and congratulations are due to the following people, who received their Long Service Membership Badges in recent weeks. Our sincere appreciation to them all for their commitment, passion and dedication that has helped the Railway grow into the "Puffing Billy" we know today.
Andrew Hennell, Graeme Jones, Douglas Moyle, Darren Room, Jeff Schultz, Weston Langford and Bob Wilson.
Richard Atkinson and Peter Shallard.
Fred Ackland, Wayne Whitford, Neil Ingram and Peter Newton.
To receive these awards, these members have had a long term continuous financial membership to the Puffing Billy Preservation Society.
Any queries about membership should be directed to secretary@puffingbilly.com.au
Seasons Greetings to all from the Puffing Billy Preservation Society Membership Committee
To all Refreshment Staff, a big thankyou for all of your hard work over the six train period, it all ran like clockwork, which is a credit to you all.
It is Thomas time again and if you are able to spare some time to work at Emerald, it would be much appreciated. Dates are: Sat 28 th February, Sunday 1 st March, Saturday 14 th & Sun 15 th March, Sat 21 st & Sun 22 nd March and Sat 28 th & Sun 29 th March.
Could you please call April if you are available to assist at Emerald on these days. Thank you.
April Williams
Steam Media have released two superb DVDs that would make an ideal start to your 2009. As usual Puffing Billy gets good coverage on both these DVD's they are selling for $44.95 each.
This superb TWO HOUR and fifteen minute DVD comprehensively covers over 60 Victorian steam operations during 2007 featuring 20 different locos. HIGHLIGHTS include: J541 returning to service; triple Na class as 7A returns to service; The Peckett at Puffing Billy - minus Thomas cladding; Steamrail Open Day; Geelong 150th celebrations; R761 to Maryborough, Bendigo and Traralgon; K163 on the Mornington Railway; K153 and K190 on push/pull shuttles on the heavily graded Glen Waverley, picturesque Hurstbridge and Mitcham lines; Cab rides on J541, J515, 8A, 6A, G42, K153 and Klondyke; Victorian Goldfields Railway 25 year celebrations; Crew training specials to Bacchus Marsh and Seymour; Easter trains at Bellarine Railway; VGR 'Steam On Show' trains, R766 re-gauging and much more.
This very popular TWO HOUR VHS production has now been released as a DVD so you can enjoy the historic sights of steam tours on a magnitude that is almost impossible to repeat. See operations on over 50 days including Puffing Billy 'little locos' triple header, R class double heading to Bendigo, Y112 and D3639 returning to service, J515 and the Veteran car set on the mainline, Y112 cab ride, J549 on Muckleford re-opening, Y112, J515 and R707 triple heading up Ingliston, R class on regular Geelong passenger trains, double headed K & D3 to Bacchus Marsh, K163 on the Stony Point line and much more!
See just how much has changed or gone forever.
Also just arriving from Ross Rail Video and Train Hobby Publications are: "Australian Industrial Steam" from Ross Rail Video, 75 minutes for just $39.00 This DVD covers a variety of industrial steam locomotives that survived beyond government operations and into preservation from the cane fields of Queensland onto South Australia and into Tasmania.
From "Fowlers", "10 Class", "Rod's", "B.H.P. steam, our own Climax, to Garrett's and "Wee Georgee" in Tasmania, this is a rare opportunity to see footage of Australia's Industrial Steam at work.
This high quality 58 page book is a photographic profile of the illuminated advertising trams from the 1970s for just $40.00.
Bruce West.
It is lovely to see Peter Kemp is well on the mend after a recent hip operation. Peter, I hope you can return as SM on Thursdays very soon because the "Thursday Crew" have become unruly without your firm guidance.
Fares change as of 26th December, 2008. If conducting staff have not received an email copy of the fares please let me know and I'll organise a hard copy for you.
Jean Clowes
Guards are asked to take care when handling flags on the platform when departing a train to ensure that a Red flag is not inadvertently displayed to the engine crew.
It is recommended that the Red flag be kept furled and either held down low or behind your back or kept just inside the van. You are asked not to have the Red flag unfurled behind the Green flag as engine crews have reported that the Red flag has become visible in some circumstances when the flags are moved.
Greg Michael
Please note that our Safeworking Training Officer, John Morice, is moving house and by the time you receive this, will have a new home phone number. Please see the 'Contact' section for the new home phone number for John. His mobile number remains the same. John has also advised that it may be some weeks before he has complete Internet access but he will have limited email capacity in the interim. (All this electronic equipment and it still takes 3 or more weeks to get internet access - Nothing has changed. Ed!)
As in previous years, we are asking for safeworkers who feel they have the experience to man Belgrave as 'Signalman' during the 6-train running period. This is to assist in making sure trains are docked on time and to also handle the safeworking. (Issue and receipt of Staves & Tickets etc.) I've had an offer from one person so far - any other interested safeworkers are asked to contact me.(I am happy to have split shifts too - if this makes it easier for people.) The roster is placed after the Guard/Signalman Roster towards the rear of this edition of Monthly News.
Rob Emmerson
Failure to connect, even for one night, will drain the battery and affect our ability to operate these cars effectively.
Whilst we understand that, during this interim phase, there are often numerous connections to attend to in order to recharge both the regular train batteries and these new cars, we would like to thank all crews in anticipation for their diligence to this most important aspect of our First Class service.
1NAL & 2NAL are designed to "feed through" (in either order), however they must be marshalled together for this to be practical.
Whatever the configuration of the Lunch/Night train, or the carriages left behind at Belgrave, please ensure that 1NAL, 2NAL, 5NBD & 2 NBC are connected to mains power whenever possible. This means in No.5 Rd, in the platform before departure & after arrival, and at the Packing Shed. Please ensure that sufficient electrical leads travel with the train as appropriate in order to effect the electrical connections required.
Andrew Wheatland
Well how fast can we run, it only seem like yesterday that we welcomed in 2008, now here it is again, the big spend up for Christmas and egg nog for the New Year. The past 12 months have been very busy with a record number of shifts covered; it's been rough going at times, but as always we got through, and for the efforts once again thank you!
There are still quite a few shifts to cover after Christmas Day and into the New Year, so if anyone can help I'd appreciate an Email or phone call. There are still a couple Lakeside Signalman Shifts to cover and while we all know that Lakeside is the most difficult station to manage as a Signalman, assistance for any interested person would be a great benefit to your workmate in improving the Safeworking efficiency.
Once again as per Communications Policy try to remember that if you cannot make it for your shift within 48 hours it's best to give me a telephone call. Emails and SMS's should be avoided, but if you do use those methods, please make sure I respond, which I always will. If I don't respond within an couple of hours then follow the matter through with a phone call.
CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR [Green TT]: I have left copies of the Green Timetable Shifts in the Safeworking Room, so feel free to take a copy for your reference. I have not included the ADD ON to 11/18 which at this stage will have to be covered by 21-28, 41/50 [Shift 4]. If Staffing situations improve I'll break the shift up so as to free up the work load.
Shift 1: 9/28, 32 - 10:00 [Gem] - Shift will run to Gembrook and return to Lakeside, then drop back to Train 32 departing for Belgrave at 02:55pm.
Shift 2: 11/18, 33-38 - 10:30 [Lk] - Shift will cover the round trip to Lakeside on the first portion. On the second portion the person concerned is to proceed immediately to the "Down" end upon arriving at Lakeside, and run Train 38 to Belgrave at 04:00pm.
Shift 3: 15/38, 46 - 11:30 [Gem Lunch Train] - Shift will run to Gembrook and return to Lakeside, then drop back to Train 46 departing for Belgrave at 05:10pm.
Shift 4: 11/10, 21-28, 41/50 - 10:30 [M Ck] then 12:40 [Lk] - Double Head with Train 11 to Menzies Creek, then run Train 10 to Belgrave. Train 21 on arrival at Lakeside the person concerned is to proceed to the "Down" end upon arriving at Lakeside and run Train 28 to Belgrave at 01:50pm. The second portion will cover the complete round trip Belgrave to Lakeside.
Operational Procedure Notes will cover the make up of all consists, its location at Belgrave, and the set you are to bring back from Lakeside. At Belgrave a Train Controller will be on duty who will direct operations, you should consult the Train Controller to see if your assistance is required. When time permits at Lakeside persons concerned are to assist the Signalman on duty.
Blue + 1 TT: Shifts for this five train service will be the same as for a normal Blue TT with an additional service to run 13/36 - 11:00 [Lk]. Upon arrival at Lakeside and after the engine has run around, shunt the consist into "A" Siding. When Train 32 has departed, bring consist into the platform in preparation for departure. During the break period at Lakeside the person concerned is to assist with Signalling duties as required.
Kevin Stanes,
Roster Clerk - Guards & Signalmen.
The TACL is still in need of additional TLC and work in the next few months will be concentrated on the front end of the engine.
After many years of investigation and work by very many people, this boiler is again steaming and has received its boiler ticket.
The George and George is a multi-tubed under fired boiler and has been totally restored to full operating condition. It has been out of service for at least 15 years and while various repairs were tried such as Huck bolting none of these succeeded. Things started to look up for the future of this boiler when Adam Black (presently Workshops Manager) agreed to get the boiler operational again using his skill and expertise. We had the help of the RAN in preparing the steel work and the entire boiler and its ancillary equipment was refurbished. Running the project to completion David Baker, under Adam's direction, has completed the repairs and the boiler was finally inspected by the railway's boiler inspector and has received its ticket. In this David was assisted by the Wednesday Night group. The first public steaming of the boiler was on 6 December 2008 and the Allen twin cylinder Generator was freed up and lubricated and now runs. In addition the Tangye engine was also run. The other Tangye is under repair and will be operation soon again as well. We propose to move the engines located under the Marshal shed to this area and set them up to operate from either steam or air. It is also hoped to extend the existing roofing to cover all the engines at this site.
This engine is now running and is to receive a new roof over the driver as it had when manufactured and used by the Australian Army. It is painted in Army green.
This unit has received a newly fabricated hopper and has been repainted.
On a personal note owing to advancing years I have decided to retire as Branch Manager and this is my last contribution to Monthly News. I wish my successor great fun and enjoyment in running the railway's Museum and the Branch
John Frost
Farewell John. You are still allowed to return to look at the railway. [Ed.]
Wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas / New Year. Thank you for your efforts throughout the year.
Small, Hand Held, Radio No. 7 has been missing from Emerald from 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.
Shaun White completed his apprenticeship and has left the railway seeking his fortune elsewhere. Many thanks Shaun for your years of service both at Belgrave and at Emerald
Work now focussing on locomotive restoration, including NGG16.
For the 6 months to November 2008, 3,698 hours have been recorded for work done at Belgrave Workshops.
Belgrave Workshops
The next workday will be Saturday 7th February.
Emerald Car shops
There will be a volunteer workday on Saturday 7th February. Anyone who is interested is welcome to attend.
On behalf of the Manager, Rolling Stock Branch have a Merry Christmas and a relaxed New Year. Many thanks to staff and volunteers for their efforts over the last 12 months. Your efforts have been appreciated.
Hugh Markwick
Dave has been working on the Hotham Valley Railway project since October 2007 and with its completion has decided to retire from full time work at Puffing Billy. Dave intends to continue with his voluntary activities, particularly as a driver so we will actually see more of him at Belgrave than we have for a while. Congratulations Dave on completing more than 25 years of paid work for Puffing Billy and thank you for your personal support over much of that time. - John Shaw
Finally our role in this little project in WA is complete. We have helped build six steel bridges to replace the six timber ones destroyed almost two years ago. Along with this work we have replaced nearly 7,000 sleepers over about 30km of track and carried out various other sundry tasks.
With the installation of a new staircase to comply with current standards this project is now complete. Thanks to Peter Bruce for taking on the completion of this project.
The Sorrento Steam Tram platform, track and buffer stop is now complete and has been formally opened. Congratulations to Norm Mauger for yet another monumental buffer stop.
Work is well under way to level this platform and replace much of the timber decking and asphalt on it. Completion is expected in mid January.
Work is awaiting delivery of timber and should start in late January.
Recently, collapse of part of a steep cliff at the Wade Street terminus of the tramway we helped build in 2001 has placed the triangle used for turning the trams around in jeopardy. We have been successful in gaining a contract to rebuild the triangle on a safer site nearby and we expect to start in mid February.
John Shaw
| NOVEMBER 2008 | 2008 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 60% | 61% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 74% | 83% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 68% | 77% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,496 | 4,102 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 4,335 | 4,360 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 368 | 151 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 80 | 64 |
| G 42 days for month | 12 | 30 |
| Carriage kilometres | 38,475 | 37,044 |
| Carriage Days for month | 903 | 932 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,320 | 1,770 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,551 | 1,598 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 0 | 89* |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 266 | 229 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 334 | 271 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 8 | 10 |
*Excluded 21 NQR on passenger trips. Now included with other pass vehicles.
There were four scheduled trips diesel hauled due to sudden unavailability of the rostered steam loco. I make my annual appeal to guards to please take particular care during the 6 train running period in the recording of data on the Train Running Sheets. Please do not take sheets with you when you change to a different car set. Show the loco number on the front of the sheet for EACH trip and please show each train number on the rear that a particular set runs. Show locos and cars docking times where required. Finally, don't forget arrival times. Each of these requests is important for me to prepare accurate stats and will save me much time in compilation. Thanks in advance.
Bob Wilson
Work on the Climax locomotive is continuing. The boiler will soon be ready for hydraulic testing prior to its first steam test.
Included with this issue of Monthly News is a sponsorship brochure listing a variety of items which are available to be sponsored. However please note that the firebox door and surround is no longer available for sponsorship. Ian Probert has sponsored it - thank you Ian. Nevertheless there are still many wonderful opportunities - you could be the first person in the world to sponsor a 2 ft 6 in gauge Climax locomotive axle!
Donations of various items have been received from the President, Puffing Billy Preservation Society. Work continues on cataloguing of items.
The Archives Team are being asked for information by people doing research such as Heritage matters.
Hugh Markwick
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Updated Monthly. Contents © 2009 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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