July 2010#444
July 2010
#444
Published by the Puffing Billy Preservation Society
in conjunction with the Emerald Tourist Railway Board.
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 .
Over the last few weeks budget time has been upon us and by the time you receive this, Senior Managers will have presented the 2010/2011 budget to the Board for approval. What we can report at this stage is that the forecasts for 2009-2010 are excellent and despite all the concerns in the press in regards to the fire season and the Dandenongs, our revenue forecasts are showing revenue has increased by over 4.5%. Interestingly this does not mirror the overall trends in the area as a whole. I believe we now have the marketing mix correct and it is this that is allowing us to get the results.
However, we are setting ourselves some more challenges for 2010-2011 so I call on you all to continue the good work in providing the high quality product that Puffing Billy is, so that we can deliver the promise to our ever expanding customer base.
As mentioned last month, we now have two important dates for your diaries:
Please put these dates into your diary as much help would be required over both these weekends.
From an HR perspective, we have decided to re-structure our Commercial Services branch and as a consequence April Williams has accepted the position as Commercial Manager (Retail and Food & Beverage). A new position for Food & Beverage Function Co-ordinator is advertised in this issue elsewhere - this position will support April in this area.
The visit of 7A to Walhalla was a huge success. For those of you with internet access just a visit to 'Youtube' will give you the evidence of what an exciting "but wet" weekend it was. Michael Leaney, President of the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, has commissioned a new DVD from the weekend, it is hoped that we will have the premiere evening here in Belgrave soon.
Eamonn Seddon, CEO
There was no meeting of the Board in May so I have no contribution for July MN.
Ray Leivers
A vacancy has arisen for a casual Accounts Office Assistant at our Kings Road office in Emerald for 3 days a week, and possibly 4 days in busy periods. Book-keeping experience would be an advantage and the ability to create and update Excel spreadsheets is essential. Applications close on 14 th July.
If you are interested please contact Russ Bowen via email to him at russell.bowen@pbr.org.au for a job description.
An opportunity exists on the Railway for a Food & Beverage Function Co-ordinator. This is a newly created full time position reporting directly to the Commercial and Food & Beverage Manager. The successful applicant will have a solid knowledge and proven experience in the setting up and supervision of functions, esp. weddings. You will have the ability to work in a small team environment, must be available to work weekends and be committed to excellence. Experience in stock control, stock ordering and retail would also be an advantage.
The successful applicant will also need to be a team player, possess good interpersonal and presentation skills and be customer focused. We are looking for a highly motivated person who will enjoy working in an environment with a wide range of users: from community groups, individuals and corporate clients.
For a detailed job description please contact: Christine Dixon email christine.dixon@pbr.org.au. Applications close on 9th July 2010.
An opportunity exists on the railway for an Admin person in Way and Works. This is a full time position. Prerequisites are good computing skills, demonstrated administration and organisational skills and rail safety knowledge will be highly regarded. In addition it would be anticipated the successful person would have a degree of flexibility in terms of working hours.
A position description and duty statement is available from Jason Bell via email to jason.bell@pbr.org.au.
Applications, in writing, should be sent to Jason Bell and close on Friday July 2 nd.
It's the time of the year again when we will be running more First Aid Courses. There will be two Level 2 First Aid courses offered, each requiring 2 full days of training.
For those of you who are due to update your qualifications and would like to take part, please call Chris Dixon or email christine.dixon@pbr.org.au. As class numbers are limited, please register your interest no later than close of business on Wednesday 14 th July.
Chris Dixon
We are currently seeking expressions of interest for the volunteer role of Fire Patrol Roster Officer in the Way & Works Department.
The position involves rostering both drivers and assistants for Fire Patrols and communicating to the various publications. The fire season may go for a minimum of 3 months or longer depending on the weather and conditions, generally commencing in November each year.
Any person interested in taking on this role or for further information contact Jason Bell at jason.bell@pbr.org.au . Applications close on 16th July 2010.
Jason Bell, Manager Way and Works
GTV9 Postcards 5:30 pm Sunday July 4th will have a segment about the Kenny & Dolly night. Our publicity team is working well. Check your TV schedule - the timing may change.
Matt Collopy, Special Events Manager
On Tuesdays 20th and 27th July, 30 volunteers in each group from the corporate sector are coming to volunteer in the Environmental area. Please make them feel welcome.
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. Forms are also in the Hilton and the Volunteer Coordinators Office Please Note:- The forms are the purple coloured ones.
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 one of the team.
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 are requested to pre-book at least three (3) working days prior to your required stay date. If you book and then 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.
A Cultural Volunteers 2010 exchange program is to be held between 9th and 22nd August. Our volunteers can experience 'behind the scenes' at Royal Botanic Gardens, Jewish Museum of Australia, Heidelberg Museum of Modern Art, State Library, National Trust of Australia, Museum of Victoria, Abbotsford Convent, Craft Victoria and the Public Records Office. Booking begin on the first week in July, please contact the Volunteer Coordinators office for more details.
Recently we sent advice, via Volunteer2, of the ability for Volunteers to obtain complimentary tickets to a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Concert. We have received feedback from one of our volunteers who was able to obtain tickets, that he was only 6 rows from the front in the centre and that the whole experience was very enjoyable and he would certainly do it again if the opportunity exists. These tickets were made available to the cultural volunteer community and were snapped up within an hour or so. The volunteer coordinating team will forward special events on as soon as we receive them for your benefit.
We have also received many emails of thanks from those who received free petrol vouchers from BP.
Will be held on Tuesday 6th July at Emerald Precinct, including a rationalisation of items in the Nursery, preparation for Thomas and a general fun time. If you know anyone who would like to attend, please contact our the Team.
Sue Ham
Volunteer2 is progressing well, with volunteer analysis tools being utilised. For example, did you know that in May and June, 31 volunteers applied and were registered. Of these, 14 are in the process of being placed on the Railway. Our Registration Days are proving a great way to introduce prospective volunteers to the Railway, as well as a chance to meet other volunteers prior to starting work. At the end of May, we had 808 people registered in Volunteer2, with 352 of these also being PBPS members.
Our focus has moved to using the full communication tools of Volunteer2 for both print and e-mail communications, to recording as many volunteer hours as possible since December 2009 (when possible, using a pro-forma roster to do this) and to start recording key training outcomes.
If you have any queries about Volunteer2, please contact us at the Volunteer Coordinator's Office or e-mail volunteering@pbr.org.au.
Volunteer2 Project Team - Anne MacLeish, Sue Ham, Rob Emmerson
Monthly News' deadline for the August issue will be Friday 16th July 2010. This should enable us to get it to you on Monday 26 th July, or a day or two later.
Deadlines for the months shown are:
| September | Friday 20th August |
| October | Friday 17th September |
| November | Friday 15th October |
| December 2010 | Friday 19th November |
| January 2011 | Friday 11th December |
Due to a technical problem my end, this first one was overlooked last month.
Ron
Reopening of the line between Belgrave and Menzies Creek. The line from Belgrave to Menzies Creek had taken over four years to restore. The Puffing Billy rolling stock, including locomotives 6NA and 7NA, had been transferred from Newport Workshops, where they had been in storage, to Belgrave over the first two weekends of March 1962. Ballast trains then ran over the line from June, including trips run only for Puffing Billy Preservation Society members. The first public passenger train was hauled by 7NA and was ceremoniously driven by the Chairman of The Victorian Railways Commissioner, Mr George Brown. The timetable was: Saturdays trains at 2.15pm and 3.40pm, Sundays 12.10pm, 2.00pm & 3.15pm. The line was worked by train staff (no tickets), the actual staff being Belgrave to Lakeside. The points at Menzies Creek were secured by staff locks. The Railways at the time would only allow 'one engine in steam' operation but in spite of this, a drop on engine was sometimes used at Belgrave to speed train turn-around times. By the end of July, 3,768 passengers had travelled; by the end of August, 12,000 and by 30 th September, 31,020 had travelled. Puffing Billy was back.
Re-opening of the Puffing Billy Railway between Menzies Creek and Emerald for passengers from Saturday 31st July 1965, with a passenger train hauled by NA7. The first works train to Emerald had run on December 5th 1964 (The first train into Emerald since August 1953) however, the track was not ready for public operation at that time. It was not until 14th April 1965 that the Society notified the Victorian Railways that the line was ready for operations and suggested July 31st as the opening day.
Following the opening the railway suffered severe overloading, as it was not until 17th November 1965 that the Victorian Railways agreed to set up Menzies Creek as a safeworking (crossing) station, thus enabling two trains to be run. From reopening in 1962, the line had operated with only 6NA and 7NA, with 7NA doing the bulk of the work. The Society requested 14NA be sent to Belgrave to enable those extra trains to be run and it was transported to Belgrave and tested on 16 th December 1965. That day there were three NA engines in steam at Belgrave - the first time in the Puffing Billy Preservation Society history.
Ron Peach
Thank you for returning your renewal forms promptly. Renewal packages will start to be sent out in the next few weeks. For those who have not replied as yet, please ensure your renewal is received by August 31st, 2010.
Lost your renewal form? - A blank form is available to print from the Membership pages at www.puffingbilly.org.au, or leave a message and we can forward you one.
Have a friend who is interested in becoming a member? - the 'New Member' Application form is also available at www.puffingbilly.org.au.
Those attending the Information Evening held in late May found it both informative and interesting, as well as being a good chance to meet other Society members and volunteers. If you are interested in attending the October Information Evening, please send an e-mail to membership@pbr.org.au so that we can organise catering etc. Details of the location and time will be advised in due course.
We advise with regret that two long standing members and volunteers recently passed away.
Laurie Bunn was a regular volunteer in Booking at Belgrave over a number of years and previously worked in Refreshment Services at Belgrave. He was responsible for designing and producing many of a quality souvenirs over the years. He also commenced the Speakers Group at Puffing Billy who would talk to groups about our famous railway.
Norm Green was a regular volunteer on Thursday's as a Conductor, checking tickets and talking to our passengers. He also previously worked on the Dinner Trains over many years on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Railway was well represented at both funerals.
Both these volunteers contributed significant voluntary hours to the railway and we are truly grateful for their input and their friendship. Both will be sadly missed and we extend our sympathies to their families at this time.
Larry James, Secretary
If anyone has borrowed the Retail tables & chairs, please return them, as we need them for our patrons.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to work at Menzies Creek, please call April Williams or Jon Medlin . (See Roster for when Jon is 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.
Check out the revamped "clock" !!!
All new trainees will be invited to a training day on Saturday 24th July with Keith Buckland. The section will be from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Any other conducting staff interested in attending a refresher please let me know.
Regards Jean
All Safeworkers are reminded of the need to ensure that all points are set for the move you intend to make before starting the move. Please ensure that all locking devices (hand locking bars etc.) are unlocked and moved out of the way before you commence shunting over the points. You may need to remove any leaves, twigs and other debris from around these devices - so please be aware of this.
It is also important following any incident, that the correct people are informed. Please make sure that you contact all the relevant people. (This would normally include OIC, Belgrave SM, Branch Managers etc.)
Rob Emmerson, Traffic Manager
By the time Monthly News has been published, I should be in Pinjarra and about to enjoy two days at the Hotham Valley Railway. From Monday 21st June I start across the Nullarbor Plains and expect to arrive in Kalgoorlie on the following Wednesday, before heading south and around the coast to Augusta.
I've been over most of the suburban metals in Adelaide and work is going well preparing for the standard gauge expected to open by 2012. Outer Harbour has been re-blocked with gauge convertible sleepers as far as North Adelaide. Currently the Gawler Line is closed part of the way as work progresses on the section from Adelaide Yard to Mawson; and work starts at Noarlunga between the terminus and Brighton on 21st June and will be done over 4 weekends.
Photographs of the new electric trains indicate they will be similar to Queensland's Rail to the Gold Coast. The tram now runs to the Convention Centre about 3 kilometres from the Adelaide Station, patronage has increased and it is proposed to increase the service when the new trams arrive.
Over the weekend of June 19th /20th I had the pleasure of riding on the Pichi Richi Railway's "Afghan Express" from Port Augusta to Quorn, and the "Barwell Bull" Railcar from Quorn to Woolshed Flat. The "Afghan Express" was hauled by former West Australian Government Railway steam locomotive W934 and the following day the train was made using an former South Australian Government Railway Railcar number 103 which was formerly based at Peterborough.
I made myself known, and the railway I am involved with, of course Puffing Billy, is fairly well known at Pichi Richi, and was asked to pass on my regards to a few people when I return. On the "Afghan Express" our carriage manager was John Bowey who gave an excellent overview about the history of the Alice Springs railway, and relative features along the way. Back at Port Augusta I was given a tour of the stabling shed by Ray Peterson who also showed me the former SAR's Commissioners Carriage which was used by General Macarthur during WW2 to tour the narrow gauge lines.
On the trip to Woolshed Flat the driver of the "Barwell Bull" was Glynn Cawthorne, who knows several PB people and wished to be remembered to them. In all, two great days were had!
On our side of things there should be some new faces let loose by the time this is published, but I'll wait till the next issue before I let everyone know who they are.
Kevin Stanes, Roster Clerk - Guards & Signalmen
Could all Track Patrollers and other personnel please note that ALL Graffiti should be reported in the graffiti book in the Belgrave SM office. If any graffiti is found on any signage or level crossing equipment please ensure that it is also put on the Track Patrollers Daily Report Form and reported to Way & Works immediately. Please ensure that all Railway Signage is sighted and reported if grafittied as necessary every morning, the signs are as important as the track itself.
Moondarra is in the process of having a revamp, so if any person is willing to throw in a volunteer day to help, please feel free to call me. For those who already have, thank you and your services will be used in the next few weeks.
Track work is still being carried out along the Beaconsfield Rd to Lakeside section, where 'bumping' of the rail is being done. We now have a machine, which we will be testing shortly, to assist in this process and this will hopefully make progress quicker. Thanks to John Shaw for organising the lend of the machine for us.
Please also note the call for a Fire Patrol Roster Clerk in the General News section.
Jason Bell, Manager W&W
In an effort to assist crews in ensuring that electrical supplies are properly connected, the system has been upgraded.
The outlet socket on all of the NALs and on the 2 power leads in the top yard have been provided with neon indicator sockets. Please check when connecting the cars that the sockets indicate that power is being supplied. The indicator inside the No.5 Road shed (on the power point near the switchboard) and the indicators on each of the outlets on the poles in No.3 Road remain in service.
Thank you to all those who have made donations to the Belgrave Signal Box Fund. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. A reminder that there are still a few days left if you are considering making a tax deductible donation this financial year.
Andrew Wheatland
Belgrave will be open on Saturday 3rd and all Wednesday nights during July.
During May 2010, 35 people recorded 536 hours at Belgrave, while Emerald had 2 people record 42 hours, a total of 662 hours for the month.
Hugh Markwick
Wednesday work nights every week from 5pm till 10pm. Saturday work days on the 1st, 3rd & 5th Saturday of every month
Construction of the rear wall on the top shed is commencing. Also new laser light panels to be fitted.
Nil this month.
Work continues on pump pluming.
Reassembly of this locomotive has commenced
After grit blasting of boiler, it was found that the boiler has severe cracking in the pressed plate work and side plates of the boiler. Work is continuing on motion and steam valves.
Awaiting final reassembly of wheels and bearings
Work continues on engine from Trolley NKS8.
Drive gear being assessed.
David Baker & Greg McLennan, Managers
Work continues on the recording and indexing of the collection.
Hugh Markwick
A reminder that we will be running a very special mixed goods train. This will provide better than usual sights, scenes and photo opportunities for those travelling. The booking form will be available in the August Monthly News. There will be limited seats so get your form in early.
The cab and bunker have been removed. The locomotive looks very flat at the moment.. Inspections have revealed the need for some repairs to the frame under the floor. These will be carried out shortly.
As was mentioned last month, the Climax needs a major injection of funds. There is still time to make a tax-deductible donation. We are also planning a scheme to help you and the Climax towards better health. It will be similar to the program that was used to fund the building of the A1 Tornado in the UK. Watch this space!
John Conway, jfgconway@yahoo.com
| MAY 2010 | 2010 | 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 70% | 67% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 90% | 76% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 80% | 81% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,079 | 3,148 |
| Loco kilometres - steam | 2,995 | 3,045 |
| Loco kilometres - diesel | 175 | 121 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 74 | 74 |
| G 42 days for month | 0 | 0 |
| Carriage kilometres | 26,545 | 24,226 |
| Carriage Days for month | 705 | 641 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,133 | 1,138 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,477 | 1,484 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 10 | 50 |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 206 | 210 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 232 | 234 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 13 | 6 |
Bob Wilson
Please note that seats for this event have now SOLD OUT and no further bookings are being taken.
For all those who have already booked, tickets for the event will be sent out to you a week or so before the event. Please contact Thelma Cotter if you have any questions.
Our annual film night, this year to be held in the sumptuous surroundings of the new auditorium at the Gemco Theatre, Emerald. Join your colleagues from Puffing Billy as we take another dip into the archives and look at the rich history of railways on film, from Australia and further afield over the last 80 years.
Tickets only $15.00 each, including complimentary cheese, biscuits, wine and soft drink served during the interval. Please book using the form accompanying this edition of "Monthly News".
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 . |
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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