February 2009#427
February 2009
#427
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 .
A big thanks to all who volunteered during our 6 train running. A very busy period for everybody involved which, in regard to both passenger numbers and trouble free running, was a huge success. The Management team will be holding a review, so if anybody would like to have any input, please drop Jean Clowes a line.
Many of you may be aware that Di Gadsden has left us for pastures new. We wish her the best for the future, and I thank her for her huge contribution over the last 12 months as Events Manager. The post will be re-advertised, and a suitable applicant taken on in time, to review the next Great Train Race. In the meantime John Thompson has taken on the role of Great Train Race Manager, assisted by the Marketing Department, and the organisation of the Thomas the Tank Engine event is being handled by the CEO's office.
Thomas the Tank Engine will continue in its new format with extra activities being planned for Emerald yard, and the shuttle trains being limited to running as far as the home sticks at Emerald Lake and Menzies Creek respectively. These changes have come into place as a consequence of the review meetings which took place after the last Thomas days.
Anybody wishing to partake in the Thomas fun over the weekends of 14-15th March, 21-22nd March, 28-29th March and 4-5th April, please contact Thelma Cotter via Chris Dixon.
On the grants front - we have received a small grant from Heritage Victoria for a feasibility study and a grant from Bendigo Bank which will be used to subsidise volunteers' transport costs, thus lowering the cost of attending Puffing Billy as a volunteer, for some members. The criteria for receiving this subsidy are presently being drafted by Sue Ham and her team, and will be approved by the Society Executive prior to being put into action. In addition, we have received a grant from Tourism Victoria towards a business plan audit - the next stage in our long term funding goals.
At the last Board meeting a new Disciplinary Procedures Policy was approved. This is now on display on staff and volunteer notice boards along with the previously approved Code of Conduct. If there are any questions in regard to these documents, please don't hesitate to contact the office.
The Executive of the Society is anxious to have members and volunteers comment on its Draft Strategic Plan. This was published in the December issue of Narrow Gauge. Comments should be sent to rnleivers@netspace.net.au or left with the Station Master Belgrave marked Attention Ray Leivers.
| Ray Lievers Chairman ETRB | Eamonn Seddon Chief Executive Officer | John Thompson President PBPS |
All Safeworkers are reminded that their Safeworking Re-Examination paper must be returned by the date indicated on the letter that is sent out with the question paper. They must be returned to Warren Mauseth, Train Operations Co-ordinator in the reply paid envelope or emailed to Warren at:-warren.mauseth@pbr.org.au.
Safeworking examination papers that are not returned by the due date will result in the safeworker concerned being made 'inactive' and you will not be able to perform safeworking duties until their paper is returned after marking by the appointed safeworking examiner officer.
Also Safeworkers are reminded that they must have their Health Assessment completed by the date indicated on the letter that is sent out with the three forms (pink, green and blue).
Health Assessments that are not completed by the due date will result in the safeworker concerned being made inactive and the safeworker will not be able to perform safeworking duties until their Health Assessment report form is received by this office.
John Hoy,
Manager Operations and Engineering
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 Belgrave will record your name in the book.
Please note that new signs to the entrances of Gates 5 & 5A reading "Permit Parking Only, Vehicles without valid parking permit will be towed at vehicle owner's expense" have been installed.
We hope this will assist volunteers and staff to find parking by discouraging the public from parking in the car parks, especially during the busy period. To this end, we ask that you display your PB Volunteer sticker as your 'valid parking permit'.
If you need a volunteer sticker, please contact the volunteer coordinator, Sue Ham, 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 may be required for other volunteers. If you need to get accommodation closer to your work day, please ring.
Edwin (Eddy) Radics, one of our younger volunteers and Rail Pathways participants has not been very well over the last few months, resulting in some time in Hospital. Eddy has been discharged from hospital and is now recovering at home. We wish Eddy all the best and look forward to seeing him back at Puffing Billy in the near future.
Warren Mauseth,
Train Operations Co-ordinator
A vacancy exists for the full time position of Events Manager, required to work at Belgrave, to organise the running of the Great Train Race on behalf of the Society, and the 'Thomas & Friends' Events for the ETRB.
For a full position description and selection criteria, please contact Christine Dixon by email to christine.dixon@pbr.org.au.
A vacancy exists for the volunteer position of Lineside Attractions Manager. For a full position description and selection criteria, please contact Christine Dixon by email to christine.dixon@pbr.org.au.
Members have previously been advised by mail of the EGM being held on Sunday 8th February at the Belgrave Masonic Hall in Bayview Road. Commencement time is 2.00pm, where the meeting will address a number of questions that some members have raised with the Society Executive. This meeting is for all members of the PBPS. If you've recently joined the Society you may not have received the separate letter but you are most welcome to attend. See you all there.
Larry James,
PBPS Secretary
We apologise that we have no information, other than what is below, to bring you. Grahame Gardner is working on an updated Diary for the Society, which is where we get this information each month. It is hoped that this will be published and distributed to those concerned shortly.
Sunday the 8th of February. Extraordinary General Meeting of the P.B.P.S. at the Masonic Hall Belgrave 2:00 p.m.
Please Note that we are holding the Volunteers function on Saturday 28th February. Please keep this day free in your diary. See information at the end of Monthly News and the Booking Form enclosed with this issue.
Yes, it's nearly that time of year again and Bob Cochrane, Manpower Manager for this year, is keen to start putting together the roster for the big day. If you are available to volunteer your services either in the lead up to, or on the day of the race, we would welcome your assistance. Along with the standard railway operations and roles on the day, we have additional tasks that require volunteer support including:
It takes approximately 300 volunteers to pull this major fundraising and publicity event together for the Railway, so please contact Bob by email at robtcoch@melbpc.org.au to advise your availability.
David Eaton,
Manager, Special Projects
It is Thomas time again and if you are able to spare some time to work at Emerald in the Thomas Shop, it would be much appreciated.
Dates for March are: Sat 14th & Sun 15th, Sat 21st & Sun 22nd, and Sat 28th & Sun 29th and then in April: Sat 4th & Sun 5th.
Could you please call April if you are able to assist at Thomas on any of these dates. Thank You.
April Williams
My thanks to all staff for their help during our busy 6 train and blue timetable extra train days. Well done everyone.
We now have appropriate barriers along the platform to enable us to check tickets at that point. On hot days we can set up an umbrella to provide shade for the staff manning this location. The barriers will work successfully with most train consists. On busy days the booking staff may sell tickets for the following train before the first train has departed, so only passengers with the appropriate tickets should be allowed beyond the check point so they can board the train beyond that point. Passengers with tickets for the next service are able to access the toilets and use the tables & chairs on the platform. As long as all staff are aware when the decision is made that a train is full and the next service is being sold, the system works well. When the SM is departing the train he/she closes the last barrier across the platform so passengers cannot access that part of the platform until after the train has departed. If you have any questions about the arrangements please feel free to discuss them with me.
"Players And Coaches" special offer. This year as well as showing their card they also need to redeem an entertainment voucher which gives them "two complimentary regular fares". When you press the "Complimentary Adult" button, "Australian Open" is the option to select. So keep your eye out for these vouchers and there is a copy on the wall in the booking office.
Special Family Ticket $50.00
This offer is only available for afternoon trains and will not be valid for the Easter weekend 10th - 13th April. Please collect the voucher and use the new button on the Lakeside page labelled "Shopping/C Family $50.00." This offer is not available with any other offer.
We are now seeing quite a few of these prepaid blank rail tickets. Please collect the blank rail ticket and issue complimentary tickets. Use the "Shopping Centre Prom" within the Complimentary section on the computer for these blank rail tickets.
Secure Float Bags - We have successfully started using secure float bags for the Refreshment floats.
A couple of points
Any suitably experienced staff that have been previously deterred from considering the Station Master role because of the need to handle money, now is the time to reconsider. As we are changing this aspect of the SM role, if you are interested, I would love to have a chat with you. Call me or email to jean.clowes@pbr.org.au.
Regards, Jean
A practise has crept in where guards and signalman remove the safeworking authority from the locomotive or trolley without the knowledge of the driver. Please ensure you obtain the authority from the driver, not straight from the locomotive.
John Hoy
Train crews are reminded of the need to check all handbrakes are released before a car set is shunted or a train departs. Recently there were three separate instances involving three separate train crews on one day where handbrakes were left applied, two during shunting movements and another on a train that was just about to depart. Remember to check the external handbrake if the last car in the set is not a Brakevan or doesn't have an internal hand brake.
Greg Michael
With December and January now behind us, there were a total of 302 shifts worked, with 152 during December and 150 during January. As always this could not have been achieved without an 100% effort from each and everyone of you. The Green TT was a vast improvement on previous years, and I think all will agree worked well during it's 8 days of operation. The 'cross' at Cockatoo worked well and took pressure off the Lakeside Signalman whose job would have to be the most difficult.
By the time this February Monthly News is published the new notice board should be installed in the Belgrave Safeworking Room. This will be a great benefit to all of us in keeping the lines of communication open.
A small reminder to all with regards to the can of hand washing soap in the Safeworking Room: remember to pull the plunger back up after use, otherwise it will continually become blocked and be difficult to draw soap from.
Outstation Signalmen are reminded that it is part of their responsibility to telephone details of arrival and departures of all trains as soon as possible to the Belgrave Station Master. Signalmen should keep in mind the departures of train from Belgrave where the Station Master may be engaged in other duties, therefore it is suggested a window of 10 minutes either side of a departure be taken into consideration. Over the past few months the failure to telephone details to the Belgrave SM has been on the increase, thereby adding to the workload of the Station Master with follow ups to Signalmen, Guards or sorting through Running Statements.
Also we see a number of Safeworking Trainees around the railway at the moment. We all hope that you do well in this difficult but rewarding course and an increased number will be joining the ranks as Guards and Signalmen. The work of the coordinator in getting the training age lowered is to be applauded, and can only be of benefit to our railway.
Kevin Stanes
Roster Clerk - Guards & Signalmen.
Do you think you have what it takes to design a workable time table? Have you looked at our Time Tables and thought "I can do better than that?" Well, now is your chance to put all those thoughts to good use. To this end I am inviting anyone who thinks they can do so, to have a go at producing a timetable. As a hint - start with a replacement for the Weekend & Public Holiday Timetable (Blue) and delete trains to come up with a 'Weekday' (Yellow) and Winter Weekday (Orange) Timetable.
There are a number of parameters that need to be considered, such as crew duty times, train weights, running times, crossing times, proposed consists etc. If you are interested in proposing a timetable and would like a copy of the parameters, please contact me and I will be glad to send them to you.
If you need any further information, feel free to contact me. I will give you any assistance I can.
Please Note that submission of a Timetable does not guarantee that we will use your particular suggestion, however, if these is an element of your submitted timetable that we can use, then I will use it.
Send your suggestions to me by close of business (5.00pm) on Friday 27th February by email or in hard copy.
Rob Emmerson,
Traffic Manager
(This is a marvellous opportunity for those who would like to help, but can't travel to the railway. Email is your friend. Ed.)
Could Crews sign on for their runs no later than one hour before their scheduled departure, and, make themselves known to the Belgrave Station Master of the day.
In the event of a Total Fire Ban ('R' timetable operates). Fire Patrol Crews One and Two, will be the nominated fire patrols on a TFB Day, unless otherwise notified.
Fire Patrol Drivers & Assistants - Please do NOT assume that just because the day is overcast that Fire Patrols will not operate. Please contact your Fire Patrol Roster Officer to ascertain if they are operating or I will contact you when I have been advised they are cancelled.
If you need to cancel - please contact your Roster Officer - DO NOT leave messages with the Station Master at Belgrave as these may not get passed on in a timely fashion and we may not be able to fill the vacancy.
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, the Fire Patrol Roster Clerk. 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.
Please use the contact numbers in the 'Contacts' section at the rear of Monthly News.
In accordance with the advice from Manager, Way and Works, Mr Jason Bell, Track Patrollers for the 2008/2009 Fire Season will be advised which vehicle (trolley or road rail) that they will be using for their Track Patrols at the earliest convenience.
Andrew Burns
The grass cutting gang is currently around Cockatoo and making up some time but due to low numbers in the work force are behind a bit. But the job is still getting done well. Tractor slashing is happening in the Gembrook - Cockatoo area also.
A thank you to all those who have helped out and to those who will still be helping in the next month(s). Just a reminder that any fire, no matter how big or small, should be noted on an IDR addressed to both John Hoy and myself, (Jason Bell). A great effort has been put in to help prevent anything from happening. Keep up the good work, your time and efforts are a big contribution to this area and are greatly appreciated.
As soon as lineside clearing has finished we will be back into the track with works including Tampering, sleepering and eventually tree trimming. Maintenance on the points at the Packing Shed have happened and there is more to be done.
Cheers, Jason Bell
Our congratulations to Gordon & Tracey Ross on the safe arrival of son Mitchell. Although several weeks early, he is doing well and we look forward to his "training" in the years to come.
Several of the Safeworking Fax Machines have been replaced recently. These new machines have quick dial buttons, however it is now necessary to follow the location selection by pressing the "START" button to transmit the fax. (i.e. you now need to operate 2 buttons to send a fax - the price of new technology.)
Several numbers were altered recently at Gembrook to bring them into line with the general numbering arrangement. Before direct dialling to Gembrook is fully implemented later in the year, the internal directories will be updated to reflect the changes.
The fax machine in the safeworking area at Gembrook (Heritage Platform) can now be accessed from the other safeworking fax machines along the railway with a "Gembrook" button identified. (It is also now connected to Extension 684 however, as direct dialling to Gembrook is yet to be fully implemented, this number is currently restricted to programmed machines and Telstra in-dial
Andrew Wheatland
Fitter Ross Shilton is moving on to fulfil his dream of being a marine engineer. Our best wishes go to Ross in his new venture and congratulations on qualifying as a fireman. Many thanks for your help in the workshops.
Wednesday Night Work Parties - Work now focussing on locomotive restoration, including NGG16. These will restart on 4th February 2009
The next workday will be Sat 7th February.
There will be a volunteer workday on Sat 7th February. Anyone who is interested is welcome to attend.
Hugh Markwick
| DECEMBER 2008 | 2008 | 2007 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 49% | 29% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 77% | 60% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 67% | 62% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,918 | 4,562 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 4,619 | 4,744 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 422 | 286 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 84 | 71 |
| G 42 days for month | 15 | 29 |
| Carriage kilometres | 42,622 | 43,041 |
| Carriage Days for month | 974 | 1,002 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,534 | 1,712 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,767 | 1,649 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 37 | 87* |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 280 | 260 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 312 | 297 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 13 | 12 |
* Excluded 21NQR which operates as a passenger vehicle. Now included with other passenger vehicles.
Bob Wilson
Adam Burrage continues to work on the Climax boiler to prepare it for the hydrostatic test. Backroom work is being done on the composition and design of the axles. The locomotive was plagued over its working life with broken axles. A lot of effort is being put in by Harry Hibgame, John Brady and Cliff Simmons to find out why this was so and how this problem can be overcome (we do not want an axle to break whilst on Bridge 8). As with many things on this railway big team effort behind the scenes is essential.
Sponsorship of the smokebox door has been taken by Paul Pavlinovich and Brice Adams . Rosemary Walkerden has helped with the look of the loco by sponsoring rivets and paint.
We will be offering more items over the year so that a broad range of people can take ownership of part of the loco. Sponsorship of items is open to groups of all kinds. We would be happy to have a club sponsor an axle or some other large price part (perhaps Rotary could sponsor a wheel).
The year is off to a good start. We ran a very successful FET on Thursday 15th January. The crew did such a good job that another FET booking might come from this train. As we do not normally use 861 in fire restriction periods, this FET was run using an NA out of Belgrave in the afternoon. Thanks to all the crew, Graham, Barry, Ben, Matthew and Paul who did such a superb job on the FET. Graeme, Ross and Tony also helped prepare the locomotive after it got back from its daytime run This train was organised in just over a week. Thanks to Rob, Thelma and Ray for their help. The FETs work so well because of the cooperation and help that is given by many people around the railway.
The bookings are coming in for the year. We are running another afternoon FET in February. April and May are now fairly well booked for the 861 FETs ex Emerald.
Peckett 1711 has been stripped of its blue 'pyjamas'. It is going to Moe for a bit of country air over the last weekend of January. Peckett was given a good scrub and looks very good. A bit of paint to cover some wear spots will improve the look even more.
Hugh Markwick
Many thanks to John Kerley for contributing a canister of film of operations out of Fern Tree Gully.
A second Compactus unit has been installed and assembled at Kings Road which will provide extra storage space to be utilised as cataloguing work continues. Work continues on cataloguing of items.
Anyone who is interested in assisting with the archives please contact Geoff Tasker.
Hugh Markwick
This was, again, a tremendous event enjoyed by over 100 of Puffing Billy's volunteers and their families. Again, the event was a sell out and accompanied by the "Railway Ramblers" jazz band, everyone welcomed the New Year in fine style.
The return of an old favourite! Take a rare evening run behind Loco 861 from Emerald to Gembrook and return. Inclusive of dinner in the pub and photo stops along the way!
The booking form was sent out last month, so please get your bookings in now for this popular event.
Something new. Join your Puffing Billy colleagues when we travel by bus for a day out at this famous steam rally.
Last time we went to GEMCO, everyone enjoyed themselves, so come along to Emerald and see this great local theatre group in action.
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 (evenings only please).
The next opening dates will be on Saturday 7th February 2009 and then Saturday 7th March. Selling pre loved books, magazines, videos, DVDs and memorabilia, the shop is located across the tracks in the building behind the Emerald Car Shops facing the play ground. Other times can be arranged by ringing Peter
This months' Specials - Narrow Gauge Down Under - Original issues No. 1 to 8 - one set only $40.00 also "Narrow Gauge & Shortline Gazettes" from 1980. Personal shoppers only.
We would like to thank Kevin Larkin, Ben Reid, the Lionel Rickard estate & the Rickard family for their recent donations to the shop which "Keeps G42 Going".
The donations from our Red collection box was $ 84.60. Thank you to all who continue to support our efforts to Keep G42 Going.
Bruce West
The ETRB, Management and the Society invite all active staff and volunteers and their immediate family to come and enjoy a social evening at the Packing Shed.
G42 will be hauling our train prior to it being taken out of traffic for a major service. This will see it out of action for up to 8 months.
This event is free of charge and includes food and drink and it will be held on Saturday 28 th February.
For all our new volunteers this is a great way to meet your fellow volunteers and staff and for the Puffing Billy Railway to thank everyone for their support.
Please supply all the names of people in your party on the booking sheet, so we can forward name tags prior to the function.
To catch our special G42 hauled train be at Belgrave by 6.00pm. Our special train will stop at Menzies Creek (6.40pm) and Emerald (6.53pm) then on to the Packing Shed.
Please Note: There is NO PARKING at the Packing Shed.
Travel options are:-
For those who do not want to get home too late, a shuttle service from the Packing Shed to EMERALD ONLY will leave at 9.00pm.
The return train to Belgrave will depart at 10.30pm, arriving Emerald at 10.35pm, Menzies Creek at 10.50pm and is expected to arrive back at Belgrave at 11.15pm. (All times are approximate only.)
If you would like to attend please complete the Booking Form which is included as an insert in this issue of Monthly News.
You might like to bring a torch and a warm coat for the return trip, as when the sun goes down it might be chilly.
NB: If Saturday 28th Feb. is a Total Fire Ban, the event will still go ahead but the train will be diesel hauled.
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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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