June 2009#431
June 2009
#431
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.
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Following the bushfire period, and the previously reported downturn in visitors, we have been blessed with good weather, and as a consequence have had a very strong April and a strong early May from a passenger and financial perspective.
Increased regional funding for marketing has led to Puffing Billy appearing in several campaigns, as well as some repeated segments you may have seen on TV. We have also applied to the State Government for some support funding to cover both the downturn and the additional activity that we wish to participate in during the coming months, and we anticipate news of this in the next few weeks. We are currently also in the process of putting several grant applications together for Federal funding, and will keep you posted on any developments as they happen.
The SGS (the external economic consultants) Business Plan has now been delivered and for those of you who may be interested in the detail, I intend holding an information evening to present the plan, on July 10th at the Belgrave Masonic Centre starting at 7.30pm. If you intend coming could you please contact Chris in the office and let her know.
From a volunteer perspective, I support Sue Ham's calls for additional help in the Menzies Creek Station Refreshment Room. It is essential that this outlet is manned by volunteers, instead of paid staff, as we cannot create enough revenue to cover costs - so please, if you have an extra day a month and feel you could help get in touch with Sue Ham.
Whilst I am talking of volunteers, many of us see and chat to the volunteers who come on a day to day basis during 'normal' operating hours, however special mention must be made of our unsung heroes in the IT department. When our computer system fails there is an urgent need for repairs to be carried out to ensure the business continues running - it was noted and appreciated that members of the IT department worked into the early hours this weekend to enable normal operations to continue.
Eamonn Seddon, CEO
At the April Board Meeting the Board discussed the following issues:
It is with sadness that we advise of the recent passing of Jeff Daly after a short battle with cancer. Jeff was involved in the Museum some years ago and was contributor to the initial restoration work on the Peckett. Our very sincere condolences go out to Jeff's family.
Also, we must advise that Max Coleman passed away recently. Max was in his mid 90's and had been a staunch supporter of Puffing Billy since the 'sixties'. Max had also been involved in the Diamond Valley Railway for many years. Our sincere condolences go out to Max's son, Brian (who is also a Puffing Billy volunteer) and the rest of the family.
Most of you will be aware the Menzies Creek Museum had asbestos issues. Initial attempts to seal the issue were undertaken but over time the sealing process deteriorated and after being advised by an asbestos contractor that sealing was not a satisfactory solution, asbestos removal quotes were sought.
These quotes were all around the $260,000 to $300,000 mark. As funds were not available, the decision was taken to close the Museum indefinitely.
An approach was made to the State Government for assistance and after "doing the rounds" it became clear that assistance would not be forthcoming. The rest is history - the Museum remained closed to the public.
The principal offenders were a row of 3'6" locomotives and the Puffing Billy Preservation Society were examining what other options might be available when an offer was made to take all of the 3'6" exhibits. In essence the bidder was prepared to remove exhibits at their cost. This would certainly address the asbestos issue.
The PBPS decided to seek expressions of interest from other parties, set a number of criteria to be met and following lengthy deliberation on a number of bids, selected the Bellarine Peninsula Railway. Bellarine also agreed to match any dollar offer made by any other party.
A formal agreement between the PBPS [the owners of the 3'6" exhibits] and Bellarine is currently being drawn up.
Once these exhibits are removed the Museum is back in business and more of our 2'6" rolling stock currently stored in the open will move undercover.
In addition the PBPS will inject some "kick start" funding into the Museum.
John Hoy, Vice President PBPS
Long serving driver Lyn Helsby had his last 'run' on the railway on Saturday May 16th. Lyn began on the railway in September 1969 and was farewelled by many of his Puffing Billy colleagues together with family and friends. His last 'Up' trip was greeted by a constant stream of exploding detonators from the Outer Home Signal at Belgrave and much applause of bystanders.
A function was then held in the Belgrave Workshop, where Board Chairman Ray Leivers expressed the railway's gratitude for nearly 40 years of constant service. Lyn was then presented with a suitably inscribed railway clock.
Many of the older firing brigade owe their basic knowledge to Lyn and likewise, many of the same brigade had their 'first drive' of a locomotive under his instruction.
Many thanks Lyn and stay in touch.
John Hoy
Hey! We would like to invite you to our next "Youth Day".
Where: Belgrave Station
Time: 9.30 am to 3.30 pmWe will have heaps of fun.
To help us plan a fun day for all, we would like to know how many in your group will be coming. Please let us know by the 29th June.
Sue Ham
[This is an example of what happens when copy is submitted too late for checking. Ed.]A big thank you to all the members who helped to make the Introduction Night a great success, by attending and by sharing photographs and information. A great opportunity to learn the history and the current operation of the Society and the Railway. Watch for the next time this Night is presented.
The Membership Sub-committee has enclosed the new Society brochure with this Monthly News. Pass it on to friends and family who may be interested in being part of the Puffing Billy family. Membership is a great opportunity to support the history of the Railway and to help finance projects that enhance the future of the Puffing Billy Railway. Membership renewal time is from June 30th. Watch your letterbox for your renewal form. Please renew promptly.
Any queries about membership should be directed to secretary@pbr.org.au.
Larry James, Hon. Sec. P.B.P.S.
Our annual Great Train Race took place on 3rd May and fortunately, for both the runners and volunteers, we were greeted with ideal running weather conditions.
Runner numbers were once again capped at 3,000 to ensure all participants had a safe and enjoyable experience. From the 3,000 runners entered, there were 2,694 people that completed the run. This year 1,034 males beat Puffing Billy who arrived in 66:46 minutes (about 13 minutes slower than usual) and 568 female runners beat the second race train which finished in 80:18 minutes. Last year about 600 runners beat the train compared to the 1,600 that beat it this year....the runners of course were thrilled about this...whereas I was anxiously waiting to see whether we had enough 'beat the train' tickets for the runners...fortunately it was ok!
This years race results saw male winner, Matthew Johnsen from Northcote (42:44) and female winner, Hanny Allston from Surrey Hills (47:09), cross the finish line and enter the prestigious group of Great Train Race winners. Craig Semple, who has won the race twice previously came second.
We were fortunate to once again have The Honourable Timothy Holding, Minister for Tourism participate in the race and he was truly delighted to beat the train for the first time!
We received very good coverage on the Sunday evening news on Channels 2, 7 and 9 and it was also featured in the Herald Sun on the Monday, as well as in various local newspapers including the Ranges Trader Mail and Free Press Leader.
This event could not proceed without the support of our sponsors and I do ask that where possible, you support these organisations:
| Hawaiian Airlines Fitness First Alan Dawson Removals | Brooks 3AW and Magic Cadbury | Croydon Travel Centre Powerade Nestle Peters |
The feedback received from runners has been extremely positive and I have listed one of the many positive comments received to date:
Congratulations to you and your team for a wonderfully enjoyable day. The camaraderie between runners, volunteers & spectators was fantastic, and the experience was one to remember. The most enjoyable race I have ever had! I look forward to next year. When can I enter 2010!!!
F. Madlener, Runner
I am in the process of preparing the post race report, so if anyone has any comments or suggestions for improving this event, I would be keen to receive your feedback. Please, accept my sincere thanks for all your efforts and support and congratulations on providing yet again, another successful Great Train Race.
Nadine Hutchins, Marketing Manager
I am pleased to advise that Matt Collopy has been appointed as the Special Events Manager for Puffing Billy Railway. Matt will commence on 1st July 2009 and he will be based in the Belgrave Office. Matt's previous roles have included:
Some of you may have already met Matt as he kindly volunteered on the Friday before the Great Train Race and also was present on the day of the race. He comes to us with heaps of enthusiasm and energy and I'm sure you'll join me in making him feel most welcome!
The railway has provided guest speakers, for many years to make presentations to Clubs throughout the metropolitan and country areas of Victoria. The Co-ordinator of the Speakers Panel Don Horsburgh is currently seeking to increase the pool of experienced and qualified public speakers from within the ranks of our PBPS Volunteers who may have some free time available and be interested in assisting to continue this long established and valuable marketing function.
Do you have a wide and thorough knowledge of the history and functioning of the railway? Have you exemplary people and customer skills? Would you like to promote the railway and more specifically the "Steam & Cuisine Luncheon Train" to senior citizen groups? Do you feel comfortable undertaking public speaking engagements? If so, then this could be an opportunity that you may like to pursue!
Nadine Hutchins (Marketing Manager) and Don Horsburgh (PBPS Co-ordinator, Visiting Speakers Panel) propose interviewing candidates that express an interest, and who meet the criteria necessary, to undertake this important promotional marketing/public relations work.
Are you interested? Then call Don Horsburgh (at home 9764 0004) any evening between 7:00pm and 9:30pm to obtain further details and/or to register your interest. Interviews will be conducted during July 09 with some training available to successful candidates.
I am working with Intouch on some possible changes to the screens on our booking system. I have a separate computer and if possible, between trains, Booking Officers are more than welcome to come upstairs so I can show you the "new look" and give you the opportunity to do some trial bookings.
Thank you for entering the passenger postcodes into the booking system. Through your efforts, SGS Economics & Planning were able to include substantiated research material into the PBR 2009 -2014 Business Plan. This Business Plan will be instrumental in seeking funding for future PBR projects. We ask that you continue to record passenger postcodes into the system, as it will continue to allow us to track and analyse the demographics of our passenger and assist in seeking funding for future projects.
Jean Clowes
Sale 40% Discount - small amount of stock left. All lavender products, jams, chutneys sauces etc are on sale at 40% discount. Please see either Lyn or April to obtain discount. Stock is selling fast, so be quick if you would like a bargain.
If anyone would be interested in staffing Lakeside on a Monday for a short period, could you please contact me. Thankyou
April Williams
Over the past 10 years that I have been travelling north at this time of the year I have never know it to be so cold. Normally within hours of arriving I am into shorts and I can't ever remember wearing a jacket when getting off the train at Roma Street, but this year passengers walked into a chilly breeze and little has changed in the past week. During my brief stopover in Sydney I took a trip to Chatswood to ride the new line to Epping, this line when linked to the Hornsby Line will become one of the busiest on the network.
Upon arriving at my sons place (in Brisbane - Ed.) I took a run to Landsborough over the new section of track from Caboolture to Beerburrum. The stations are very modern and have obviously been planned with the expected housing development soon to take place. The track is excellent with almost double the speed allowable as compared to the old track. Land re-instatement is taking place on the site of the former Elimbah and Beerburrum stations along with the removal of the former track.
From time to time people change mobile phone providers and generally receive a new telephone number; when you do make a change please remember to send an Email or a Memo to Wilma Ratcliffe advising her of the changes; it would also be of assistance if you would advise the appropriate Rosters Officer. Many people may not know that the law allows you to retain your former telephone number, so you cannot be forced to change to a new number provided by your new provider. Your new provider must comply with your request to retain your existing number.
By the middle of June, if not before, we should be seeing some of the Safeworkers from Course 30 out and on a few Guards runs, there are about 5 who have almost completed their exams. With the June Roster almost 100% fully staffed some of you who do several shifts a month may like to offer a day or two to the new comers. Towards the end of June, a re-enactment and set up of a Victorian Railway station of the 1920's will take place at Menzies Creek, I believe those organising this event will be dressed in period uniforms and have the station lit up with old lamps and memorabilia of the period; it should be a very interesting weekend.
See you all when I return from the 1st of July.
Kevin Stanes,
Roster Clerk - Guards & Signalmen.
The WTT has been printed and has been distributed to all safeworkers who are either 'active' or temporarily 'inactive. As has been done in previous, I have left copies of the WTT in either the Belgrave Safeworking Room or 'The Hilton' for Guards/Signalmen and Enginemen respectively whose names were on the roster for a week or so after I received them. If you have not collected yours from either of those places and it hasn't arrived by the time you receive Monthly News, please contact me so that I can arrange to send you another copy.
Please remember to insert your reprint pages once you have received them - and yes, this includes loco crews. (You are supposed to keep your own copy of the Rules, GI's & WTT up to date after all.) If for some reason this hasn't happened and you need to check that your copy is up to date, then please come and see me as I can compare your copy with the 'master' copy and can provide the last few updates if needed.
Some years ago some Enginemen were issued with A5 copies of the Safeworking Rules & Gis etc. It has proven very difficult to ascertain who these were given to and to then co-ordinate producing updates for these smaller sized books. A5 updates have not been produced for the WTT change this time, nor in fact, since the first A5 copies were produced. We will only be providing A4 copies of the Rules & GI's in the future.
Once again I must ask that Guards fill in all the required information on their Train Running Statements. This particularly includes the TR and 'dock' information at the top of the columns. If the carset was in the platform from the previous day, please show the 'cars dock by' time as that shown in the WTT - don't just leave it empty. You may not think this information is important - but it is used to keep a record of carriage and locomotive mileages on which our maintenance regime is based.
If there is not a Guard on the train (Thomas, Works Trains, Undergears etc.) then someone must fill in a Train Running Statement - either the driver, fireman or the signalman. (At the very minimum in this instance show Loco number, consist details and where the train travelled to.)
If you have a trainee with you - you must fill out a Train Running Statement, which you hand to the SM as usual. The TR Statement the trainee fills out should be placed in the envelope, along with the trainee report and forwarded to John Morice as usual.
Track works are presently being carried out in various places along the railway; any one interested in joining the boys out for a day will be quite welcome.
Thank you to the volunteers who put up their hand and have given assistance in the buildings area in the last few weeks, and to those who are taking on small projects to help out e.g., Selby Station.
Work will be carried out in the next month to replace a pile on the trestle bridge at Selby, (or as we know it, Bridge 5). If you are interested in an 'eye opening' experience, give me a call and come along. Just remember that the Way & Works crew are shy when the cameras are around. Well there is always a first!
Now that the weather is cold and wetter we once again are out and about trying to clear up the corridor along the track in preparation for the next fire season. It may have stopped for some but all year round we are fighting the battle to keep the railway as fire proof and tidy as possible.
Once again feel free to pop in and have a chat if you may be interested in assisting us in any way in the W&W or Buildings area. Stay Safe.
Jason Bell
The car shops have copious quantities of wood screws stored in various containers, and the services of a volunteer is sought to sort and package the screws into their various sizes to assist the Carshops in timely location of these screws. If anyone can give some time the Carshops would be very pleased to hear from you.
Work now focussing on locomotive restoration, including NGG16. These restarted on VOLUNTEER DAYS.
The next workday will be Saturday 6th June
Geoff Semmens celebrated 25 years service with the railway in April, and accompanied by his family and railway friends, enjoyed a trip on the night train. To mark the celebration Geoff was presented with an engraved clock. Congratulations Geoff on your 25 years of service and excellent work.
Hugh Markwick
I will be away overseas (well in Tasmania anyway) from Tuesday May 26th until Wednesday June 3rd. 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 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 June 13th. 10am, at 10 Kings Rd. Emerald.
Just a reminder that the Signal Box Fund is accumulating nicely and your continued support is much appreciated. With the end of the financial year fast approaching, now is the best time to consider making your tax deductible donations. We are considering several options with a view to starting construction in the coming year.
Andrew Wheatland.
The next openings will be on Saturday 6th June 2009 and Saturday 4th July from 1pm to 3pm. 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 Warwick Piper and Adrian Ryberk for their recent donations to the shop which "Keeps G42 Going".
Thank you to all who continue to support our efforts towards G42.
Bruce West
Sorting and cataloguing of the railway's ticket collection is underway, as well as cataloguing of other items that have been donated.
There was a display in the Emerald Library recently, which was organised by Brenda.
Hugh Markwick
| APRIL 2009 | 2009 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 61% | 57% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 78% | 79% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 69% | 69% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,170 | 4,181 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 3,413 | 4,380 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 1,124 | 200 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 77 | 65 |
| G 42 days for month | 0 | 29 |
| Carriage kilometres | 36,162 | 37,083 |
| Carriage Days for month | 902 | 939 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,386 | 1,509 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,565 | 1,564 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 23 | 8* |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 246 | 237 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 297 | 301 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 7 | 8 |
* Excludes 21NQR which operates as a passenger vehicle Diesel operations beyond Lakeside to Gembrook, due to a high fire danger season, ceased after Sunday 19th April.
Bob Wilson
Carbon's 120th Birthday celebration on Sunday 19th July will be a great celebration of a very old locomotive. Whilst 986 will not be there, we will make up for that by taking 861 and Peckett 1711 from Emerald to Gembrook. There will be ample opportunities for that special photograph and a rare chance for a listening stop. We might even have a triple run past!!! All this and lunch too. What a day it promises to be! Take advantage of the early-booking price and ensure that you get the chance to enjoy a most unusual day at the railway. All profits from the day go to help the Climax get back to work. Use the enclosed brochure to make your booking.
Make sure that you leave space in your diary for the November excursion to the Tyers Valley. Bill Hanks will be leading the event and you will be able to experience the sights and smells of the bush that the Climax, NA and TACL used to work in.
Work on the Climax continues in the workshop and elsewhere. The design of the new axles is nearly finished and the material to make them from will be finalised shortly. This has been a long process by Harry Hibgame and his gang of boffins. It is, however, essential that the problem of broken axles be solved. We could not let the locomotive back on track with axle materials and design that we knew to be flawed. The Climax project is the start of a new way of doing restorations. Original parts need analysis and testing before they are put back together. New parts have to be drawn up, have the drawings analysed and then the appropriate material needs to be determined. No more will any old bit of stuff do. This may seem tedious but the end result will be a lot better and safer.
Congratulations to John Hoy on gaining his Driver's Certificate. We look forward to seeing John introducing FET Guest Drivers to the intricacies of locomotive handling. (It will be interesting to see how many return bookings we get then.)
John Conway
Our friends at the GEMCO Theatre Company in Emerald have once again put together an evening of entertainment for us, so come along for an evening of humorous theatre with a railway twist and a topical title! We could even be the first group to witness a performance in their new theatre building.
Tickets are available at only $25.00 per head, fully inclusive of soup and supper .
Always a popular event - join us as we travel by train to Gembrook to view another collection of films covering a wide range of subjects from Australia and overseas.
Come with us 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 welcome the New Year at the Packing Shed.
For questions on 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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