November 2009#436
November 2009
#436
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 .
We had another good September in regard to passenger figures and revenue, with expenses yet again remaining in control. Our themed evenings are going extremely well with 'Murder on the Puffing Billy Express' bookings for both February and April 2010 both going well. The Jazz Train evening, held on 9th October, sold out, and we will be planning similar evenings in the near future. The demand for 'Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine' has exceeded all expectations, and I thank all of you who have got behind this event and are now responsible for making it the successful event it is.
I again repeat my request for anybody interested in getting on board a team to organise a heritage gala weekend to let me know.
As we move towards summer, there is much talk in the hills about fire preparedness. We on the railway, are actively involved with all agencies in the region in formulating the co-ordinated policy for when trains run, schools close etc. Over the next few weeks we will be able to convert this top level policy into local instructions, thus enabling all of our customers, volunteers and staff to have a safe summer here at Puffing Billy. Please watch the notice boards for further information.
As mentioned a few months ago, we are placing emphasis this year on OH&S. The OH&S Committee is now concentrating on a more strategic 'top down' approach to OH&S management on the railway. It is further incumbent on all staff and volunteers to take part in their branch and toolbox meetings where OH&S will be a prime agenda item at all meetings. As such, OH&S issues can be dealt with at a 'local' level, thus adding to the already good safety record we have here on the railway.
Finally, thanks to all who attended the recent information evenings, in particular the Business Plan Update evening held on 23rd September. We all felt this was a huge success and many of the ideas which were proposed will be taken forward in the future planning.
Eamonn Seddon, CEO
The Board dealt with the following issues at the September meeting:
Ray Leivers
Chairman
The second notice giving further details for the AGM has been mailed to all current PBPS members. We will be having an election for ordinary committee members and the relevant voting material will be mailed to each member by our returning officer. To have received this information you needed to have been a paid up member as at 5 pm on 7th October.
We extend our best wishes to Pam Fullager and Howard Gration who have both been on the sick list of late. We wish them both a speedy recovery.
Larry James, PBPS Secretary
Please note that we require material for Monthly News to be in Word 'Doc' format. This is not the 'DOCX' format which the latest versions of Word produce. If you have such a version of Word please use the FILE/SAVE AS function and select DOC format rather than DOCX. My system can't handle DOCX.
Bill Russell
A reminder to all safeworkers to ensure that you have correctly set and locked (or unlocked) points, signals, scotch blocks & hand locking bars BEFORE commencing your shunting. And also to then lock everything back up again when you are finished shunting.
Rob Emmerson
We are starting a new column from next month, but we need your help, we can cover the volunteers arriving, but departures, sick list and milestones we need your help. If you know a volunteer who is ill and would like a get well thought in monthly news, please contact the Volunteer Coordinators office, by e-mail or drop a line into the letter box.
The time is drawing near; 2011 is not far around the corner where we will be required to have our Working with Children. If you have not already applied, pre-filled in application forms are available from the Stationmasters office next to the attendance book at Belgrave.
"We have been directed that direct contact is any contact with a child that involves the following:
If you would like any help in completing the forms please contact Sue on 9757 0715 or e-mail sue.ham@pbr.org.au or see one of the team from the volunteer coordinator section.
Sue Ham
Many thanks from the Volunteer2 Project Team for the incredible return rate of the Volunteer Information Forms, as included in the last Monthly News.
If you have misplaced your Volunteer Information Form or require a new form, contact the Volunteer Coordination Team at Belgrave, phone them on 9757 0715 or send an e-mail to volunteering@pbr.org.au
Using these forms, we are updating the Membership Database, prior to extracting the information and arranging for the data to be loaded to "Volunteer2". After some extra customization in November, we will be starting to use "Volunteer2" in a discrete roster area. More information in December Monthly News.
Please send in your questions for the December Monthly News by leaving your question in the Volunteer Mail Box on Belgrave platform or by sending an e-mail to volunteering@pbr.org.au.
We are keen to use e-mail to a greater extent for communication to members. Many members have provided e-mail details, which have been recorded in the Membership Database. Unfortunately, some e-mails are incorrect due to wrong entry or no longer current. A recent e-mail sent to volunteers and members saw over 100 e-mails returned due to incorrect addresses.
To correct this problem, if you have a green insert in this envelope requesting that you correct your e-mail address, please complete and return as soon as possible, preferably by Friday 13 th November.
If you have not provided your e-mail address to Puffing Billy previously, please send your e-mail address to membership@pbr.org.au quoting your full name and membership number.
Voting papers for the Society Executive were sent to eligible members in mid October. Please ensure that you return these in the envelope provided by the due date, so that your vote counts.
With the summer approaching, we have a large number of night trains which require setup at the Packing Shed. It would be greatly appreciated if a volunteer (who possibly lives close to Emerald) would be happy assisting the F&B manager during set up. This would take approximately 2hrs and would include duties such as napkin folding, placing table cloths, cutlery and glasses on the tables and the finishing touches including candelabras. If this interests you, please don't hesitate to contact David on Ph: 9757 0703 or e: david.wilson@pbr.org.au
David Wilson
Thankyou to all of the volunteers who worked tirelessly at Thomas this season it was very much appreciated.
If you are able to spare some time to work in Refreshments at any of our stations anytime this month, it would be much appreciated. We have many gaps to fill and selling refreshments and souvenirs is one of the best ways of making money to pay for the things we all want to see done on Puffing Billy.
Could you please call April on 9757 0782.
April Williams
Could conductors please consult with the signalman Menzies Creek or Refreshment Room Staff prior to making announcements for the departure time of your train. These staff members may be aware of any possible train delays and if time allows we would prefer our customers to be able to be purchasing from the shop rather than sitting on the train.
Our contract with Smart Card will end on the 19th November but until then (since the smart card machine has broken and been removed) we need to record any cards manual on the smart card form. Please include card number, adult or child and number of days the pass is valid for. Please leave the form in the paperwork and I will organise faxing it.
There are some dates shown on this roster on weekends when we have no conductors at this stage. Saturday 31st October, Sunday 1st November and Saturday 21st November. All offers for help are appreciated and if you are unable to go out on the train, helping for an hour or so on the platform (particularly in the morning) would be appreciated. If you can help please contact me jean.clowes@pbe.org.au or leave a message on 9757 0781.
Regards, Jean
It is hoped that updated pages for the Working Time Table will be ready for early November. These will correct a few errors which crept into the current version (Issued 1st April 2009) and will also include the pages showing Time Table G (Green). There are also some additional updates in the pipeline for the Safeworking Rules & General Instructions. These will be issued in due course.
With the Luncheon Train not now requiring victualling at Menzies Creek, it is no longer necessary for this train to travel via No.2 Road in the 'Down' direction. When a Signalman is on duty and there is 'a cross', he should set for the 'Down' train to be admitted to No.1 Road and the 'Up' to No.2 Road. When there is not a Signalman on duty, then the signals and points should be set as required. (An Up train arriving into No.1 Road is unavoidable at some stage during the day.)
Like the Scarlet Pimpernel, these are proving somewhat elusive. I have been assured by the printer that they are in production - so please be patient and hopefully we will have them soon.
Due to a clash of meetings in the Meeting Room, the Branch Meeting will now be held on Wednesday 18th November, commencing at 7.00pm.
I have recently ordered some more S1 padlocks to replace the few faulty ones out there. These are quite expensive at $65.00 each. So please treat them with some respect.
Rob Emmerson, Traffic Manager
Belgrave Workshop will be open on Saturday 7th November, and will also be open on Wednesday nights as per normal practice.
Hugh Markwick
Mid September saw several trees fall across our phone line. Thanks to all who have assisted in preparing a new pole for pole 20, standing it and restoring the line. Other areas affected were at poles 5, 82, 99 and 185.
The geotechnical survey has been completed and the results indicate a solid base exists, suitable for our proposed construction. Tendering for conversion of our drawings into detailed design drawings suitable for construction purposes is presently underway.
Andrew Wheatland.
A new exhaust system is being manufactured.
The water main servicing the boiler house is being repaired due to deterioration of the cast iron pipe. Work on the horizontal 'Tangye' is nearing the assembly stage.
A side door is being constructed to improved access and work conditions.
This exhibit is being assessed for further restoration.
Work continues on this, concentrating on the station side of the museum.
1 st Saturday of December.
1 st, 3 rd & 5 th Saturdays of every month. Wednesday Nights 5.00pm to 9.30pm - All are welcome
David Baker/Greg McLennan, Managers
Just a reminder to all patrollers to please ensure that the trolley is equipped properly before going out on a patrol. Also if the chainsaw is used or the fuel for it could you please notify a W&W person so that they can be sharpened/cleaned or the container refuelled/oiled if needed.
With the season date not set yet we are still currently looking at filling in vacancies for November to December. By filling in these dates we will be prepared for the season when it is declared.
Any person with any time available who could help assist with any dates please forward them to firepatrol@pbr.org.au.
Lineside clearing works will be starting in November most likely around the 12th. This will involve the gang working along the track with brush cutters. The tractor slasher and most likely the flail will be out also.
With the wind & rain at the present, I am asking for any person who thinks that there is a suspicious tree to please report it ASAP so we can go and assess the situation.
The new chipper will be arriving in the first week of November, this will help us with our ground clearing and fire prevention works.
Jason Bell
| SEPTEMBER | 2009 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 76% | 67% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 82% | 74% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 64% | 73% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,270 | 3,561 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 3,233 | 3,486 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 82 | 80 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 76 | 75 |
| G 42 days for month | 0 | 0 |
| Carriage kilometres | 26,684 | 28,626 |
| Carriage Days for month | 677 | 692 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,316 | 1,308 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,498 | 1,410 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 32 | 10 |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 212 | 232 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 236 | 238 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 4 | 2 |
Bob Wilson
Our perennially popular end of year event! Travel on the last train of 2009 and the first of 2010 as we welcome in the New Year at Melbourne's best value for money New Year's Eve event, held at the Packing Shed. Travelling on our own train, you can enjoy a convivial evening with family, friends or your Puffing Billy colleagues. Dinner is provided, along with musical entertainment before we return to Belgrave, pausing en-route to welcome in 2010 with a glass of something bubbly at Menzies Creek.
The booking form was issued with last month's copy of Monthly News. If you wish to participate in this event, you are advised to book now; this event always sells out!
Sunday 28 th March "Around the Bays in many Ways" - bus trip, with travel on trains of different gauge at Queenscliffe and Mornington, with ferry travel across the bay. Definitely one for all the family.
Saturday 29 th May An evening with the 1812 Theatre Company in Ferntree Gully. Watch this space - once details of the production and dates have been advised, we'll let you know!
Saturday 31 st July "Christmas in July". A rare opportunity to travel by train to Clematis station as we visit the Paradise Hotel for some mid-year festive fare.
Saturday 25 th Sept "2010 Graeme Breydon Memorial Film Night" Join us for our annual film night at the Gemco Theatre, Emerald.
Friday 31st December "New Years Eve Train" Your favourite event, back by popular demand. Travel to the Packing Shed as we farewell 2010 and welcome in 2011.
A date for your diary! Advance notice that this event will be held at the Gemco Theatre, Kilvington Drive, Emerald on the evening of Saturday 27th February 2010. Watch for booking form and further details shortly.
For questions on any of these events, please contact Jeff Goodwin (evenings only, please)
(Our apologies: The item submitted for October MN was lost in the system and did not make it into print. Here is a new & improved version, suitably updated.)
The next openings will be on Saturday 7th November 2009 and for the first time, a December opening on Saturday 5th. The shop is open 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 Dave Conlan, Larry James, Warren Mauseth, Chris Raggett, Ben Reid and Bob Wilson for their recent donations to the shop to "Keep G42 Going".
The latest donations from our Red collection box was $43.90.
Thank you to all who continue to support our efforts to Keep G42 Going
Bruce West
The steam turret has been finished and is now fitted to the boiler. The boiler will soon be undertaking a steam test to check that all the new stays and fittings are pressure tight. The gear shafts have all been ultrasonically tested and they passed. Some of the fittings at the end of some shafts have moved over the years. These will be removed checked and replaced in the correct place on their respective shafts.
The design work for the wheels has been completed. The drawings have been sent out to several foundries for quotations. Once cast, the wheels will need to be machined to the correct profile and size.
Our much-travelled Climax worker, Jack Corrick, returns to the USA at the end of October. I would like to thank Jack very for his work with the Climax. We hope to see him back again soon.
For those who delight in modelling narrow gauge railways, there will be an event next year that is just up your branch line. There will be a conference at the Packing Shed on Sunday 18th April 2010. The Climax Committee will be assisting with the venture and any profits will find their way to the Climax project. It will set new standards for railway conferences (all good, I hope). More details will follow in future Monthly News articles.
Just a reminder about the superb idea for your Christmas gift list. We are still taking orders for the 861 and Climax embossed biscuit tins. They are only $12 each, and you get the shortbreads for free. Use the form from the October Monthly News or contact me.
John Conway, jfgconway@yahoo.com
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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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