December 2009#437
December 2009
#437
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 .
On behalf of the Board, Executive Committee, and all staff, l would like to wish you and your family the compliments of the season. I hope the year ahead is one of peace and happiness and thank you all for your valuable contribution to Puffing Billy.
Larry James, PBPS Hon. Sec.
As we approach the fire season, and in view of the terrible circumstances of Black Saturday and the consequential bushfire reports, we have spent significant time in preparing ourselves. In consultation with other local agencies over the last few months, we have formulated the action plan that will be put in place at Puffing Billy Railway over the summer period. Each day our 'Fire Danger Response Group' will meet to look at weather predictions, CFA and other agency warnings, and will decide what level of operation Puffing Billy will be operating at for the days following each meeting.
In doing so, we have recognised the fire danger ratings that have been circulated by the CFA, and have formulated our response to each of the levels. In addition, during the fire season period, a designated Officer in Charge will be on site to co-ordinate any incidents, both internally and with external agencies seven days a week. For ease of communication, the Officer in Charge will be carrying a dedicated phone'.
Note: - Red and Extreme conditions will mean no rail operations. If you have any doubts about rail activities ring before you attend - Officer in Charge
We need to stress that when a decision is made to reduce services, or to close the railway, the decision will remain in force even if local conditions alter on the day. In this way we will limit any confusion of staff, volunteers and patrons. If anybody has any questions in regard to this information, please don't hesitate to contact either myself or John Hoy, for clarification.
On a lighter note, the October passenger numbers remain on budget, with our revenue anticipated to be on budget as well. We had yet another excellent 'Thomas' series and I congratulate and thank all those involved in running the events on the day.
As this is our December issue of Monthly News, may I take the opportunity to thank all of you who have been involved in volunteering, both on and off the railway, during the year - your contribution as ever is massive.
So, in closing may I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Eamonn Seddon, CEO
The following matters were discussed/decided at the October Meeting:
Ray Leivers, Chairman
The Society's Annual General Meeting was held on Sunday 15th November 2009 at the regular venue the Belgrave Masonic Hall. Around 100 members were in attendance.
The election of office bearers saw President John Thompson and Secretary Larry James being re-elected unopposed.
We also had elections for the position of Ordinary Committeeman and the following people were successful:1. Jean Clowes, 2. Robert McUtchen, 3. Robert Cochrane, 4. Jeff Goodwin. All were elected for a term of two years and we welcome Robert McUtchen and Jeff Goodwin to the committee.
All are to be congratulated for their results and we extend our thanks to outgoing committeemen Darren Baker and Roy Richens who were the unsuccessful candidates on this occasion.
Our Returning Officer, Kevin Findlay who announced the results did another splendid and most professional job. Kevin reported that we had 398 members vote in these elections. He noted that a number of voters did not read the instructions properly and instead of placing number in the squares voted by placing either crosses or ticks on the ballot paper. This unfortunately made them void. Our thanks also to Kevin's wife Elaine for her assistance with the elections and her untiring work. Kevin's anecdotes worked wonders with the audience.
Sue Ham and Anne MacLeish presented details of our new Volunteer2 information system. Sue informed the meeting that we have over 800 volunteers currently recorded for active duty. The Chairman of the meeting, Society President John Thompson invited the Chairman of the ETRB, Mr Ray Leivers to address the meeting. He brought members up to date with the current board activity including the business plan.
These were awarded to the following deserving members. 1. Judy Reid, 2. Norma Crowe, 3. Jon Medlin, 4. Brenton Hands, 5. Stefan Rebgetz, 6. Dave Campbell, 7. Graeme and Kaye Clarke.
A highlight of each AGM is the presentation of the prestigious Society Gold Pass Awards. This year five well deserving Society members received their award for "recognition and appreciation of Meritorious Service" to the Puffing Billy Railway.
1. Les Fenwick, 2. Ian Newman, 3. Barry Rogers ,4. Peter Stowell ,5. Deb Woodward
Service badges were presented to the following members, many of whom were not able to attend. These will be posted to them.
Bert Allen, Peter Davey, Bob Eaton, Heather Eaton, Lucy Fairlam, David Hall, Fran Henderson, Terry Hurley, Bernard Kelly, Leonard Ledwich, Peter Medlin, Ron Peach, Michael Randall, Frank Westaway and John Woollett.
Graham Cornish, Howard Gration, David Guymer, Graham Hocking, Chris Holliday, Joan James, John Marr, Bill McKerracher, Barry Murphy, Richard Norman, David Pickford, John Robins, Mike Shepard, Les Thompson and David Wymond.
Dr Alan Bodey, Laurie Bunn, Rob Burns, Jean Clowes, Michael Dickerson, Sue Ham, Basil Hancock, Ian Hunter, Steven Kaye, Ian Lonsdale, Greg McLennan, Stuart Oliver, Wes Turnbull and Andrea West.
At the conclusion of the meeting we had a sumptuous afternoon tea organised by the Social Committee and our thanks go to that group for a great effort. We also had the services of the Puffing Billy Railway Ramblers (Nicholas Aslanides, Kelvin Kerney, Andrew Stephens, Wim Van der Leeuw and Robert Davis who played some great jazz whilst we had a "cuppa". Our thanks are also extended to Greg Michael for taking the minutes, to Andrew Burns our photographer and to Andrew Wheatland for organising the PA system.
Larry James, Secretary
The team that collates, edits, proof reads, prints, envelopes and posts Monthly News to you, wishes you the compliments of the season. A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to you all. May 2010 bring you twice what you wish for others.
As usual we will try to get January's Monthly News in your hands before Christmas day. Hence the deadline is earlier than in the usual month (Friday the 11th December). January's MN should contain the rosters from Christmas Day onwards .
Many thanks from the Volunteer2 Project Team for the responses to our calls to follow up Volunteer Information Forms. Over the past two months, we have been in contact with over 800 volunteers in different ways to prepare for Volunteer2.
By the time you read this Monthly News, final preparation of data for loading into Volunteer2 will be underway. Project Team training will have commenced and our goal is to produce Monthly News labels for the January issue from Volunteer2. Requests for e-mail copies of Monthly News will be implemented as soon as possible, direct from Volunteer2.
Please advise any changes to address or e-mail details as soon as possible to the Volunteer Coordination Team at Belgrave, phone them on 9757 0715 or send e-mail to volunteering@pbr.org.au.
Volunteer2 protects our data from hardware failure. Data written to Volunteer2 servers is automatically written to multiple drives. If a hard drive were to fail, we would not notice any loss, as the other drives have the same data and would continue to function. All data is backed up nightly offsite.
Volunteer2 protects our data from physical theft. The servers are locked up tight. The premises are monitored 24/7 and gaining access takes a combination of a keycard, a password and real person verifying identity.
Volunteer2 protects our data from virtual theft. The database that holds our data is designed with data protection in mind. Volunteer2 uses a variety of techniques of intrusion protection. Their servers are protected with top of the line CISCO firewalls. Passwords are stored in an encrypted state (even Volunteer2 cannot read them). Antivirus and Anti-Rootkit software are utilised on all servers and always kept up to date. While volunteer data is in transmission over the internet, it is encrypted using 128 bit secure socket layer or SSL (this means that it is scrambled into meaningless bits of information before being transmitted over the internet and then put back together in a meaningful format on the computer we are using on the Volunteer2 servers.)
Every volunteer will be issued a "user.name" and an initial password for access to Volunteer2. This access, called "volunteer" access, will enable you to look at information about yourself only.
A selected number of people within the Railway, such as the Volunteer Coordinator Team and Roster Officers, will be given "administrator" access to specified areas of the Railway. They will only be able to see information about people in the area of the Railway that they work in. Administrator access is organised based on authorisation by senior management.
Please send in your questions for the January 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.
Australia celebrates International Volunteer Day on Saturday December 5th. This 'United Nations' day commenced in 1985 and is now celebrated around the world as a day to recognise volunteers in their communities.
This is a great time to recognise the contribution that volunteers make to their community. "Many not-for-profit organisations could not operate without the input of their volunteers. More than 6.3 million volunteers contribute more than 836 million hours of voluntary work in Australia alone."
We would like to thank all of Puffing Billy's Volunteers and recognise the time, commitment and energy you put into making Puffing Billy Railway a world wide icon.
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.
Belgrave & Lakeside Stations now have Water Coolers. Not only is the water COOL but it's PURIFIED and it's FREE. BYO water container to 'fill up' and 'top up'.
In addition plastic containers of chilled water are kept in the Refrigerators at Menzies Creek & Gembrook Stations.
The busy season is upon us if you require overnight accommodation it 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.
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 Stationmaster 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 97570715 or e-mail sue.ham@pbr.org.au or see one of the team from the volunteer coordinator section.
Congratulations are due to the people who recently received their Long Service Membership Badges. Our sincere appreciation to them all for their commitment, passion and dedication that has helped the Railway grow into the "Puffing Billy" we know today. Together, the people below have provided 1,350 years of support to the Railway. The recent recipients are listed in the report on the PBPS Annual General Meeting above.
To receive these awards, these members have had a long term continuous financial membership to the Puffing Billy Preservation Society. Any queries about membership should be directed to membership@pbr.org.au.
We are moving towards greater use of e-mail to communicate with members. To do this, we need accurate and up to date e-mail details from members. A recent e-mail sent to volunteers and members saw over 100 e-mails returned due to incorrect addresses.
If you have not provided your e-mail address to Puffing Billy previously, or if you have not received recent e-mail Marketing Special Offers on Dinner Trains, please send your e-mail address to membership@pbr.org.au quoting your full name, address and membership number (if known).
Despite scepticism from many people and continued debate amongst scientists as to the reason, there can be little doubt that we are facing climate change.
The accumulation of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere is increasing and temperatures are rising. Polar caps are melting at an unprecedented rate in recorded history and causing changes in sea levels.
Whether these changes are caused by human action or are merely a climatic cycle of our amazing planet, it will need human intervention to slow these changes or the next generation will face a very different world from the one that we know.
It is now a government policy that all government agencies, of which Puffing Billy is one, are legally required to reduce their environmental impact and must have strategies to do so in place by June 2010. In response to this and as a responsible corporate citizen Emerald Tourist Railway Board has formed the "Green Team" in order to collect data, to develop action strategies for environmental impact reduction and to develop environmental management policies.
The Green Team is committed to achieving excellence in environmental management and encourages all volunteers and staff to play their part. Our goals are to minimise our carbon footprint and to produce an ethical awareness within the organisation.
Even the smallest things can make a big difference. Consider the following points:
The Green Team welcomes your involvement and suggestions.
For more information speak to a Green Team member:
Fleur Barrell, Christine Dixon, Donna Faulkner, Bronwyn Francis, Eamonn Seddon,
Andrew Wheatland
The new Puffing Billy website went live on Wednesday 4 th November. We invite you to visit the site, www.puffingbilly.com.au and provide any feedback to Nadine at nadine.hutchins@pbr.org.au. Many thanks to Darren Baker and Laura Teyssier for all their hard work in uploading the content and photos.
We are trialling the sale of Excursion Train tickets via our online booking site. The tickets can be purchased online for travel from Monday 9th November through to Friday 4 December. The following ticket options have been made available for sale:
Belgrave to Lakeside return (Adult, Child and Family) on week days only.
Belgrave to Gembrook return (Adult, Child and Family) on week days only.
As we are entering a new era in ticket sales, we ask that you bear with us during this trial period. Any feedback that you have regarding the online sales for the Excursion Trains would be much appreciated.
From 12 to 25 October, the Booking Clerks kindly asked our passengers "What means of transport did they use to arrive at Puffing Billy?" This is the second time our passengers have been asked this question with the results as follows:
| Mode of Transport | Survey Conducted 12 - 25 October 2009 | Survey Conducted 20 July - 9 August 2009 | Percentage (%) Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | 78.6% | 77% | +1.6% |
| Public Transport - Train | 19% | 21% | -2% |
| Public Transport - Bus | 1.4% | 1.6% | -0.2% |
| Other | 1% | 0.4% | +0.6% |
Many thanks to the Booking Clerks for assisting us with this survey. This information will be very useful when speaking with government and public transport authorities regarding access to, and car parking issues for Puffing Billy in Belgrave.
Nadine Hutchins
A big Thank you to all Refreshment staff for your efforts and contributions to the continuing success of Puffing Billy.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers who are gave up there time to work at the Thomas. It was very much appreciated.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to man the Refreshment Trolleys, especially during the Christmas period, please contact April. Your time will be much appreciated.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to work at Menzies Creek, especially on weekends, please call April Williams.
An opportunity exists for casual staff to work in our retail areas. Christmas shifts available 7 days. Availability to work weekends and public holidays is essential. Those applying must be self motivated, enthusiastic, possess good communication skills and be able to work as part of a team. Please forward your resume by email to: christine.dixon@pbr.org.au. Applications close 5.00pm, 10th December, 2009
April Williams
Thank you to all staff for your ongoing support of the railway and all the pleas for help that have been answered. My best wishes to you and your families for the upcoming festive season.
Closer to Christmas I will provide a more detailed roster for crewing through our 6 train running period with suggested shift starting times.
We still need urgent help on the public holidays over Christmas in the positions of Belgrave Station Master, Belgrave and Lakeside Booking Offices and Conducting. Please let me know if you can help.
We have a very decorative fob watch that was found at Menzies Creek station earlier in the year that we would love to find the owner of. Please contact the girls in the Customer Service area if you think this may be your watch.
Regards, Jean
Both John Hoy and I wish all our Traffic Branch, Loco Ops, Workshops, S&T, Pass. Ops. and Way & Works staff and volunteers a very merry and joyous Christmas and a safe and happy 2010. It has been a pleasure working with you all in 2009 and we look forward to continuing so in 2010.
Rob Emmerson
First and foremost I'd like to pass on my many thanks to each and everyone of those working as Guards and Signalmen, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
As well I wish the engine crews, shed staff, cleaners, conductors and administrative staff a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and thank you for the great job you have all done over the past twelve months.
There have been a few difficult times over the year, but with the great support I have received all but a few shifts were covered from the normal ranks. Over the past six months we have seen an increase in the number of Safeworkers, which has been a great benefit to all areas, especially those who have chosen the role of Guard or Signalmen. This has been the first substantial increase since I took on the position as Roster Clerks almost 4 years ago. This much needed increase in Safeworkers is a great credit to those who initiated this expanded training program.
Getting around to the December & January Rosters, where there are still many shifts to be covered. The fifth shift during the Green TT is interesting as it assists Train No.11 to Menzies Creek, returns to Belgrave as Train No.10, then after assisting with the preparation of the Lunch Train proceeds to Emerald to supervise the cross of Trains 29/32.
Assistance is also needed at Lakeside. To date there have been very few putting up their hand, so I'd appreciate offers of help as the staffing of Lakeside is vital to the smooth operation of the Green TT.
Kevin Stanes,
Roster Clerk - Guards & Signalmen
Signalmen and others are reminded of the need for extra vigilance in the operation of the motor driven points at Menzies Creek, now that Fire Patrols have recommenced. As the trolleys are not track circuited, Signalmen MUST ensure, by physical observation, that the trolley has completely cleared the area of the points before returning the applicable signal to stop and operating the points.
Just a reminder that applications for the next Safeworking Course are being accepted up until Monday 30th November. Interviews will be conducted in December, with observation runs being conducted over the summer period. If you wish further information, you can contact either John Morice or myself. (John's contact details are in the Contacts section at the end of Monthly News.
Applications are invited from any suitably experienced Safeworker who thinks they might be interested in supervising Trainees. Please note that there may be some training involved before you will be allowed to supervise trainees. Contact John Morice for details and to apply.
Rob Emmerson
There are a number of gaps in the December roster, not in the least due to my own incapacity. I will continue with my rostering duties, but will be unable to do any cleaning until the new year. If anyone is able to offer a Friday between now and Christmas, I will very grateful. If you intend to come in but have not updated the Roster in the Crew Room, could you either do so as soon as possible, or phone me, please.
I would like to give my thanks to those cleaners who have already put their names down for extra shifts between Boxing Day and the end of January. Thank you very much. I am sure that I can also add the thanks of the loco crews.
Whilst on the subject of additional shifts, during the "Green" timetable between December 26 and January 3, there are three trains that return to Belgrave at 4.50pm, 6.15pm and 6.45pm. It is probably asking too much to expect cleaners who may have started at 7am, or even earlier, to work till 7pm especially if this hot weather continues. If there are any cleaners who may not be able to make it during the day, but could spare a couple of hours between 5 and 7 pm, their assistance will be appreciated by the loco crews.
Finally, I take this opportunity to thank all cleaners for their efforts during the year and wish them, and their loved ones, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
John Thackeray,
Engine Cleaning Roster Clerk
Decking of this huge bridge has had a big setback with the rejection of a 'B Double' load of timber. We are working hard to source more suitable timber at an affordable price.
Whilst the triangle at the end has been re-built in a safer place there is still some additional work to be done elsewhere on the tramway. This work will probably be done in early December and anyone interested in helping should call John Shaw
John Shaw
{Editor's Question: How is it that most locomotives are identified by their running number, but some are identified by their names and one by the class designation. Am I wrong in expecting consistency?}
Belgrave will be open on Saturday 5th December, and will be open on Wednesday nights as per normal practice.
Workshop Volunteers and their partners are invited to our Christmas BBQ at Belgrave Workshop from 4:00pm onwards on Thursday 17th December, 2009. Please RSVP to fleur.barrell@pbr.org.au by 14 th December, 2009 if you are attending.
Hugh Markwick
A reminder to all that the next S&T Branch meeting on Saturday December 12th, will commence at 10am, 10 Kings Rd., Emerald.
Following the branch meeting, all S&T members and partners are invited (weather permitting) to board our special train to Clematis for lunch at the Paradise Hotel. As in previous years it will be BYOS (bring your own seat). Alternatively, travel directly to the hotel by 12:30 for 1:00 p.m. lunch.
Timings: Dep. Emerald: 12:15pm (Dock in B Siding) and return to Emerald (B Siding) by 4pm.
Please R.S.V.P. to the S&T depot (phone) or via email by Dec 1 st.
We have a need for a new minute taker. S&T meet 6 times a year for about 2 hours on a Saturday morning. If anyone is willing to offer their services please contact me. The usual remuneration package will apply (free cup of tea or coffee). I would like to take this opportunity to thank Colin for his sterling efforts over the past 2 years. He stepped into the role, with no knowledge of S&T and has been of invaluable assistance. He now wishes to concentrate on his other areas of interest around the railway. Thank you Colin.
Following a most rewarding experience earlier this year, I have booked to drive steam in Poland between March 20 & 27 next year. If anyone else was considering going, then I would be more than happy to assist in any way possible. Please contact me if you require any advice etc.
I would like to wish all S&T personnel (past and present) the very best for the coming festive season. May you have a safe and enjoyable time and I look forward to our continued friendship through the coming year.
Andrew Wheatland.
Lineside clearing works have started along the track; this involves the slashing of the grounds fence to fence. With the arrival of the mulcher, the gang are also out clearing debris and clearing grounds with excessive fuel loads to continue the works with fire prevention.
Regular maintenance works in various areas are still ongoing.
Here we are again with the 'official fire season' nearly on us. With the state of some areas, we have already started following trains with Fire Patrols, especially in the Lakeside - Gembrook section. Any person who has time to volunteer on a fire patrol either as a driver or an assistant, we would greatly appreciate if you could contact us with the dates you are available. (Email to firepatrol@pbr.org.au). I know some people do have other commitments but even one or two days a month helps take the load off us chasing people to fill in the roster.
To all fire patrollers and assistants and other volunteers that may be interested in doing fire patrols, please could you send your email address to firepatrol@pbr.org.au if we don't already have it. This will then put you on the list for fire patrols and we can email you dates and any relevant information regarding and during the fire season.
By this stage we should have completed a booklet for the CFA and an updated booklet for fire patrol trolleys. The booklet will have detailed information for both parties so that the locations are more direct.
A train for local CFA people has happened and went well and on the 22nd of November we will be taking a member from each brigade around the track looking at access areas to track by CFA vehicles and trucks.
Just a reminder that all Trolley Drivers should check that the trolley is properly equipped and all pumps and water equipment is working properly before going out. Please remember to fill trolleys up with fuel and water on your return trip so that they are ready for the next person.
I would like to congratulate the guys that did the trolley course in October who all passed and hope to see them out on the track on a trolley soon. Well done.
Jason Bell
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 has been sent out and tickets are selling well. If you wish to participate in this event, you are advised to book now; this event always sells out! Contact Jeff Goodwin (jeffg1706@gmail.com or for more details.
Sunday 21 st March Around the Bays in many Ways" - bus trip, with travel on trains of different gauge at Queenscliff and Mornington, with food and drink provided and 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 31 st 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.
The last opening for 2009 will be on Saturday 5th December. 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.
We would like to thank Ben Reid and Adrian Rynberk for their recent donations to the shop to "Keep G42 Going".
Our first opening in 2010 will be on Saturday 6th February. Other times can be arranged by ringing Peter
Seasons greetings to all who continue to support our efforts to Keep G42 Going.
Bruce West
| OCTOBER 2009 | 2009 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 80% | 57% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 77% | 72% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 65% | 73% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,583 | 4,624 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 4,575 | 4,649 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 293 | 47 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 102 | 83 |
| G 42 days for month | 0 | 16 |
| Carriage kilometres | 3,5625 | 3,9851 |
| Carriage Days for month | 860 | 962 |
| Highest kms operated -loco | 1,378 | 1,511 |
| Highest kms operated -pass vehicle | 1,632 | 1,643 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 3 | 0 |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 248 | 272 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 330 | 333 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 6 | 16 |
With the busy train running season approaching, I am making my annual plea for care to be taken in filling out certain details of Train Running Statements that are very important to me and will take you next to no time to write.
Before handing in your running sheets at the end of a day can you please check that you have written loco numbers on the front of the sheet as well as the rear. Some of you continue to leave this information out. The loco numbers on the rear do not tell me which trips the locos hauled.
Please check that you have recorded arrival times at destinations. I need this info for my 'on time' running figure.
A small number of you appear to refuse to accept the need to write in scheduled and actual loco and carriage docking times. I know who you are and you reduce the completeness of my stats each month.
Please show details at the bottom rear of sheets when vehicles are 'detached from' or 'attached to' a train en-route. I need to know where they ran so that I can record accurate distances.
A number of newer guards are forgetting to put the items mentioned above on their running statements. I appeal to you in particular to help me please as I do to supervising guards with trainees.
Finally, please take care when writing figures. Many of you are terrific, but I have real trouble reading the writing of a few.
I regret having to make these requests but October was a bad month for missing and wrong information and illegible writing. It is stressful and adds to the time it takes me to undertake my tasks.
Bob Wilson
Work continues on preparing the boiler for its steam test. New fittings are being made and installed. Cleaning and crack testing of components is underway. We are still awaiting quotes for casting of the new wheels. Early in 2010 we will be launching a major new fundraising effort to pay for the wheels and axles.
This BBQ is for all who have worked in the Workshops or supported the Climax project through working on FETs or other efforts over the year. It will be held on Thursday 17th December at Belgrave Workshops from 4 pm. Please ring or email Fleur by Monday 14th December if you are coming (9757 0712 or fleur.barrell@pbr.org.au).
This conference will be held at the Nobelius Packing Shed, Emerald from 8:30 am until 4 pm. Limited space is still available and places are already being booked. Registration application by email from daxup@bigpond.net.au or give me a call. Any profits from the event are going to the Climax Restoration Fund.
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 now in stock and can be picked up immediately for only $12 each, and you get the shortbreads for free. Use the form from the October Monthly News or contact me. (Some forms are available in the Belgrave SM's office.)
Have you ever wondered about the 'black arts' practised by Drivers and Firemen to get the locomotives in steam? In 2010 you will be able to find out. Come along to an evening light-up in Emerald for 861, a small, very friendly locomotive. You can see what is involved in preparing an engine for its day out. You can also help out if you wish. Tea, Bickies and rags provided. BYO overalls. We will be running these light-ups on the evening before the FETs next year.
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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