March 2009#428
March 2009
#428
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 we all come to terms with what has happened with regard the recent bushfires, the management and staff at Puffing Billy extend to all our friends, volunteers and business associates who have been affected by the appalling tragedy are heartfelt thoughts and sympathy.
Puffing Billy has received a request for materials to rebuild fences from the Bunyip area farmers. This we have acted upon, and a quantity of fencing materials has been dispatched. We also liaising with the local CFA in organising a staff working party to go and assist with labour in one of the affected farm areas when this becomes appropriate. If any one would like to join this effort please register your interest with Chris Dixon at the office.
When appropriate we will be organising some fund raising activities other than the collections that are already taking place. We have also established a threat assessment panel that is meeting daily to asses the risk to passengers / volunteers and staff and have set out a number of actions that will reduce the risk when appropriate to all involved, as well as the assets that we are custodians over.
On other matters - thanks you for those of you who took the time to meet at the EGM last Sunday. A number of immediate actions have come out of this and further discussions.
Following on from the successful information evenings we have held, a general information evening will be held on Thursday 2nd April at the Masonic Hall, Belgrave. (See elsewhere in this issue for details). The success of the passenger services information evenings will be extended to other departments so please check noticeboards for details. In addition, following the suggestion of one of our volunteers, the following suggestion scheme has been put into place:
We want to hear your ideas and suggestions about improvement to the Railway. To help us, please send in your idea/suggestion in the following format (by e-mail or in writing):-
Name and Contact details
Section/people impacted
Summary of Suggestion and rationale to support it
Any background information
Benefits - who, how and what benefits as a result of implementation
Costs - high level estimates of funds, people and resources required to implement
We promise that all ideas will be read within 48 hours. They will all be registered and then either immediately acted on, or reviewed by the Management Team prior to Action or if required reviewed at the next Board meeting as part of the capital priorities list. This is going to be part of an on-going process of improvement, so we need your help. If you, as a member, or as a volunteer, or as a staff member, have any suggestions that would benefit the Railway, please send e-mail to Chris Dixon or write a note directly to Eamonn. Come and see us and we can write down your suggestion in this format as we speak.
All inputs appreciated, reviewed and responded. Priorities and action plans will be developed for each input.
Eamonn Seddon
CEO
The Board considered the following matters at the January meeting
Ray Lievers
Chairman ETRB
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Vale Ron PickingIt is with much sadness the passing of Ron Picking is noted. Ron joined the railway on June 7 th 1982 as a locomotive driver and retired on September 16 th 2003. Many of the locomotive crews fondly remember "fun on the footplate" with Ron . Our condolences to Liz and family at this very sad time John Hoy The photos are a tribute from Mal Austin. |
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A position for a full time fitter at Belgrave Workshops is available. Written applications are to reach Adam Black by Friday 13 th March 2009.
Please send material to monthlynews@pbr.org.au or fax to 9757 0705. Emailed material to this address is bounced to Bill Russell so that he and Rob both have a copy. Sending to our private email addresses may result in material being lost or mislaid. Should either of the editors move on the links in the system will be easily changed, and you will be able to keep using the same address.
You will notice that we have a fairly standard (but boring) format for Monthly News. This gives us more efficient use of space. We don't use colours or graphics due to production costs associated with these. Could contributors please restrict their contributions to a basic layout with out colours or graphics. Long runs of spaces or tabs are unnecessary, and only have to be removed. So please - watch how you format your contribution to Monthly News.
If you are one who gets a pro-forma please don't alter the formatting of it. They are designed to fit (and sometimes co-ordinate with other rosters). Altering makes my job just that little bit harder.
Bill Russell
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.
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 on 9757 0715 or 0419 274 652 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.
The Railway has a policy relating to smoking, the board does not encourage smoking by staff and volunteer. Volunteers and staff who choose to smoke do so in their own time, and out of public view.
In order to provide a smoke free working environment the following are Designated Smoke Free Areas
The interior of all buildings, all covered areas of train platforms
All motor vehicles own by the Board,
All rail vehicles including locomotives and motor trollies.
We all have to do it, Ritchies have made available key tags and cards that can be used at any Ritches store, and we have plenty for everyone. They can be found in the Stationmaster office at Belgrave or we can post one out to you
We need volunteers in the following areas Thomas the Tank and Refreshments.
The Menzies Creek Refreshment (including souvenirs) rooms are totally manned by volunteers from the 1st of March. If you know anyone who would like to be involved in this exciting project: this is the time to put your hand up. If you have asked why it is not manned by volunteers, this is the time to volunteer, Puffing Billy Railway need you. Training will be provided. Thomas still have a few positions available, Thomas has a great new format, come along and take a look, and be part of the Thomas Team. Help to give children and their family a memorable experience.
Contact Sue for more information
Staff who would like to purchase quality navy trousers ($40.00 a pair) please fill in a uniform order form with your size or email jean.clowes@pbr.org.au or leave a message
I have been advised of a price increase for blue shirts.
Short sleeve shirts 34 to 44 collar $30.50 size 46 plus $31.50
Long sleeve shirts 34 to 44 collar $33.00 size 46 plus $34.50
Jean Clowes
Some 72 members were present for our EGM to discuss issues raised by a number of members from last year's AGM. Firstly though, the meeting stood for one minute's silence in memory of all those who had lost their lives in the current bushfires.
The minutes covering this meeting have been displayed on the noticeboard at Belgrave and will be mailed to all members in the next Narrow Gauge. Clearly, communication is the key point and the Society Executive Committee at it's last meeting agreed that more information should be distributed to members and volunteers. Accordingly, we plan to run a number of Information/Open Forum meetings throughout each year (see below).
It's important to remember that if you have a problem, comment or suggestion the first place to raise any issues is with the relevant Manager. Email addresses and phone numbers are shown in Monthly News.
A big thank you to the Social Committee who organised a delightful afternoon tea, Greg Michael for taking the minutes and Andrew Wheatland for the P.A. system.
Members are reminded that the Society Executive Committee has for nearly two years been working on updating the current constitution to make it more relevant to our needs. Accordingly this process is nearing completion and we propose to hold another Extraordinary General Meeting between June and August to facilitate the changes. Members will be advised in writing together with postal voting information.
Similarly, the Strategic Plan is also being revised. To date we have had only one submission. If you have a suggestion for the future development of our railway you can make a submission. Please forward any comments/suggestion to Ray Leivers by email as follows: rnleivers@netspace.net.au
As mentioned above, the railway is planning to have Information Meetings from time to time to increase the flow of communication to members and volunteers. The first of these meetings will be held on Thursday 2nd April at Masonic Hall, Bayview Road, Belgrave commencing at 7.30pm. Please come along and join in for an informative meeting. This meeting will discuss the structure of the railway taking into account the Board, Society, and Management. There will also be ample time to ask questions or raise any issues.
Larry James
PBPS Secretary
The race is getting closer and closer and Bob Cochrane, Manpower Manager for this year, is working hard to put 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
April has a new assistant. We welcome Lyn Dyer. Contact her at lyn.dyer@pbr.org.au
April Williams
We are still very short of conducting staff on weekends please consider if you are able to lend a hand even for part of the day.
We are scheduling a conductor training day on Sunday 22nd March commencing 1.00 pm till 4.00 pm. I will be sending invitations to new trainee conductors soon but please keep this afternoon free.
Best wishes to John Crisp and we look forward to seeing you back on the railway soon.
Welcome back to Graham Gardner, look out Thursday's crew he is "better than new" following his recent operation he will be able to give you "a run for your money".
Regards, Jean
The refurbished NALs (Nos. 1 & 2) have continuous electrical loads (refrigerators) which require these 2 vehicles to be connected to mains power whenever possible.
Failure to connect, even for one night, will drain the battery and affect our ability to operate these cars effectively. Please ensure that the leads to 1NAL, 2NAL, 5NBD & 2 NC are properly connected (both at the power outlet and at the carriages) and that the power switches are turned on!
Both 1 & 2 NAL have now been fitted with under-voltage protection systems. If the battery voltage drops to an unacceptable level then all the internal loads (lights, fridge, water pump, heater) will turn off and will not be available until mains power has been connected to restore the battery voltage.
Fire Patrols must follow their respective trains at the prescribed interval. They must not be held at Stations to allow shunting operations to be undertaken.
John Hoy
The past week has been one of the most tragic in the State, so many lives lost and so much property destroyed. We at Puffing Billy are saddened by these events and I am sure I can speak for us all in saying that our hearts go out to all in those communities devastated by the events.
Thomas the Tank Engine is back with us again with the Thomas Shuttle being operated simular to how it was a couple of seasons ago. The Shuttle is to be operated as a Push/Pull, therefore a Guard will not be required; as a result of this their will be two Signalmen on duty at Emerald, which should ease the pressure. We all know the problems there were during last season, not only did the Signalmen have the Safeworking to deal with, but was over come by the shear volume of questions from the general public.
The new Notice Board has been installed the Belgrave Safeworking Room, its prime use is the passing of information between the Roster Clerk and Guards/Signalmen. A special thanks goes to Gerry from the Building Branch for giving this project a top priority.
The Safeworking Course for 2009 has begun and with the biggest intake of Trainees ever it is hoped that an even flow on across all areas of Safeworking. When you see these new Trainees around make them feel welcome and assist with any advice and information if they ask about.
Kevin Stanes.
A thank you to all the personnel that have been outstanding with the time and efforts that have been put into the fire patrols so far this year, and keep up the good work it is greatly appreciated. I am sure we will be running these for a while longer with the weather conditions that we have been getting.
Lineside clearing has come to an end and I would like to thank the casual employees for their efforts.
Just a reminder that the Way and Works volunteer work day is on Saturday 21st March. If any one would like to join us feel free. We meet at the way and works office at 8:45am.
You don't have to only come on that day feel free to assist with our track maintenance any day of the week.
Jason Bell
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 who 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, John Hoy Operations and Engineering Manager. 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.
Prior to commencing any Fire Patrol shifts it is imperative that fire patrol crews check that all their equipment is in proper serviceable/working order. This includes checking and ensuring that the fuel and oil are topped up and that the water tanks/knapsacks are fully filled with water and are in operational order/condition.
Also, as a courtesy to the next day's Fire Patrol crew, please ensure you refuel your trolley/vehicle and top up the oil and water on your return to Belgrave.
Please use the contact numbers in the 'Contacts' section at the rear of Monthly News.
n accordance with the Manager of Way and Works, Mr Jason Bell, Track Patrollers for the 2008/2009 Fire Season will be advised of which trolley or road rail that they will be using for their Track Patrols at the earliest convenience.
Andrew Burns
I will be away overseas from Thursday March 26 until Friday April 17. All managerial matters should be forwarded to Ian Marks (465) during this time and day to day activities addressed to Ian Newman via extension 650. The depot answering machine will be checked from time to time. Urgent faults requiring immediate attendance should continue to be directed to 688 (automated callout)
.Over the past few months we have successfully completed 2 small external projects. The first was the manufacture of a Wire Operated Circuit Controller for Murchison East and the other project was the fitting of electric detection to a staff lock for Litchfield. We expect to make a modest profit of around $3,000 and our high quality work ensures that we continue to be asked to provide these small items from time to time.
Andrew Wheatland.
A position for a full time fitter at Belgrave Workshops is available. Written applications are to reach Adam Black by Friday 13 March 2009.
Work now focussing on locomotive restoration, including NGG16. These restarted on 4 February 2009 and are continuing.
The next workday will be Sat 7th March.
There will be a volunteer workday on Sat 7th March. Anyone who is interested is welcome to attend.
| Workshops | |
| December 08 | 560 |
| January 09 | 493 |
| Carshops | |
| January | 49 |
Café Marte at Emerald has advised that they will give a 10% discount for all Puffing Billy volunteers. They are located near the Commonwealth Bank
Hugh Markwick
| JANUARY 2009 | 2009 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 45% | 34% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 73% | 69% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 63% | 49% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,596 | 4,604 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 3,692 | 4,329 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 987 | 447 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 69 | 72 |
| G 42 days for month | 14 | 26 |
| Carriage kilometres | 43,157 | 45,488 |
| Carriage Days for month | 960 | 1,103 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,123 | 1,313 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,501 | 1,633 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 48 | 23* |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 308 | 302 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 316 | 306 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 6 | 8 |
* Excluded 21NQR which operates as a passenger vehicle. Now included with other passenger vehicles.
There were 8 total fire ban days for the month, four of which were consecutive at the end of January.
Our two diesel locomotives ran 21% of the monthly train distance.
Bob Wilson
Here is advance warning of a number of fun and fundraising events to be held later this year. The booking forms for these events will come out in future Monthly News editions.
We will be running a double-headed train with 861 {formerly known as John Benn Ed] and 1711 [Sir John Grice, also known as the Peckett Ed] to celebrate Carbon's 120th birthday. This is a rare event so be prepared to book early.
Join us for a guided trip through the forest from where the Climax locomotive once hauled logs. See spectacular scenery, ride the Walhalla line over lots of bridges.
As far as the editor knows the Climax never towed a log in its life. Sawn timber - yes. Ed]
The Footplate Trains will continue in from April, when we have many bookings.
A presentation of a Climax mug and a Climax shirt was made to Adam Burrage, our full-time Climax fitter, by Richard Elphick. This was a token of appreciation for Adam's work from the Climax Committee.
Boiler work is continuing. A couple of broken stays have been found. The design of the new axles is progressing with a lot of number-crunching to be done. The new tyres have arrived from South Africa.
The return of an old favourite! A rare opportunity to take an evening run behind Loco 861 from Emerald to Gembrook and return, travelling in Puffing Billy's original end-balcony carriages. In addition to dinner in the Ranges Hotel the evening will include a photo stop on the outward journey and a listening stop in the Wright Forest on the return journey.
The booking form was sent out last month and seats are selling, so please get your bookings in now and don't miss out on this popular event.
A wonderful new opportunity! Join your Puffing Billy colleagues when we travel by bus to witness the spectacular collection of traction engines, steam rollers and other magnificently restored machines at this famous rally.
Look for the booking form with this edition of Monthly News.
Last time we went to GEMCO everyone enjoyed themselves, so come along to Emerald and watch this great local theatre group in action.
2009 Graeme Breydon Memorial Film Night',
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).
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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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