Puffing Billy Railway  

May 2010
#442

Published by the Puffing Billy Preservation Society
in conjunction with the Emerald Tourist Railway Board.

Back Issues

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 .

Looking Down the Track

A year on and the Great Train Race is upon us again. The popularity of the event increases year on year and once again the event was completely sold out a number of weeks ago. We have a number of high profile guests running the race, including our Minister for Tourism, the Honourable Tim Holding. Congratulations to the Committee, Matt and the rest of his team in putting together what will be a great event for the Railway yet again.

On the Business Plan front, the Chairman and I recently met with the Minister in regards to our funding, and with the old adage 'no news is good news' we have been asked to be patient with our request. In the meantime, plans for each of the areas continue, and I ask that when you get the opportunity to view these plans, please do so and comment. This time of year also sees the Senior Management Team buried in budget preparation. It is obvious already that next year will be a relatively static year in regards to growth, and therefore the important work everybody is doing in regards to both promotion and building revenue, as well as controlling expenses, remains extremely important.

As we are now officially into autumn, and we look back on a very successful summer, we are grateful that all our emergency preparedness for fire was not required - I am grateful to all of those who took part in both the planning and implementation of our processes and procedures. These will be reviewed during the winter, and no doubt improved upon in time for next fire season.

On a personal note, I would like to thank all those who attended and helped out at the Emerald Funfest on Sunday April 11th. It was probably the wettest and windiest day I have experienced here in Australia since leaving North Wales. Despite the inclement weather some "fun" was had by all, and lessons were learned which will help us as we plan for our future heritage gala event - watch this space.

Eamonn Seddon, CEO

Board News

There has not been a Board Meeting since the issue of the last Monthly News, however, I can report on a couple of other activities:

Department of Transport briefing on proposed Tourist and Heritage legislation

On 15^th April we were briefed on a proposal to have legislation to cover in particular Governance of smaller Tourist & Heritage railways/tramways, securing rights to Victrack land on which railways operate, developing a clear register of all Government owned assets and their movements between railways and insurance for railways.

Working groups gave feedback on how these issues need to be addressed. This is not relevant to Puffing Billy Railway as our Act covers Governance, assets and land tenure and the operation of a proposed Advisory Committee.

It was pointed out that this might address some issues, but did not resolve issues where railways operated on DSE land (eg Walhalla) Council Land or VicRoads (Bendigo Tramway). It was also pointed out that industry wide issues such as Accredited Training needed to be dealt with across the industry including Puffing Billy Railway.

Meeting with Minister Holding

Eamonn and I met with Minister Holding on 13^th April. I pointed out to the Minister that we urgently needed grant funds to address several capital projects as set out in the Business Plan. Minister Holding assured us that the State Government held our railway in the highest regard and that he was working hard to secure a commitment of funds to implement the works set out in the Business Plan and that we should continue to plan for these works to be delivered. He made a strong point that our railway needed to be given all opportunities to be sustainable and to do that the whole Business Plan needed to be implemented.

It was a very positive response.

Ray Leivers

Secretary's Platform

Change At The Top

After nearly 9 years as President of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society, John Thompson has decided that the time is right to "retire" from that position which became effective at the Society Executive meeting on Monday 12^th April.

John has made a tremendous contribution to this most important role steering the Society in a positive direction for the betterment of the railway and we thank him most sincerely for his efforts. John is not going away (see below) but will be spending a little more time at home from time to time.

With this change, we needed to call for nominations from the current Executive Committee to fulfil the role of President until the next AGM. I'm very pleased to announce that Jeff Goodwin was nominated un-opposed and was duly elected to the position. Congratulations Jeff.

With the move of Jeff from ordinary committeeman to the position of President, this creates a casual vacancy on the Executive Committee. Accordingly, the Executive Committee asked John Thompson if we would consider filling the casual vacancy until the next AGM (Sunday 21st November) and he agreed to do so. This will make the transition a much smoother one as John can assist Jeff in learning the ropes. John will also stay on the Emerald Tourist Railway Board until the AGM.

Larry James, Secretary

Calendar

Monthly News' deadline for the June issue will be Friday 14^th May 2010.

This should enable us to get it to you on Monday 24 ^th May, or a day or two later.

Deadlines for the months shown are:

General News

Monthly News - How would you like to receive it?

Monthly News can now be received by e-mail (which saves the Railway in printing & postage costs) and can be posted or delivered to you at the Railway, if staff or regular volunteers. Some people also like the convenience of receiving Monthly News both electronically and in hard copy.

To change the way in which you receive Monthly News, please send an e-mail to volunteering@pbr.org.au with your request.

To update your address for Monthly News, and for PBPS members, Narrow Gauge, please send a message to volunteering@pbr.org.au.

You can also contact the Volunteer Coordinating Team or drop a note to the Volunteer Coordinators Team.

Car Stickers

If you would like a PB car sticker, please e-mail us.

Working with Children Check

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 application forms are available from the Stationmaster's office. The forms are located next to the attendance book at Belgrave.

Please Note:- Purple is now the colour of the forms and the forms are available in the Stationmaster office near the attendance book.

We have been directed that direct contact is any contact with a child that involves the following:

• physical contact,
• talking face to face, or,
• being within eyeshot: this means you are physically able to see them.

If you would like any help in completing the forms, please contact one of the team.

Volunteer Coordinators Team

You can contact the Volunteer Coordinator's Team by email to volunteering@pbr.org.au or by phone . or you can drop us a note via the mail box in the door of the coordinators office.

Please note that the Volunteer Coordinators Team are volunteers.

Reminder regarding Smoking on the Railway

The Railway has a policy relating to smoking and the Board does not encourage smoking by staff or volunteers. Volunteers and staff who choose to smoke are to do so in their own time, and more importantly, out of public view - and this includes both cigarettes and pipes.

In order to provide a smoke free working environment the following are Designated Smoke Free Areas:-

The interior of all buildings and all covered areas of platforms,

All motor vehicles own by the Board (including the Road-rail),

All rail vehicles including locomotives and motor trolleys.

Moondarra Accommodation

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 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 let us know, as the bed may be required for other volunteers. If you need to get accommodation closer to your work day, please ring.

Sue Ham

Uniforms

Bernadette Cowley is available Tuesday mornings to help with uniforms purchases and enquires. We have a new supply of black ties in stock and Bernadette will sell you one for the bargain price of $10.00. At the moment we are out of stock of size 58 & 59 shunters hats but more are on order and I will advise when they arrive.

Jean Clowes

Membership Matters

Society Information Evening - May 28^th

A Puffing Billy Preservation Society Information evening is being held on Thursday 28 ^th May at 7.30pm at the Emerald Primary School, Heroes Avenue, Emerald.

These informative evenings introduce new members and new volunteers to the Society, as well as provide an interesting talk on the history of the Puffing Billy Railway. Invitations will be sent to new members and new volunteers, however all are welcome to attend. RSVP by contacting Jean Clowes on or by sending an e-mail to membership@pbr.org.au.

Volunteers @ Puff

Work continues with improving processes in the Volunteer Application and Registration processes. It is important that all volunteers know that when they are registered, they are covered by insurance. If you have a friend join you to help at the Railway, please contact the Volunteer Coordination Team to ensure that they are properly registered to volunteer.

Since Volunteer2 was implemented, 37 new volunteers have been registered, the number of Monthly News sent by e-mail has increased to nearly 200, reducing print and postage costs, and a 3 month review process for all new volunteers has commenced.

Volunteer2 has been used this month to help with volunteers for the Great Train Race. The recent request on e-mail seeking additional volunteers resulted in at least 30 additional people being rostered for this event, with most replying within 24 hours of the e-mail sent out using Volunteer2. A great help to Bob Cochrane, the Roster Coordinator. We have been able to store, for easy retrieval within Volunteer2, details of people unable to help this year but interested in helping in 2011. Volunteer2 was also used to produced the labels required to send out the Volunteer Information Packs for the Great Train Race, which proved to be a time saver.

If you have any queries about Volunteer2 and its application, please e-mail them to us at volunteering@pbr.org.au or contact Sue Ham

Volunteer² Project Team - Anne MacLeish, Sue Ham, Rob Emmerson

Anniversaries

3rd May 1910

It is 100 years since the opening of the Moe Walhalla Line. Construction of the line began in May 1904. As finance was voted in small sums construction was very slow. The final opening of the line to Walhalla was celebrated on Tuesday 3rd May 1910, the first train leaving Moe hauled by 9NA and arrived in Walhalla at 1.00pm.after its 26 mile trip and departed at 3.30pm to return to Moe.

The last train to Walhalla ran on Friday 31 ^st March 1944, however, the line did not close totally until the last train ran the 181/2 miles from Moe to Erica and return on 25th June 1954, hauled by 7NA.

6th May 1905

It is 105 years since 7NA entered traffic. 7NA was built at Newport Workshops at a cost of £2008 and was first allocated to Colac. It operated from Colac, Moe, Fern Tree Gully and Belgrave. 7NA was allocated to Moe from 25^th May 1944 and ran the last train to Erica on 26th June 1954. 7NA was then transferred to Upper Fern Tree Gully (replacing 3NA, which had a major defect) and ran trains from Upper Fern Tree Gully to Belgrave until 23^rd February 1958.

7NA was involved in many special events. It ran the last train from Fern Tree Gully to Belgrave and return on 23^rd February 1958. It was the last engine to leave Upper Fern Tree Gully engine shed under its own steam on 24^th February 1958 and it was then the last engine to leave Upper Fern Tree Gully several days later.

On 10 ^th March 1958, 7NA appeared on a float in the first Moomba Parade but it was carrying the number plates of 6NA, its own having been stolen on 23 ^rd January 1958. It was the first engine returned to Belgrave on 5 ^th /6 ^th March 1962 and the first under steam on 12 ^th March 1962. 7NA ran the first public passenger train to Menzies Creek on 28 ^th June 1962, to Emerald on 31 ^st June 1965 and to Lakeside on 18 ^th October 1975.

It ran the last Victorian Railways narrow gauge train on 1 ^st October 1977 and the first Emerald Tourist Railway Board train, also on 1 ^st October 1977. Having operated 273,484 miles in Victorian Railways service, 7NA was transferred to the E.T.R.B. from 1 ^st October 1977. It is now owned, operated and maintained by the Emerald Tourist Railway Board.

Commercial Division

Shop Talk

Menzies Creek

Anyone wishing to volunteer to work at Menzies Creek, please call April Williams or Jon Medlin on 753 (at Menzies Creek). It would be the same type of work as at Belgrave and Lakeside it would only involve selling to the public.

We now have quite a number of days vacant also at Lakeside, anyone wishing to volunteer could you please contact April

April Williams

Operations and Engineering Division

Passenger Business

A worrying trend

In recent weeks I have been advised of a number of incidents of unprofessional and uncourteous behaviour by some of our staff, not only to our customers but also to each other.

I'm sure you will agree this is unacceptable and we need to change. I believe all of the incidents have occurred simply from lack of thought and not from intention to be rude. Unfortunately, the end result puts the railway in an unfavourable light in the eyes of our customers and could result in a volunteer deciding that they do not wish to continue with us.

I fully appreciate that at times we are under enormous pressure, particularly on busy days. I understand it is frustrating when trying to help passengers find a seat on the train and other passengers are spread out with bags on the seats etc. but the issue must de dealt with politely with a "please, would you mind etc".

So, please always try to think how you make a request and the tone of your voice because how our customers perceive their experience with our staff can influence whether they return or recommend Puffing Billy to others.

With other staff, some times we need to understand that we all need to learn and don't always see a situation as quickly as each other and we just need to be tolerant.

In concluding, these incidents are isolated but we all need to be mindful that we represent a wonderful railway and need to be at all times as courteous as possible to each other as well as our customers.

Jean Clowes

Traffic Branch

Watch Your Step - It's easier to fall than you think!

Recently, two of our Safeworkers suffered injuries as a result of tripping. Please always ensure that when walking around the platforms and more especially, the station yard, that you watch where you walk and avoid tripping or falling over things.

Update to Working Time Table

The update to the Working Time Table, effective 1st May 2010, should be with you, or very close, by the time you read this.

The update contains an altered Time Table O as well as a few corrections to the last issue of the W.T.T. Time Table O has been altered to have the Up train (No.36) depart Emerald at 3.45pm. Some alterations have been made to the Rolling Stock details and the second DH locomotive (DH5) has been added into the Locomotive details section. Full details of the changes are shown on the accompanying W.T.T. Circular.

As we have done previously, I will leave envelopes containing the updates etc. out for both Drivers, Firemen and Guards in the Loco Crew Room and Safeworking Room at Belgrave, respectively, who are rostered on in the next few days. I will post the remainder out to all Safeworkers, even if you are shown as 'Inactive'. If you have not received a copy of the W.T.T. by Friday 14th may, then please contact me.

The opportunity has been taken to also distribute a memo from Greg Michael to all Safeworkers in regard to some important safeworking matters. I think the memo will be self-explanatory. I would urge all Safeworkers to read the memo carefully and take note of the comments Greg makes.

Rob Emmerson, Traffic Manager

A bit of a delay to my 'Across Australia' Trip

Unfortunately, my planned trip across the Nullarbor Plains to Perth has been delayed by 5 weeks from the proposed departure date of May 11th due to an unfortunate accident I had at Emerald recently. My doctor has allowed me to travel on and after June 15th. I have been able to put back all accommodation and booked travel to start from the latter date, with only the Swanbank and Southdown's Railway trips near Brisbane being cancelled as their next outings are late August. I'll still get to the Mary Valley in Gympie where I will spend two days riding the Mary Valley Rattler and an old QR Rail Car RM76, plus the Richmond Vale Railway near Newcastle and the Zig-Zag Railway in the Blue Mountains.

I would like to thank all those who came to my assistance on the day of my accident, and those who have been in contact wishing me a speedy recovery. I would like to give a special thanks to Peter Donald who assessed my situation when I arrived back in Belgrave and arranged for immediate medical treatment. As well a special thanks to Max Raynor who gave up his time a drove me to hospital, as taxis would be unavailable for maybe a few hours.

Does any person out there remember the Sparky Series? This series was recorded at the end of the Second War and consisted of four programs that I know of. The one my father gave me for Christmas 1950 was called "Sparky and the Talking Train". In those days it was on three double sided 78rpm records. Some years later I purchased a copy on a 45rpm for one of my sons who was showing an interest in trains, but by the mid 1970's it was not to be found. Recently, I was doing a search on the internet and by chance I came across a man in San Diego, California who had purchased the master copies of many children's radio stories. Further enquiries saw me sending an international cheque to get a copy. This is a great little story and has bought back many memories of my younger days, when I wagged school and rode trains around Melbourne with two Mordialloc based guards, Keith Dusting and Tom Davis.

A special note for the Trainee Safeworkers on Course 31: with the winter timetable coming into operation after the Great Train Race there will be no Gembrook Services on weekdays, other than the June/July School Holidays. Therefore, persons wanting to do Training Sessions on Gembrook's may have to look to weekends to be able to do those runs. I am trying to get as many onto Gembrook runs during the current month and I'm hopeful that by the next school holidays many of trainees will be sufficiently confident to able to do their Gembrook Exam.

As well, when persons are stabling the NAL carriages could you please ensure that the leads are plugged together and/or the lead had been plugged into the power point along three road. Make sure the red light is showing on the point on three road, and if it is not, then check to make sure the master switch in the shed on five road is switched on.

Kevin Stanes, Roster Clerk - Guards & Signalmen

Rolling Stock Branch

Locomotive Workshops

3A

No action, in storage at Gembrook.

6A

In traffic.

7A

D examination.

8A

In traffic, L/H leading pedestal binder bolt had to be replaced.

12A

The pattern for the boiler tee piece has been ordered.

14A

In traffic, following a C examination.

G42

Back in storage, pending a D examination.

D21

In traffic, due for a B examination in May.

DH5

Rebuild almost complete, nearly ready for traffic.

DH31

In traffic.

NRT1

Underwent a B examination.

1694

Assessment of the drive train in progress.

986

The boiler has been sand blasted and examined.

861

In traffic.

1711

In traffic.

NGG16 129

The riveting of the stretchers to the boiler cradle continues, holes for the fitted bolts are being reamed.

NVW1

New wheels, bearings and axles have been fitted.

NK2

In traffic.

NK3

In traffic.

NRR2

The right hand rear gear box needed an overhaul.

Road Roller

The Museum roller is in the Belgrave workshops, with the boiler firebox being removed.

Carshops

21NBH

Flats repaired for the second time in two months, in for a lift and wheel profiling.

26NBC

Roof being repaired.

13NBH

In for a rebuild and repaint.

2NBH

Lifted.

149NQ

New water pump fitted and tested.

1NB

Lifted.

24NB

Lifted.

29NQR

Being assessed for restoration.

NAL Fleet

We are having a spate of broken chains on the gates that control access between the vehicles. When uncoupling these cars please ensure that the gate chains are unclipped prior to moving the cars. Your co-operation would be greatly appreciated.

Work Days

Belgrave Workshop will be open on Saturday 1st May and Wednesday nights during May.

Volunteer Hours

During March 2010, 35 people recorded 594 hours at Belgrave, while Emerald had 2 people record 28 hours, a total of 662 hours for the month. The total hours for February should read 543 hours.

Hugh Markwick

Way & Works Branch

With the end of the fire season and the end of fire patrols, (yea!) I would like to thank all those involved with the running, assisting (and repairing) of the trolleys, and express my gratitude to all for the time and effort that was put in throughout the season.

We are going to be doing some bumping of the track starting in May from the Beaconsfield Rd Crossing, Emerald to Emerald Lake Park. If any one is interested in coming out with the boys and lending a hand and want to gain some old fashion track work experience, please contact me and I will let you know when it is happening.

Presently we are lifting and lining areas of track between Belgrave and Menzies Creek, with sleeper works and ballast loads being dropped.

Jason Bell, Manager, Way & Works

Lineside Attractions Branch

Air Compressor

Has had radiator removed for repair.

George & George Boiler House

Boiler examined and has passed.

Hudswell Clarke No.4

Boiler examined and has passed.

Ground Works

Clean up after March's extreme weather.

Trevor the Traction Engine (the Foden)

Enjoyed 5 weeks holidays with Thomas at Emerald and has now returned to the Museum for a rest.

Days Rail Tractor

Conservation work is continuing.

Steam Roller

Has been dismantled and work has started on removing crown stays. The motion is being prepared for magnetic particle testing.

3NC & 6NC

Conservation works in progress.

Steel 2 foot skip

Rust from floor repaired and give a coat of paint.

Work Nights etc.

Wednesday work nights every week from 5pm till 10pm.

Saturday work days 1st 3rd 5th Saturday of every month.

David Baker & Greg McLennan, Managers

Social Committee

Saturday 29 ^th May

" Three Days of Rain" An evening with the 1812 Theatre Company in Ferntree Gully. This event was very popular last time and with the opportunity for discounted dinner at local restaurants you can really make an evening of it. The booking form has been sent out and bookings are already coming in, so don't miss out - book now!

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. Look for the booking form with this edition of Monthly News.

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.

For enquiries on any of these events, call Jeff Goodwin (evenings only)

Signal & Telegraph Branch

Nil to report this month.

Andrew Wheatland

Monthly Operating Statistics

The increased carriage kilometres in 2010 are due to a higher average number of cars on trains overall and the lack of extreme weather days that reduced the extent of train operations 12 months ago.

The big difference between scheduled and revenue trips for both years was due largely to a number of 'Thomas' days and the shuttle trips run on each occasion.

Bob Wilson

Climax Committee

The boiler looks most impressive in its current state. It is being stored dry, waiting for when it will be attached to the frame. The Wednesday night volunteers have started working on the frame, cleaning it up ready for testing and painting. They are doing a good job.

The big need now is for lots of donations towards the Climax Axles and Wheels (CAW) fund. We need to replace all the axles and wheels with those of the new design. The Climax broke several axles in its working life. Each break caused a derailment and this is not something that can be allowed on our line. These parts are needed as soon as possible to keep the project rolling along. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Please show your support for the project and give generously.

Late News

The Southern Forests NG modelling group has made a very generous donation to the Climax project from the proceeds of their conference at Emerald.

John Conway

ARCHIVES REPORT

The Archives provided a photographic display of Emerald station for the Festival held at Emerald. The display depicted Emerald in many its many formats over the years.

The TACL restoration group has handed over the files of drawings, photographs, and correspondence used during the restoration. Also donated was the file used when the saga of 8A restoration after being retrieved from Beaumaris.

Hugh Markwick

External Projects

Curdies River Bridge, Timboon

280 feet of this 600 foot long bridge is now fitted with deck and curbs and starting to look like a proper railway bridge again.

Portland Tramway

Since constructing a new turning triangle, we have replaced a rail and repaired a curve on the tramway which completes the current work contract.

Daylesford Spa Country Railway

We have just started work on major track repairs to this railway which was damaged in a bushfire last year. The major part of the work involves replacing 2,000 sleepers and some badly damaged rails and we are working hard to get as much done before winter sets in.

John Shaw

Advertisement

I have finished my book"A History of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society 1955-2006".

It is in PDF format on a CD and is available for purchase for $20.00 from
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~bill.russell/index.htm
Post free this month.

Please note that it has no photographs, but has over 280 A4 pages of text.

Bill Russell

---

	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