Members Newsletter. Fire Danger Reaches High Level - Diesel Power Now In Use

Transcription

1 Members Newsletter Castlemaine and Railway Preservation Society January 2013 Fire Danger Reaches High Level - Diesel Power Now In Use Following a recent lineside fire near Muckleford, and with the current extended dry period, after a wet winter, the risk of fire from operating a steam locomotive has now risen to an unacceptable point and as such, we are now running all services with diesel-electric locomotive Y133, which is on long -term loan from our good friends at the Seymour Rail Heritage Centre. This will continue until the risk of fire has decreased to an acceptable level. Thank You Neville Many members will be saddened to know that at the last meeting of the Board of Management, the resignation of long time member and Responsible Officer, Neville Elliott, was accepted. Neville has worked tirelessly for the past 10 or 11 years in the position of responsible officer which involved a great deal of work around the time of the introduction of the Rail Safety Act and regulations, and he has done this work cheerfully and in a way that made the task of dealing with the new Act and regulations much more straightforward. Neville has decided that with some health issues becoming more evident that the time is right for him to step aside and he will now look towards involvement in other areas of the Railway, while assisting with the transition to a new Responsible Officer. The Board acknowledges Neville's contribution over the years and many will recall that he was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Society at last year's Annual General Meeting. The Board has recommended that Vice President Paul McDonald assume the title of Responsible Officer and also acknowledges the considerable work load this will mean so it has been decided to establish a team who will administer the Safety Management System and assist with the ground work involved. In addition to the retiring Neville Elliott, former Society President Tony Llewelyn has offered to assist and Tony will be a welcome addition to the team given his experience of developing the original accreditation scheme during the 1990's. There is always a need for others to work in this important area and we are looking for interested people to offer to assist. Remember, anyone with an interest in safety systems and their management will be welcomed and we stress that this is not a solo position, but part of a team. Any member who feels they are able to contribute should please advise Paul McDonald by to paul.mcdonald@vgr.com.au. Neville Elliott was elected a life member of the society in Here, Neville is being congratulated by then president, Paul McDonald

2 Page 2 A big welcome to It promises to be an important year for our railway. There will be some significant challenges ahead for all of us. I believe the developments that will occur in the course of this year will be a significant step forward for our railway. At the time of writing we are close to finishing delivery of all of the 80 pound rail from Bandianna. The rail is now stacked in the yard at Muckleford. As members will be aware this is a significant forward planning measure for our railway. The section of track between and Muckleford remains 60 pound rail and is in need of replacement. The quantity of rail we now have will enable us to re-rail this section and bring it up to a standard similar to the section between Muckleford and Castlemaine. The fundraising required for our planned infrastructure projects is now starting to gain pace. We have identified a source of funding from the Federal Government which we believe can be around $100, and hopefully can see us with these funds around the middle of the year. We have been working hard to pursue State Government funding. Our need for funding was raised in a speech given in parliament towards the end of last year by our local member Maree Edwards. This has led to correspondence being received from the minister Louise Asher and we believe this now opens the way for us to pursue significant State Government funding. In an earlier newsletter I outlined some of our ambitious projects and I am now optimistic that we can achieve the necessary President s Column by Michael Vines funding to pursue these. In all our endeavors so far I feel we are clearly recognized as a major tourist operator in the Goldfields region. In the letter received from Louise Asher she makes it abundantly clear that this is a significant issue which can potentially attract State Government funding for us. Our railway has come a long way from the brave efforts of those who set out all those years ago to save the line. With the gradual restoration of the line itself, and the establishment of the necessary equipment and resources to operate the railway, I believe we are now moving to a position which involves seriously establishing our tourism business and moving ourselves to a new level. It is important that we are perceived to be moving in this direction, not the least of which because of our desire for further external funding, and members should be aware that we have in place a Business Plan which identifies our priorities for the ensuing years. I am pleased to report that one of the major developments of the current Board is to really revamp our training procedures not only for our crews but for all volunteer staff. A tremendous amount of work has been done by Will Maylor in this area with the assistance of Les Coulton from Steamrail (who is also a member of our railway) and, now joint Operations Manager (with Brian Frewin), David Crowhurst. This newsletter includes information about various training sessions which are available for all interested members. This is important in regard to our proposed joint venture with Steamrail and the need for more volunteers to be qualified in the various areas required to operate our railway. I believe Steamrail will now be actively promoting the venture via their membership with a view to attracting the necessary volunteers needed for the extra running day which will come into place this year. It is planned to commence an extra weekly running day from the 1st of April I have been terribly pleased with the very (Continued on page 3)

3 Page 3 (Continued from page 2) good working relationship we have already with Steamrail. K190 continues to operate on our railway though fire restrictions in the hotter recent months have compelled us to run with a diesel. We have presented really well to the public with the carriages we have been able to utilize from Steamrail. In the earlier months of this year we will be really ramping up our first class service. The arrival of Macedon is now imminent and some refurbishment work (including repainting) is to be done to Tambo. As members will be aware, Andrew Reynolds is our First Class manager and I feel members should be excited at the prospect of our revamped First Class service which will come into play on the arrival of Macedon. Towards the middle of this year we are planning a major enthusiasts event in conjunction with Steamrail. The initial proposal for this has been submitted to them. We are hoping this event can see a main line operation which will involve Castlemaine as a destination and using our turntable and possible temporary locomotives servicing facility there. There are plans to bring some further steam locomotives to our line for this event from Steamrail and subject to regulatory approval, some heritage rolling stock as well. With this in mind we are accelerating completion of the carriage shed at Castlemaine and we plan to have the track laid into the shed in the course of February. This would enable us to stable any special heritage rolling stock under cover when it is visiting the VGR. The above is just a snap shot of what we have in store for 2013 and beyond. I hope our members and those looking at our railway from outside can feel excited at the thought of these developments and their potential. Needless to say our ability to achieve our goals depends upon the support of all the members and volunteers. As I have said previously in articles in this newsletter your Board is working effectively to further the heritage of our railway and our tourist business. Stand by for more as 2013 unfolds. Michael Vines President Heat Stress Prevention and Management Guide Heat stress or heat exhaustion arises when the body s temperature controlling mechanism cannot cope with the environment coupled with a consequent excessive elevation of body temperature. Symptoms Thirst Headaches Muscle cramps Fatigue Giddiness/Faint feeling Irritability Nausea/Vomiting Confusion Signs Pallor Rapid pulse [Tachycardia] Rapid breathing [Tachypnoea] Elevated body temperature Initial sweating which ceases as condition worsens and dry/hot skin develops. Mental confusion/altered conscious state/collapse Prevention - Most Important No Alcohol prior to working in a hot area. Adequate physical fitness. Avoid heat stress if recovering from illness. Avoid nylons and synthetics Have a reasonably substantial breakfast prior to commencing work with caffeine in moderation Consume clear fluids prior to and during working in heat. Supplement with sports drinks [electrolyte replacement] during work period. Position yourself near moving air away from heat source if possible. Clothing should be protective but loose enough to allow circulation of air Consider tying a wet sweat rag around neck or wear a neck tie evaporative cooler Management Remove person from heat source Loosen/remove clothing as appropriate Give cool clear oral fluid if tolerated Lie person down in cool position with circulating air Sprinkle with water/wet towels to skin [if seriously ill apply cold packs to neck/armpit area/ groins i.e. where main arteries run If person collapsed or not responding to treatment call an ambulance and urgently seek trained medical attention A significant milestone has been reached with all the rail and fittings that we have been allocated, now having been transported to Muckleford. As members will be aware, this rail is destined to replace the life expired 60 lb rail that constitutes the line from to Muckleford. When mentioning our rail recovery from Bandiana we have been somewhat remiss in not mentioning the role of the Tourist & Heritage sector of Public Transport Victoria. We also need to clarify that the material has not been made available through the good graces of VicTrack but through Tourist & Heritage Registrar Adrian Ponton has lead negotiations to ensure that material that would otherwise go to scrap is made available to groups in the Tourist & Heritage sector. This means groups have access to important materials at a very reasonable price and in many cases considerably below retail market Bandiana Rail Recovery value. It also means we are not competing with scrap merchants on their terms. The material became available to the Tourist and Heritage Sector on an 'as is where is basis' through the negotiations of the Department of Transport (now Public Transport Victoria). Without this intervention the material would have been sold as scrap, or tourist railways requiring the material would have had to purchase it at scrap prices. Similarly, in previous reports reference to the supply of serviceable sleepers has acknowledged VicTrack. In fact these sleepers have been released from the Metropolitan Network ahead of their life expiry due to the replacement of timber sleepers with low profile concrete sleepers. Again, these sleepers are made available to the Tourist and Heritage Groups through the Department of Transport. Passenger Numbers It is pleasing to report that passenger numbers are up by 4% on last year, which is encouraging. A tight control on our operating costs has been in place for this financial year, with the requirement to be extra vigilant, as we have large capital outlay over the period with the completion of the carriage shed, including lighting, fire systems, track and points all to be installed and paid for. We also have incurred large transport and recovery costs for the recovered rail from Bandiana - in the vicinity of $80,000 - meaning that the board has been putting a large amount of effort in to securing government and private funding to allow us to complete these projects as they re vital to us continuing operating and preserving a significant part of Victoria s rail heritage.

4 Page 4 Our Proud Sponsors

5 Page 5 Volunteers working on the train will have noticed we get a number of Red Balloon passengers and our last newsletter featured feedback from some of our Red Balloon passengers. Who are these Red Balloon people? Simply, it is an organisation in the business of providing fulfilling life experiences, generally packaged with meal and or accommodation options. As the intro to their web site says We believe everyone deserves to have fun, feel good and be happy...we are in the business of fun and are passionate about giving people more good times. Their philosophy is that there is too much stuff in the world and the quality of time spent with people that matter to us is scarce and precious. The good life is better lived by doing things than having things. Experiential purchases make people happier than material purchases. Red Balloon was founded in 2001 and is now one of Australia s most successful on line businesses. The range of experiences is amazing and covers just about everything in the air, on and under the water, on the roads and race track, adventure sports, as well as the more sedate romantic getaways, touring, restaurants, wine tastings and so on. There are over 3,000 experiences from 1,000 suppliers with over 600 just in Victoria. If you are wanting an unusual gift for someone special, celebrating a significant birthday or a gift for someone who has everything, try the Red Balloon website. It would be difficult not to find something appropriate for any occasion. The VGR options are a day package with just Red Balloon a train ride, a short stay with train ride and accommodation at the Eaglehawk Motel and the Driver Experience. On the VGR Red Ballooners receive special attention from their arrival at the station. They travel First Class, receive a cheese platter and drink and guide book and one of them gets to ride on the loco for a section. I have to say that for most people the cab ride is an absolute highlight and they come back quite animated. Often they then boast to the rest of the passengers in Tambo s lounge how good it was. It also gives them an appreciation of just how hard the crew work on the loco. We do treat the Red Ballooners as special as we do most of the first class passengers. The philosophy of the Red Balloon organisation is similar to that of the railway. We are not just providing a train ride, we are offering an experience. Judging from the Red Balloon comments we generally do it well. People appreciate being treated as special and I do believe that one of the strengths of our railway is the number of volunteers that do just that. Most passenger feedback is very positive. However we still have a very small minority of volunteers who regard passengers as a nuisance or getting in the way of them enjoying their hobby. I can only reiterate the request in the last newsletter that all volunteers make that extra effort to engage with the passengers to ensure they have an enjoyable and memorable time on the VGR. Andrew Reynolds First Class Manager We may not be running steam at the moment, but that doesn t mean that there aren t still great photo opportunities for keen rail photographers. Here we see the magnificent Victorian Railways liveried Y133, long-end leading, hauling a regular train over Winters Flat Bridge Photo by Tony Ashcat Marsden. Operations Update Log Books: Powered vehicles which operate on our Railway mostly have log books as part of their equipment. It has recently become evident that some log books are not being used correctly. In all vehicles and this includes locomotives, log books are used to record important information particularly relating to repairs but also fuel and lubricant useage, the latter more so in relation to the Hi-Rail vehicles. All crews are requested to ensure that log books are correctly completed for each day and, in the case of the Nissan Hi-Rail where it is being used for both the track and fire patrol, Both crews complete as required. Random checks will be carried out to ensure log books are being completed correctly. Turntables: It has come to the notice of staff working at the Railway that the Castlemaine turn table has again been used incorrectly and damage has occurred which will require staff to be diverted from other important tasks to remedy. Again, we reinforce the point that the locking bar is not to be used as a hand brake. The turn table is to be walked around and eased into the correct position, brought to a complete stop and then and only then, the locking bar may be engaged. Under no circumstance is the locking bar to be used to stop the turn table from rotating. If the turn table goes beyond the locking point it is to be walked back into the correct position and stopped completely before engaging the locking bar. Standard Operating Procedure There have been some instances noted recently particularly involving road vehicles including Hi-Rail equipment and various tools and other items where the operator has stepped into the vehicle or used the equipment without first checking that fuel, lubricants, coolant and so on, are adequate for the task in hand. The log books in Hi-rail vehicles have a Standard Operating Procedure in them and users of equipment such as chain saws, brush cutters, rattle gun, drills etc., are reminded to check for correct fuel and lubricant before starting. The extra time taken to properly carry out the pre-start checks should ensure trouble free operation and is likely to mean the workshop staff spend less time on repairs that are possibly avoidable. At this time of the year ALL operators are reminded of the need to be extremely careful with the use outside of powered tools and equipment, bearing in mind the very high to extreme fire danger being experienced in the North Central region of the State. Please exercise care and discretion and if in doubt refer to either Mick Compagnoni or Brad Cooper for further direction. Again, random checks will be carried out to ensure this is happening. (Continued on page 6)

6 Page 6 Let There Be Light (Numbers) by Tony (Ashcat) Marsden When Pyle National electric headlights were introduced by the Victorian Railways for their locomotives during the 1920s, the design chosen included provision for the engine s number to be displayed on both sides of the main headlight. These numbers were painted on small glass panes 282mm x 156mm x 3mm [11in x 6in x 3/16in for us mature age people] in size. These panes were then placed in metal triangular shaped receptacles called side angle number boards which were located either side of the circular main glass. They were hinged to the body of the headlight. Behind the number glass was another glass pane, which was slightly frosted. From a distance this made the number appear to be painted white. Both panes were then clipped into the side angle number boards and a small globe in the back of the headlight illuminated them. Pyle also made headlights with number boards that were flat. Based in Chicago, USA, Pyle National was established in It began manufacturing these headlights in 1918 after making the first loco headlight with an incandescent globe in The lights were an instant success. Derailments and incidents of hitting livestock were greatly reduced. By 1915, 31 US states had made it law that locos operating in those states be equipped with Pyle Electric headlights. In that same year, US Congress made it Federal law that all locos be fitted with electric headlights. This virtually assured the Pyle Company a long life as they had cornered the market. They are still trading today. Their history is a fascinating read and this link is worth a look: When VGR ran its second SteamFreight weekend in 1999, it was decided to have K 160 masquerade as stored K 157 just to add a little variety. Colin Boldiston organised the casting of a set of number plates and I volunteered to make a set of light numbers. K 160 s light numbers were not genuine, being a single glass pane with numbers painted in white and no frost pane. As time was short, to make life easy when changing the light numbers, I cheated a little and only used one glass pane for each number painting the number in white because we had no frosted glass backing. Having done these numbers, I was asked to do a set for J 549 as one had broken. Again I cheated painting white numbers. Part way through J 549 s current overhaul, I volunteered to once again make a set of light numbers, as the previous ones I had done were somewhat battle scarred. In restoring all aspects of our branch line we have always tried to be as close as possible to the original items be they locos, carriages, lineside infrastructure, signals, uniforms etc. The major overhaul gave me plenty of time to be original, so I cleaned the glasses as much as possible. Some genuine oil smoke stains still remain though. The number outlines are marked out, then the glass is painted black with the number appearing clear. A local glass dealer had suitable frosted glass, so I had two panes cut. Thus when 549 returns, the light numbers will be as genuine as possible. Whilst this contribution is probably the most miniscule in the whole restoration, I was still very happy to do it, as I believe a wellpresented engine creates a great impression with our passengers. Included are some pictures of the restoration. One shows the light numbers after being taken from the headlight. Another shows them after restoration one sits on the frosted glass whilst the other sits on a white board with the frosted pane above it. As an aside, at one stage some VR locos had a variation from the original, where the number was painted in black on clear glass with a rear frost pane. J 541 had this type of light number when it ran on our line. Included is a picture of J 515 beside J 541 showing the two types of light number. 541 has original size numbers whilst 515 has smaller numbers that are not an authentic representation. looks like I have another task! I know our multi-talented workshops manager Mick has some clear glass and is a skilled glass cutter. Time for a grovelling phone call. (Continued from page 5) Fire Cleaning: Although, at the time this information was prepared the Railway was using exclusively Diesel power for all trains, it is timely to remind loco crews that fires are not, at any time to be dropped where there are timber sleepers. There have been instances where timber sleepers have been burnt almost completely through with possible severe consequences from this action. Some issues regarding the quality of coal delivered to the Railway in recent times have been overcome and it should not be necessary to open ash pan slides except in designated fire cleaning areas. When steam locomotive operations resume, this aspect will be carefully monitored. To quote from the days of the Victorian Railways all concerned to note and arrange

7 Page 7 Memories of the Flying Scotsman 1988: Beginnings by Alf Batchelder 2013 marks the 25th anniversary of one of the great Australian railway events of the 20th Century; Aus Steam 88. This event featured some wonderful trips behind many different locomotives. The undoubted highlight was the visit to Australia of perhaps the most famous locomotive in the world, LNER A3, Flying Scotsman. They are unquestionably the greatest force in railways, making decisions that, more often than not, perplex ordinary mortals. Occasionally, though, they come up with something absolutely brilliant that staggers belief. Early in 1987, rumours were circulating that, for the 1988 Bicentenary, they were organising a Melbourne festival of steam. The man behind this plan was Yarrambat postmaster Wal Stuchbery. From late 1986, he had chaired a committee that aimed to stage a once only Steam and Transport Spectacular, highlighting the role of railways in Australia s development. By May 1987, the Bicentennial Authority, the Victorian Ministry of Transport and the Victorian Tourism Commission had approved the biggest railway gathering ever held in Australia. However, not even that exciting prospect quite prepared us for the April 1988 announcement that, for Aus Steam 88, they were bringing the Flying Scotsman from England. Initially, it was hoped to bring Mallard or the Duchess of Hamilton to Australia, but after discussion with people in the UK, Wal Stuchbery was informed that, if we made approaches to Flying Scotsman Services UK, they might be favourably received. Significant as the other locomotives are, Flying Scotsman was in fact the ideal choice, for no other steam engine s name holds quite the same illustrious aura. Newsrail described her as the famous 65-year-old high speed veteran of the Golden Age of Steam, but that did not do her justice. In 1928, locomotive No.4472 had launched a world record-breaking service by running non-stop over the miles between Kings Cross and Edinburgh. Six years later, Flying Scotsman became the first steam engine officially recorded as reaching 100 mph. Having covered more than two million miles in Britain and North America, 4472 was the world s most travelled steam locomotive. Moreover, as Newsrail observed, the Scottie had always featured in children s books of our youth, and, indeed, still commands widespread interest among present generation railway enthusiasts and the general public. Flying Scotsman was originally due to leave England on August 16. As Wal Stuchbery put it, the cost for the loco to come here was quite frightening. (About $480,000, according to the Australian.) In the project s early days, the honorary committee members had scrounged expenses from their own pockets ; at one stage, it was even whispered that a house was mortgaged. Following a meeting on 30, a loan of $130,000 Flying Scotsman is lifted off the deck of the ship at Darling Habour in Sydney by the crane, Titan, before travelling to Melbourne. Photo courtesy of Grahame Black. from the Victorian government was invaluable. Nevertheless, it was not long before the project s tight budget was severely tested. A shock came after Flying Scotsman completed her summer tours: A visit was made to the UK to inspect the locomotive being overhauled and great was the surprise to see it still minus wheels and a long way from being ready. The ensuing delay meant that the (Continued on page 8)

8 Page 8 locomotive literally missed the boat. Meanwhile, the floating crane that was to unload 4472 from the ship in Melbourne had been sold unexpectedly. Consequently, the committee now had to find a ship arriving in Sydney at a suitable time, so there was a substantial increase of $45,000 in costs. For Wal Stuchbery, the situation was critical: A guarantee then had to be obtained to ensure the return of the locomotive to England as the money earmarked for this had been used up to pay for the additional transport costs to Sydney and the overland trip back to Melbourne. When the loco was eventually loaded aboard one of the world s fastest container ships, the 38,642-ton P&O vessel New Zealand Pacific, it was at least three weeks behind schedule. The ship called at Melbourne s Swanson Dock on October 11, but Flying Scotsman was hidden behind a wall of containers, just a couple of kilometres from her intended destination in Spencer Street. By the time she was finally unloaded by Sydney s Titan floating crane on October 16, the first Aus Steam events were already underway in Melbourne. Flying Scotsman sits on deck on New Zealand Pacific. Photo courtesy of Kevin Waid. Although spark arrestors had to be made to Australian standards, brakes modified, lights fitted, and a test run conducted, 4472 was steaming towards Melbourne within 64 hours of landing in Australia. By Thursday October 20, she was waiting in the loop north of Seymour; a short distance to the south, 3801 occupied the standard gauge with a special from Melbourne. For those travelling behind 3801, the day held a touch of frustration. Though they could see the steam rising from Flying Scotsman, the famous visitor was too far away to be visible. However, any disappointment they felt was swept away by 3801 s run back to Melbourne. The day had given veteran Victorian driver Jim Seletto his only opportunity to drive Since it was on the very track and with the very load I had always wanted to test her with, he made the return trip something to remember. Delayed by track work near Apex Quarries, the train was running fifteen minutes late: The magnificent New South Wales streamlined locomotive, 3801 waits at Seymour on the run to Melbourne for Aus Steam 88. Photo courtesy of the author. So I again set her in minimum cutoff and waited to see what she could do. Hells bells, did she go. By Kilmore East, she was accelerating up the grade like the Riverina Express; by Wandong, she was chattering along like a machine gun, still accelerating up the Great Dividing Range, so I let her have another quarter-turn on the power reverser, and we flew over Heathcote Junction faster than I ve ever been over the top before, doing an estimated 50 m.p.h., and she wasn t even trying I was still stunned when we arrived at Spencer Street a quarter-of-an-hour early. In the meantime, 4472 and her small consist were on the move. Anxious for an early glimpse, I drove out towards Tottenham. After a few minutes, I heard the shrill whistle of 4472 approaching. As I listened to the distinctive beat of her three cylinders, it was hard to believe that the legendary loco was indeed here. For an instant, it seemed that a page from one of my childhood railway books had come to life before my eyes. I went home thinking that Flying Scotsman would need to be very good to rival 3801 s exhilarating performance. Little did I know that the next few months would be among the most memorable of my life. Sources: Flying Scotsman is Coming, Newsrail, May 1988, p.132. Jenkin, Ian, et al: A Vintage Year for Steam, ARHS Victorian Division, Melbourne, Rowley, David: Flying Scotsman makes tracks for Down Under, The Australian, April 19, 1988, p.5. Seletto, Jim: The 3801 and I, Australian Railway Enthusiast, 1989, p.19. Stuchbery, Walter: The journey to Australia, in Flying Scotsman Pendennis Castle Reunion Tour, Official Commemorative Booklet, Troubador Publications, Melville, 1989, p.6. The story of Flying Scotsman s visit to Australia will continue next month

9 Page 9 Training News The following courses will be conducted over the next two months and all volunteers and potential volunteers are urged to attend the particular course that suits your role on the railway. If you are interested in attending any of the listed courses please contact Will Maylor via training@vgr.com.au or prior to the session. Some sessions have maximum numbers of participants. Date Course Location Times Precis 16th Feb 23rd Feb 23rd Feb 23 rd Feb 23rd Feb 2nd 2nd 9th 16th 23rd 30th Shunting Course (One Day Course Shunting Course (One Day Course Locomotive Trainee Induction to Workshop and Locomotives Conductors & Shop Sales Officer Course Information Session for prospective Guards, re: Medicals, expectations, commitments, Q&A, etc Booking Officer / Master / O.I.C Course Guard / Signalman Course Part 1 Guard / Signalman Course Part 2 Guard / Signalman Course Part 3 Guard / Signalman Course Part 4 Guard / Signalman Course Part 5 Yard 10 am Start, Lunch Yard 10 am Start, Lunch Workshop Castlemaine Castlemaine 1.30pm pm Start, Lunch to Start, Lunch. 10 am Start, Lunch 10 am Start, Lunch 10 am Start, Lunch 10 am Start, Lunch 10 am Start, Lunch Off The Rails A shunters course is being run for all people directly involved with the movement and operations of locomotive, rolling-stock and trains. The shunting course is a pre-requisite for Guards / Signalman & Locomotive Trainees. This course will take only one day to complete, please select the date which could suit you most This Course is for all prospective Loco Crews, this course can be taken in conjunction with the shunting course also available on the 23rd Feb. Conductors & Shop Sales Officer Courses are prerequisites for Master/ Booking Officer & Officer in Charge (O.I.C) roles, these courses are aimed to introduce and familiarise anyone interested in volunteering in the VGR Customer Services Division. This initial information session will be attended by the VGR's operations managers, training managers and medical examiner to answer any of your questions. Booking Officers / Masters & O.I.C Course is for volunteers wishing to undertake those critical roles. Guard / Signallers course will be run over five session. Completion of this 5 part course, with practical training, will allow the trainee to sit the ATR Safeworking examination As we re in the business of looking after our customers, it is important to be serving them high quality food and beverages in a safe and professional manner. As such, volunteers working in our shops and on our First Class service are encouraged to take part in some of the courses being run by Castlemaine Continuing Education. The courses being run include: Food Handling Courses on Feb 20th, 9-30 till cost $ 80, Food Supervisors Course on Feb 27th, 9-30 till cost $90, Responsible Serving of Alcohol Courses Feb 26th,9-30 till cost $90, Barista Courses on Feb 15th, 1 till 4pm- cost $90. If you are interested in any of these courses please keep your receipt and you may claim it as a tax deduction upon presentation to the VGR. Please contact Christine Gibb on for any enquires

10 Page 10 Carriage Shed Progress Tourist and Heritage e-news The Tourist & Heritage division of Public Transport Victoria produce a bi-monthly 'enews' newsletter to which anyone can subscribe. It contains news about all Heritage operations, forthcoming special events etc and is very informative. Members may like to subscribe at and selecting the 'subscribe' link. It certainly increases awareness of what other like minded groups are doing and helps to broaden one's horizons of the Heritage sector. It is an example of 'your taxes at work' and is another positive example of what the T & H division is doing to publicise and promote ventures such as ours. Work is progressing on the carriage shed at Castlemaine, with all 12 doors having been manufactured and hung. The picture, above, shows the cladding being attached and the portable elevated platform that was very useful in the process. Shortly we ll be working to peg out the line of the track and to level the interior and approach to the shed. Fare Review The board has recently reviewed our fares and has compared our prices to several other tourist attractions including Sovereign Hill (Ballarat), Puffing Billy, Melbourne Aquarium, Bellarine Railway (Queenscliff), Melbourne Zoo, South Gippsland Railway, Penguin Parade (Phillip Island), Village Cinemas (Standard movie showing), Mornington Tourist Railway, Scienceworks (Melbourne), AFL Home and Away match at the MCG, Bendigo Vintage Talking Trams, Anakie Fairy Park. The result of this review is that we have determined that fares Excursion Class fares will remain unchanged for the 2013/14 year. First Class fares will be reviewed once the magnificent Pullman carriage, Macedon, enters service later in the year. Steam Trains for Kids fares have also been reviewed and the following new fare structure agreed upon. Steam Trains for Kids Fares Recently, this broken rail was detected by the Fire Patrol that was following a regular service, close to the tip at. We were able to repair it before the next running day. Photo by Darryl O Brien. On-line Tickets Parents, Grandparents & Friends $22.00 $24.00 Kinder & School Kids $12.00 $14.00 Pre-Kinder Kids $2.00 $3.00 The Whole Family $65.00 $75.00 Walk-Up Tickets Membership Renewals These have been included in this mail-out. Please consider making a donation to assist in our re -railing work between and Muckleford. Every cent will allow us to complete this task sooner rather than later! Talking Shop We have recently taken delivery of a small order of mugs with the Victorian Goldfields Railway logo on them. These high quality mugs are available with our two other recent designs - one with K160 hauling a mixed train over Winters Flat bridge and the other with J515 and J541 hauling a passenger train through the forest. These are all available from the and Castlemaine shops Victorian Goldfields Railway General Office and Marketing P.O. Box 51, CASTLEMAINE VIC 3450 Phone: (03) Facsimile: (03) marketing@vgr.com.au for bookings, Train Times & Fares information or cmr@vgr.com.au for all other enquiries Castlemaine Railway Kennedy Street, Castlemaine Phone: (03) Facsimile: (03) Railway Hornsby Street, Telephone: (03) If you would like to contribute an article, a photo or a letter to the Members Newsletter, you can send it to newsletter@vgr.com.au