April 2009#429
April 2009
#429
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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If you volunteered on the railway during February, many of you will be aware of the low patronage as a result of the bushfires. Consequently, our revenue targets for February, and early March, were hit badly. These figures are now recovering and the management team are in urgent discussions with Government over the shortfall, and the medium term consequence of this. Many thanks to those of you who have been involved in Thomas the Tank Engine weekends; particularly over the first weekend when the weather could not have been described as anything but atrocious. All the new arrangements are working well, with the extra activities being very well received with patrons. Patronage numbers over the second weekend exceeded the set budgets. In addition, we have seen many new volunteers, as well as many well known faces returning to the Thomas fold, and I thank you all for this.
Recent volunteer surveys have shown that the majority of you volunteer on the railway one day per month, the time you give is very much appreciated by us all. However, to assist us in achieving our targets, as well as potentially lessening the load on those volunteers who attend each day, we would very much like to increase the number of volunteer hours in all areas of the business. To this end, may we request that some of you consider putting in an extra day a month to assist with the labour supply - hence allowing us to do so much more of what we all want to do on the railway.
Eamonn Seddon, CEO
The meeting at the end of February was brief as the Board spent considerable time meeting staff and volunteers at Belgrave and inspecting the workshops at Emerald; a rewarding experience for Board members.
Issues that were dealt with were:
As part of the Board's desire to have better interaction with members and volunteers, we seek comment on the proposal to re-establish a Strategic Planning process. Comments to Ray Leivers via email to rnleivers@netspace.net.au would be welcome up to Friday 17th April 2009. For several years the railway had a Strategic Planning Committee (SPC), which was deemed to have been ineffectual because:
To develop strategic directions for Puffing Billy Railway, with input from relevant stakeholders.
Principles: Matters included should be forward looking, high level directions, and guided by customer needs, tourism trends, our heritage objectives and the economic sustainability of the railway. A Business Plan should provide an implementation plan for the Strategic Plan.
Proposed replacement processRecommendation: That the Board approve this process to be consulted with Stakeholders and finalised at the March Meeting.
NOTE: Existing Strategic Documents will be collated and progressively replaced by the new process.
Ray Lievers, Chairman ETRB
Two long standing volunteers passed away recently.
Richard Sealey, a regular worker in the Refreshment Rooms along the line and also on the Night Train and Jim Stephens, also a worker in the Refreshment Rooms, both passed away recently after illness.
To the families of both we extend our deepest sympathy and in particular to Cynthia Sealey and Barbara Stephens. The Railway was represented at both funerals.
Larry James, Secretary
Our very sincere congratulations go to Glenda (nee Rae) & Gary Roberts, who 'tied the knot' recently. They were married at the Chapel in Menzies Creek following which they boarded a train to the Packing Shed for the reception. Our resident 'rock & roller' Guard, Stuart Fife serenaded the happy couple in true style. It was a great night and lots of fun was had by all there.
Thanks to all who participated in the night. We look forward to seeing Glenda's smiling face back in the office after the honeymoon.
The formal teaching of Course No.30 student safeworkers will have been completed over the weekend of Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd March 2009. I would like to sincerely thank all safeworkers who are supervising trainees.
All rostering of trainees with safeworkers for supervised runs must be done through the Guards' & Signalmen's Roster Officer, Kevin Stanes. This is so we have a single record of the work and progress of trainees, together with a record of their supervising safeworkers.
Trainees must do not less than five satisfactory supervised runs before their competency assessment. (They may do more if necessary). Supervisors reports should still be sent to me in the internal mail [Place in addressed envelopes in S/W Room and give it to the SM].
We now need volunteers to become 'Safeworking Competency Assessors' (aka examiners). If you are interested in being part of the PBR Safeworking Assessment Team, please email me direct. (See Contacts section for John's contact details.) We need a few who are reasonably available so that we can facilitate the final assessment process.
As soon as possible, I would like to meet with the prospective assessors to explain the required process involved. Thank you for your co-operation.
John Morice, ETRB Safeworking Training & Assessment Officer.
As you are all aware, the winter and Influenza season is once again upon us. As staff and volunteers are exposed to the public on a daily basis there is a small risk of picking up the Influenza.
As a service to both staff and volunteers, the Board is offering free Influenza Vaccinations to hopefully provide some protection.
The vaccination consists of a single injection during autumn. The vaccination is well tolerated with usually only minor local side effects. It does NOT cause a minor case of the 'flu, as is often (incorrectly) stated. It is highly effective in protecting against the epidemic flu, but will not prevent the common cold, an illness with lesser symptoms, which is often confused with the in flu. Please note that this flu vaccine does not cover "Bird flu", but is recommended to protect against all flu-like illness. Research is still being conducted to produce a bird flu vaccine
If you would like to receive this seasons vaccination, Dr Steven Kaye will be attending at Moondarra Belgrave on Thursday 16th April from 10 am to 11.30 am.
Could you please advise Susan Ham by Monday 13th April, either by leaving a message on voicemail or e-mail if you would like to receive the vaccination.
Important! If you have an allergy to eggs or feathers, you may also have a reaction to the vaccine. We would advise checking with your local GP if you have any doubts.
Susan Ham, Puffing Billy Railway Volunteer Co Ordinator
As we advised in the last issue of Monthly News, an Information Meeting is being held on Thursday 2 nd April at the Belgrave Masonic Hall in Bayview Road, Belgrave. The meeting starts at 7.30pm. This is the first of regular information meetings being held and this meeting will discuss the structure of the railway taking into account the Board, Society and Management and the new position of CEO. Come along and learn how the railway operates through a management system. There will be plenty of time for questions on the night.
Larry James, Secretary.
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.
If you would like a PB car sticker, please e-mail and we will arrange to deliver you one.
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:
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.
Shopping: we all have to do it. Why not help your favourite Railway by shopping at IGA and support local business as well. (Ritchies is the IGA store in Emerald, where many PB volunteers do their shopping and by doing so, support Puffing Billy and a locally Australian owned business.) IGA have made available key tags & cards that can be used at any IGA store in Australia. (We have plenty.) By obtaining and then presenting the card each time you shop at IGA, 1% of the total goes to the nominated charity (or just say PB). They can be found in the Stationmasters office at Belgrave or we can post one to you.. If you have any questions, I am happy to assist. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Ham
The very successful Staff & Vols BBQ held at the Packing Shed on Saturday 28 February was attended by some 280 people.
A key to the success of the event was the forward planning by our Social Committee and others, as well as the rostering of participants in the arranging of supplies, setting up, food preparation etc. and generally the teamwork on the part of everyone involved.
The Packing Shed venue seemed to work well and, as a show of hands indicated, was favoured by a clear majority of 'guests'.
All participants enjoyed the opportunity to interact with fellow PB people in an informal atmosphere.
The early shuttle train to Emerald was a great idea for those wanting to leave early, and the later departure allowed some of the revellers to participate in a spontaneous karaoke session in the Packing Shed! If we arrange to do that next year, they want mainly Abba songs to be played! The tear-down and clean-up was handled by sufficient people to make it relatively quick and easy. A few suggestions have already been received as to how we could improve the event next year. For example, while the highly efficient cooking department worked well and kept up the supply ahead of the demand, the single line of 'guests' selecting their cooked items, salads etc. resulted in many people having a fairly long wait before they reached the serving table. Although we managed to serve the entire crowd of 280 people in about an hour, next year we'll improve the serving arrangements to effect speedier feeding of the multitudes!
Well done to everyone involved in what was generally regarded as a very successful event.
Long-time Society member Doug Newberry will be remembered by many of you as a regular PB volunteer from around 1960 and, in more recent times, a Fire Patrol driver, often with his son Stuart accompanying him as FP assistant.
Tragically, Stuart was killed in a road accident a few years ago and since then Doug has found it emotionally difficult to resume his PB involvement.
On Sunday 22nd March, Doug's wife Vera, aged 64, was killed in a cycling accident in Tasmania while touring with a party from her walking club.
Doug has asked me to inform his many PB friends, on behalf of whom I have offered our deepest condolences and any assistance and support he may need at this very sad time.
John Thompson
Our GTR online entries and new database are up and running with entries steadily coming in well ahead of last year. I am pleased to advise that The Honourable Timothy Holding, Minister for Tourism shall be competing in the race once again this year.
If you, a family member or friend are happy 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;
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We have changed the operation this year and we are pre-selling public car parking at Emerald Lake Park. As a result car parking will be at a premium and we will supply car parking passes to those relevant volunteers with the staff manual. It takes approximately 300 volunteers to pull together this major fundraising and publicity event for the Railway so please contact Bob Cochrane, Manpower Manager, to advise your availability.
David Eaton, Manager, Special Projects
A big thank you to all who volunteered for our 1st weekend with Thomas this includes Jason and all his crew for assisting with the setting up.
Thank You Thank You Thank You to all our volunteers who assisted in our first weekend. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts. This made for an enjoyable event for both the Public and Organisers.
Thomas has a few new features this season:- Story telling/DVD and 'Colouring In' tents for the public, not to forget Trevor the Tractor whom was very popular with all ages. Thank you to the Lineside Attraction Volunteers for having Trevor ready for this special event.
Saturday was the day the drought broke. All visitors & volunteers enjoyed their day and although they got very wet, everyone welcomed the rain.
Sunday was cold and the rain held off until after the last Pantomime.
A final Thank You to Jason and his crew for packing up and storing everything away.
Thelma Cotter and her support crew.
(You know who you are.)
Our timetable will change on Wednesday 1 st April 2009. I will be emailing all conducting staff the new inserts for your conductor books or you can collect copies from the Station Master's office.
After Easter our fares will also change and we will email new fare inserts for your conductor books closer to the day. Also copies can be collected from the Station Master's office.
Unfortunately, I had to cancel the training day on Sunday 22 nd March but have rescheduled this to Sunday 9th May. I will be sending out invitations to all new conductors in April.
My supplier for the navy trousers has advised me of a price increase. Any future trouser orders will be priced at $45.00 a pair.
Regards, Jean.
Where BELGRAVE
Date: THURSDAY, 2 nd APRIL
Time: STARTS AT 5.00pm.
Everyone is welcome. Complimentary glass of 'Bubbly' and nibbles upon arrival.
ALL ITEMS HEAVILY REDUCED - JUST IN TIME FOR EASTER PRESENTS.
On sale are Lavender products, sauces, jams, honey, biscuits, clothing, jewellery and Thomas items, just to mention a few.
It is Thomas time again and if you are able to spare some time to work at Emerald, it would be much appreciated. Dates available April, Sat 4 th & Sun 5 th.
Could you please call April, on 9757 0782 or 0402 711 575 if you are able to assist. Thank You.
April Williams
Guards are reminded that when stabling the Lunch or Dinner Train, whether in No.5 Road or the Platform, they should be mindful of the fact that two [2] power cords must be connected to the mains power supply. Recently when stabling the Lunch Train in No.5 Road, the power cord to the carriage was not connected resulting in the food in the fridge being spoiled and having to be discarded.
When a Station Master is on duty at an Outstation, Guards should not depart the train until authorised by the SM on duty. There have been times, especially at Lakeside and in particular when there has not been Conductors on a train, that Guards have flagged a train away without first checking for late running passengers. This can result in considerable stress to those who just miss a train, especially if there are children with them. As well, situations have occurred when an on duty Station Master is selling tickets to walk up passengers who have been advised that the train will not go without them, making it somewhat embarrassing when the train has been departed without the Station Masters consent.
The new Safeworking Trainees are out and about and seem to be enjoying their new found activity. I have been asked to assist in the coordination of Trainer with a Trainee, and have accepted the work with pleasure. All Trainees should have been advised of my personal details, but if you missed anything the contact number for the Guards & Signalmen's Roster Clerk is in the contacts section at the end of Monthly News.
A reminder that Trainers should not accept a request for a training run from a Trainee without first consulting the Trainer/Trainee coordinator. Likewise, Trainees may want to do a particular run with a Trainer, must check with the Trainer/Trainee coordinator.
Keep in mind that I generally go to my hide out at Moama about the 12th of each month. Unfortunately we are located on the fringe of the signal area [even for Telstra] so if you cannot get through immediately, please leave a message. Again due to the location, I generally send email replies later in the evening. My policy is to always respond, so if you don't get a reply after about 12 hours it is suggested you follow it up. When a matter is of great urgency and I've not responded to an email or SMS it would be appropriate to telephone.
For all other personnel, I have extended my mobile phone service to pick up messages, something I've never bothered about in the past.
Kevin Stanes, Roster Clerk - Guards & Signalmen.
With the change to the timetable in April, we are also implementing some changes to consists. These have been made to maximise available passenger capacity
As a general rule, on weekdays (Yellow T/T) the 10.30am and 2.30pm set will be 8 cars. This can be made up to 10 or 11 cars if required for bookings and possible 'walk-up' passengers. The SM will make a judgement and will request the extra cars to cover his expected patronage. Guards & Loco Crews are asked to add cars as requested by the SM. Unless required for the 2.30pm service, these cars should be removed upon return to Belgrave. The Down end Van has been changed to an NBHC.
The 11.30am Gembrook train will consist of 5 or 6 cars (as required). This train will remain diesel hauled until significant rain reduces the fire risk beyond Lakeside. This train may not have a Van at the Up end in the interim as there are 2 vehicles in the workshops receiving attention. It is intended to place an NBHC at the Up end of this set to provide better Guard accommodation in the near future.
The 12.30pm Lakeside train will convey the NAL and other cars as required to meet expected patronage - this will usually mean 5 NBH's (including Down end Van). 2NBD has been placed on the down end of this set. Additional NAL's will need to be added when required by pre-bookings of Luncheon or Devonshire Tea patrons.
On Blue T/T days, train consists will also be as shown above.
On the days when the Purple T/T is shown to operate - trains will use the consists above depending on whether the Luncheon Train goes to Gembrook on these days. This will depend entirely on any pre-booked groups. This will be advised to those concerned on the day in question. Departure times are as per current - 10.am lakeside, 11.30am Gembrook, 12.40pm Lakeside & 2.30pm Lakeside.
Currently 11NBHC is in the Carriage Shops receiving some attention to the roof and woodwork and will receive a paint also. While in the 'shops', the chance is being taken to replace the current small lift-up windows with sliding windows as are currently fitted to 22NBHC. The glass in the partition between the Guards compartment and the passenger compartment is also being made larger.
21NBHC will also receive sliding windows and a full height partition with a central clear panel when it passes through the shops in the near future. We are also looking at installing a full height partition in 22NBHC and better seating for the Guard in both 21 & 22 NBHC .
2NBC is also receiving attention - being painted etc.
I will be away overseas from Thursday March 26 th until Friday April 17 th. 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 or 462. The S&T Depot answering machine will be checked from time to time. Urgent faults requiring immediate attendance should continue to be directed to 788 (automated callout).
A reminder that the next S&T Branch meeting will be held on Saturday April 18th, commencing at 10am, 10 Kings Rd. This is a week later than usual, due to Easter falling on the second weekend in April.
Another external project has been completed recently. This was for the drilling of radio boxes for NEC as part of a contract for Queensland Rail. Another few hundred dollars income.
Andrew Wheatland
Wednesday Night Work Parties.
Work now focussing on locomotive restoration, including NGG16. These restarted on 4 February 2009 and are continuing.
Belgrave Workshops - The next workday will be Saturday 7 th March.
Caf‚ Marte at Emerald has advised that they will give a 10% discount for all Puffing Billy volunteers. They are located near the Commonwealth Bank. (This item was included last month Hugh. Ed.)
Hugh Markwick
| FEBRUARY 2009 | 2009 | 2008 |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 42% | 53% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 78% | 83% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 71% | 83% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,333 | 3,606 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 2,287 | 3,999 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 1333 | 69 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 51 | 66 |
| G42 days for month | 3 | 24 |
| Carriage kilometres | 27,583 | 32,440 |
| Carriage Days for month | 668 | 815 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,170 | 1,516 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,381 | 1,540 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 8 | 56* |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 225 | 219 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 236 | 236 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 10 | 4 |
Excludes 21NQR which ran passenger carrying trips of 63kms in 2008
February was a very challenging month operationally for the railway. Due to nearby bushfires, extreme high temperatures and strong winds, decisions had to made at short notice as to what the timetable would be on a number of days. Services were suspended beyond Lakeside on 7 & 8 February, from 23 February and even beyond Emerald on one day. Diesel locomotives were used exclusively on one non total fire ban day and on the Gembrook trains for a number of days. Our two diesel locos ran 37% of the total train running distance and DH31 set a new monthly record for the number of kilometres operated by a diesel in a month covering 1,170 kilometres. DH31 also ran the highest kilometres for any locomotive in February.
Bob Wilson
Sadly, this event had to be cancelled due to the very low level of demand.
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 and book now!
Last time we went to GEMCO everyone enjoyed themselves, so come along to Emerald and watch this great local theatre group in action in another of their hilarious and very clever evenings of improvisation. Join us on our own train from Belgrave; enjoy piping hot soup on arrival and further refreshments during the interval. We might even be one of the first shows in GEMCO's brand new theatre!
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 on 9785 7370 (evenings only please).
The Social Committee is delighted to announce that it has just been requested to organise a special train celebrating the return to service of Loco 3A after many years in store at Gembrook. Designers in the Belgrave workshops, using the latest PC based CAD software, have now finalised the plans which will see 3A return to service incorporating the diesel engine from one of the surplus ex-West Australian locomotives currently stored at Menzies Creek.
This exciting development will for the first time, give Puffing Billy a steam outline locomotive capable of hauling trains on days of total fire ban. With the diesel engine concealed within the boiler, 3A will carry diesel fuel in its side tanks and will incorporate both a smoke generator and a sound unit. Both of these will be synchronised with the wheels' rotation for maximum authenticity and the sound unit will use digital recordings, approved by the Heritage Committee, taken from sister NA locomotives.
Modifications to water columns at Belgrave, Lakeside and Gembrook stations will take place shortly, so they can dispense diesel fuel in addition to water, allowing 3A to 'top-up' its tanks at the end of each run, in traditional style.
Further details of this landmark development, together with costs and timings for 3A's inaugural train will be available at a special meeting to be held in the Belgrave meeting room at 10 a.m. on Wednesday 1 st April, 2009.
(and if you believe that, you will believe anything. Ed.)
The next openings will be on Saturday 4th April 2009 and Saturday 2nd May. 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 playground. Other times can be arranged by ringing Peter
We would like to thank Michael Clarke, Peter Foun, David Knuckey, Weston Langford and Kevin Larkin for their recent donations to the shop which "Keeps G42 Going".
Thank you to all who continue to support our efforts to Keep G42 Going.
Bruce West
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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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