Castlemaine and Maldon Railway Preservation Members Society

Newsletter 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. Neville Elliott was elected a life member of the society in 2011. Any member who feels they are able to contribute should please advise Paul Here, Neville is being congratulated by then president, Paul McDonald by e-mail to [email protected]. McDonald January 2013 Page 2

President’s Column

A big welcome to 2013. It promises to be an by Michael Vines and resources to operate the railway, I important year for our railway. There will be believe we are now moving to a position some significant challenges ahead for all of us. which involves seriously establishing our I believe the developments that will occur in tourism business and moving ourselves to a the course of this year will be a significant new level. It is important that we are step forward for our railway. perceived to be moving in this direction, not the least of which because of our desire for At the time of writing we are close to further external funding, and members should finishing delivery of all of the 80 pound rail be aware that we have in place a Business from Bandianna. The rail is now stacked in Plan which identifies our priorities for the the yard at Muckleford. As members will be ensuing years. aware this is a significant forward planning measure for our railway. The section of track I am pleased to report that one of the major between Maldon and Muckleford remains 60 developments of the current Board is to pound rail and is in need of replacement. The really revamp our training procedures not quantity of rail we now have will enable us to only for our crews but for all volunteer staff. re-rail this section and bring it up to a A tremendous amount of work has been standard similar to the section between done by Will Maylor in this area with the Muckleford and Castlemaine. assistance of Les Coulton from Steamrail (who is also a member of our railway) and, The fundraising required for our planned now joint Operations Manager (with Brian infrastructure projects is now starting to gain Frewin), David Crowhurst. This newsletter pace. We have identified a source of funding includes information about various training from the Federal Government which we sessions which are available for all interested believe can be around $100,000.00 and members. This is important in regard to our hopefully can see us with these funds around funding to pursue these. proposed joint venture with Steamrail and the middle of the year. We have been the need for more volunteers to be qualified working hard to pursue State Government In all our endeavors so far I feel we are in the various areas required to operate our funding. Our need for funding was raised in a clearly recognized as a major tourist operator railway. I believe Steamrail will now be speech given in parliament towards the end of in the Goldfields region. In the letter received actively promoting the venture via their last year by our local member Maree from Louise Asher she makes it abundantly membership with a view to attracting the Edwards. This has led to correspondence clear that this is a significant issue which can necessary volunteers needed for the extra being received from the minister Louise potentially attract State Government funding running day which will come into place this Asher and we believe this now opens the way for us. Our railway has come a long way from year. It is planned to commence an extra for us to pursue significant State Government the brave efforts of those who set out all weekly running day from the 1st of April funding. In an earlier newsletter I outlined those years ago to save the Maldon line. With 2013. some of our ambitious projects and I am now the gradual restoration of the line itself, and I have been terribly pleased with the very optimistic that we can achieve the necessary the establishment of the necessary equipment (Continued on page 3) January 2013 Page 3

(Continued from page 2) Heat Stress Prevention and Management Guide good working relationship we have already Heat stress or heat exhaustion arises when the body’s temperature controlling mechanism with Steamrail. K190 continues to operate on cannot cope with the environment coupled with a consequent excessive elevation of body our railway though fire restrictions in the temperature. hotter recent months have compelled us to run with a diesel. We have presented really Symptoms well to the public with the carriages we have Thirst Headaches Muscle cramps been able to utilize from Steamrail. In the Fatigue Giddiness/Faint feeling Irritability earlier months of this year we will be really Nausea/Vomiting Confusion ramping up our first class service. The arrival of Macedon is now imminent and some Signs refurbishment work (including repainting) is Pallor Rapid pulse [Tachycardia] to be done to Tambo. As members will be Rapid breathing [Tachypnoea] Elevated body temperature aware, Andrew Reynolds is our First Class Initial sweating which ceases as condition worsens and dry/hot skin develops. manager and I feel members should be Mental confusion/altered conscious state/collapse excited at the prospect of our revamped First Class service which will come into play on the Prevention - Most Important arrival of Macedon. No Alcohol prior to working in a hot area. Adequate physical fitness. Avoid heat stress if recovering from illness. Avoid nylons and synthetics Towards the middle of this year we are Have a reasonably substantial breakfast prior to commencing work with caffeine in moderation planning a major enthusiasts event in Consume clear fluids prior to and during working in heat. conjunction with Steamrail. The initial Supplement with sports drinks [electrolyte replacement] during work period. proposal for this has been submitted to them. Position yourself near moving air – away from heat source if possible. We are hoping this event can see a main line Clothing should be protective but loose enough to allow circulation of air operation which will involve Castlemaine as a Consider tying a wet sweat rag around neck or wear a neck tie evaporative cooler destination and using our turntable and possible temporary locomotives servicing Management facility there. There are plans to bring some Remove person from heat source Loosen/remove clothing as appropriate further steam locomotives to our line for this Give cool clear oral fluid if tolerated Lie person down in cool position with circulating air event from Steamrail and subject to Sprinkle with water/wet towels to skin [if seriously ill apply cold packs to neck/armpit area/ regulatory approval, some heritage rolling groins – i.e. where main arteries run stock as well. With this in mind we are If person collapsed or not responding to treatment call an ambulance and urgently seek trained accelerating completion of the carriage shed medical attention at Castlemaine and we plan to have the track laid into the shed in the course of February. Bandiana Rail Recovery This would enable us to stable any special heritage rolling stock under cover when it is A significant milestone has been reached with value. It also means we are not competing visiting the VGR. all the rail and fittings that we have been with scrap merchants on their terms. allocated, now having been transported to The above is just a snap shot of what we have Muckleford. As members will be aware, this The material became available to the Tourist in store for 2013 and beyond. I hope our rail is destined to replace the life expired 60 lb and Heritage Sector on an 'as is where is basis' members and those looking at our railway rail that constitutes the line from Maldon to through the negotiations of the Department of from outside can feel excited at the thought Muckleford. Transport (now Public Transport ). of these developments and their potential. Without this intervention the material would Needless to say our ability to achieve our When mentioning our rail recovery from have been sold as scrap, or tourist railways goals depends upon the support of all the Bandiana we have been somewhat remiss in requiring the material would have had to members and volunteers. As I have said not mentioning the role of the Tourist & purchase it at scrap prices. previously in articles in this newsletter your Heritage sector of Public Transport Victoria. Board is working effectively to further the We also need to clarify that the material has Similarly, in previous reports reference to the heritage of our railway and our tourist not been made available through the good supply of serviceable sleepers has business. Stand by for more as 2013 unfolds. graces of VicTrack but through Tourist & acknowledged VicTrack. In fact these sleepers Heritage Registrar Adrian Ponton has lead have been released from the Metropolitan Michael Vines negotiations to ensure that material that Network ahead of their life expiry due to the President would otherwise go to scrap is made available replacement of timber sleepers with low to groups in the Tourist & Heritage sector. profile concrete sleepers. Again, these This means groups have access to important sleepers are made available to the Tourist and materials at a very reasonable price and in Heritage Groups through the Department of many cases considerably below retail market 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 2012-15 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. January 2013 Page 4

Our Proud Sponsors January 2013 Page 5

Red Balloon Operations Update

Volunteers working on the train will have a train ride, a short stay with train ride and Log Books: Powered vehicles which noticed we get a number of Red Balloon accommodation at the Eaglehawk Motel and operate on our Railway mostly have log passengers and our last newsletter featured the Driver Experience. On the VGR Red books as part of their equipment. It has feedback from some of our Red Balloon Ballooners receive special attention from recently become evident that some log books passengers. their arrival at the station. They travel First are not being used correctly. In all vehicles Class, receive a cheese platter and drink and and this includes locomotives, log books are Who are these Red Balloon people? Simply, it guide book and one of them gets to ride on used to record important information is an organisation in the business of providing the loco for a section. I have to say that for particularly relating to repairs but also fuel fulfilling life experiences, generally packaged most people the cab ride is an absolute and lubricant useage, the latter more so in with meal and or accommodation options. highlight and they come back quite animated. relation to the Hi-Rail vehicles. All crews are Often they then boast to the rest of the requested to ensure that log books are As the intro to their web site says ” We passengers in Tambo’s lounge how good it correctly completed for each day and, in the believe everyone deserves to have fun, feel good was. It also gives them an appreciation of just case of the Nissan Hi-Rail where it is being and be happy. …..We are in the business of fun how hard the crew work on the loco. We do used for both the track and fire patrol, Both and are passionate about giving people more treat the Red Ballooners as “special” as we crews complete as required. Random checks good times” . Their philosophy is that there is do most of the first class passengers. will be carried out to ensure log books are too much “stuff” in the world and the quality being completed correctly. of time spent with people that matter to us is The philosophy of the Red Balloon scarce and precious. “The good life is better organisation is similar to that of the railway. Turntables: It has come to the notice of lived by doing things than having things. We are not just providing a train ride, we are staff working at the Railway that the Experiential purchases make people happier than offering an experience. Judging from the Red Castlemaine turn table has again been used material purchases.” Red Balloon was founded Balloon comments we generally do it well. incorrectly and damage has occurred which in 2001 “and is now one of ’s most People appreciate being treated as special and will require staff to be diverted from other successful on line businesses”. I do believe that one of the strengths of our important tasks to remedy. Again, we railway is the number of volunteers that do reinforce the point that the locking bar is not The range of experiences is amazing and just that. Most passenger feedback is very to be used as a hand brake. The turn table covers just about everything in the air, on and positive. However we still have a very small is to be walked around and eased into the under the water, on the roads and race track, minority of volunteers who regard passengers correct position, brought to a complete stop adventure sports, as well as the more sedate as a nuisance or getting in the way of them and then and only then, the locking bar may romantic getaways, touring, restaurants , wine enjoying their hobby. I can only reiterate the be engaged. Under no circumstance is the tastings and so on. There are over 3,000 request in the last newsletter that all locking bar to be used to stop the turn table experiences from 1,000 suppliers with over volunteers make that extra effort to engage from rotating. If the turn table goes beyond 600 just in Victoria. If you are wanting an with the passengers to ensure they have an the locking point it is to be walked back into unusual gift for someone special, celebrating a enjoyable and memorable time on the VGR. the correct position and stopped completely significant birthday or a gift for someone who before engaging the locking bar. has everything, try the Red Balloon website. It would be difficult not to find something Andrew Reynolds Standard Operating Procedure appropriate for any occasion. First Class Manager There have been some instances noted The VGR options are a day package with just 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 We may not be running steam at the moment, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still carried out to ensure this is happening. great photo opportunities for keen rail photographers. Here we see the magnificent liveried Y133, long-end leading, hauling a regular train over Winters Flat Bridge Photo by Tony ‘Ashcat’ Marsden. (Continued on page 6) January 2013 Page 6

Let There Be Light (Numbers) by Tony (Ashcat) Marsden

When Pyle National electric headlights were K 160’s light numbers were not genuine, numbers will be as genuine as possible. introduced by the Victorian Railways for their being a single glass pane with numbers locomotives during the 1920s, the design painted in white and no frost pane. As time Whilst this contribution is probably the most chosen included provision for the engine’s was short, to make life easy when changing miniscule in the whole restoration, I was still number to be displayed on both sides of the the light numbers, I cheated a little and only very happy to do it, as I believe a well- main headlight. These numbers were painted used one glass pane for each number painting presented engine creates a great impression on small glass panes 282mm x 156mm x 3mm the number in white because we had no with our passengers. [11in x 6in x 3/16in for us mature age people] frosted glass backing. Having done these in size. These panes were then placed in numbers, I was asked to do a set for J 549 as metal triangular shaped receptacles called one had broken. Again I cheated painting ‘side angle number boards’ which were white numbers. 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 1897. It began manufacturing these headlights in 1918 after making the first loco headlight with an incandescent globe in 1913. The lights were an instant success. Included are some pictures of the restoration. Derailments and incidents of hitting livestock One shows the light numbers after being were greatly reduced. By 1915, 31 US states taken from the headlight. Another shows had made it law that locos operating in those them after restoration – one sits on the states be equipped with Pyle Electric Part way through J 549’s current overhaul, I frosted glass whilst the other sits on a white headlights. In that same year, US Congress volunteered to once again make a set of light board with the frosted pane above it. made it Federal law that all locos be fitted numbers, as the previous ones I had done with electric headlights. This virtually assured were somewhat ‘battle scarred’. In restoring As an aside, at one stage some VR locos had the Pyle Company a long life as they had all aspects of our branch line we have always a variation from the original, where the cornered the market. They are still trading tried to be as close as possible to the original number was painted in black on clear glass today. Their history is a fascinating read and items be they locos, carriages, lineside with a rear frost pane. J 541 had this type of this link is worth a look: infrastructure, signals, uniforms etc. The light number when it ran on our line. Included http://www.trainweb.org/gyra/history.htm major overhaul gave me plenty of time to be is a picture of J 515 beside J 541 showing the ‘original’, so I cleaned the glasses as much as two types of light number. 541 has original When VGR ran its second SteamFreight possible. Some genuine oil smoke stains still size numbers whilst 515 has smaller numbers weekend in 1999, it was decided to have K remain though. The number outlines are that are not an authentic representation …. 160 masquerade as stored K 157 – just to marked out, then the glass is painted black looks like I have another task! I know our add a little variety. Colin Boldiston organised with the number appearing clear. A local glass multi-talented workshops manager Mick has the casting of a set of number plates and I dealer had suitable frosted glass, so I had two some clear glass and is a skilled glass cutter. volunteered to make a set of ‘light numbers’. panes cut. Thus when 549 returns, the light 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” January 2013 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 329.7 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 Flying Scotsman is lifted off the deck of the ship at Darling Habour in Sydney by the crane, England on August 16. As Wal Stuchbery put Titan, before travelling to Melbourne. Photo courtesy of Grahame Black. it, “the cost for the loco to come here was quite frightening”. (About $480,000, from the Victorian government was A visit was made to the UK to inspect the according to the Australian.) In the project’s invaluable. locomotive being overhauled and great early days, the honorary committee members was the surprise to see it still minus had “scrounged expenses from their own Nevertheless, it was not long before the wheels and a long way from being ready. pockets”; at one stage, it was even whispered project’s tight budget was severely tested. A that a house was mortgaged. Following a shock came after Flying Scotsman completed The ensuing delay meant that the meeting on March 30, a loan of $130,000 her summer tours: (Continued on page 8) January 2013 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 Flying Scotsman sits on deck on New Zealand Pacific. Photo courtesy of Kevin Waid. was finally unloaded by Sydney’s Titan floating crane on October 16, the first Aus Steam events were already underway in Melbourne.

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 3801. 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 The magnificent New South Wales streamlined locomotive, 3801 waits at Seymour on the run Quarries, the train was running fifteen minutes late: to Melbourne for Aus Steam ’88. Photo courtesy of the author.

So I again set her in minimum cutoff and glimpse, I drove out towards Tottenham. Jenkin, Ian, et al: A Vintage Year for Steam, waited to see what she could do. Hells After a few minutes, I heard the shrill whistle ARHS Victorian Division, Melbourne, 1992. bells, did she go. By Kilmore East, she was of 4472 approaching. As I listened to the Rowley, David: “Flying Scotsman makes accelerating up the grade like the Riverina distinctive beat of her three cylinders, it was tracks for Down Under”, The Australian, April Express; by Wandong, she was chattering hard to believe that the legendary loco was 19, 1988, p.5. along like a machine gun, still accelerating indeed here. For an instant, it seemed that a Seletto, Jim: “The 3801 and I”, Australian up the Great Dividing Range, so I let her page from one of my childhood railway books Railway Enthusiast, March 1989, p.19. have another quarter-turn on the power had come to life before my eyes. I went home Stuchbery, Walter: “The journey to reverser, and we flew over Heathcote thinking that Flying Scotsman would need to be Australia”, in Flying Scotsman Pendennis Castle Junction faster than I’ve ever been over the very good to rival 3801’s exhilarating Reunion Tour, Official Commemorative top before, doing an estimated 50 m.p.h., performance. Little did I know that the next Booklet, Troubador Publications, Melville, and she wasn’t even trying … I was still few months would be among the most 1989, p.6. stunned when we arrived at Spencer Street memorable of my life. a quarter-of-an-hour early. Sources: In the meantime, 4472 and her small consist “Flying Scotsman is Coming”, Newsrail, May The story of Flying Scotsman’s visit to Australia were on the move. Anxious for an early 1988, p.132. will continue next month January 2013 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 [email protected] or 0438 037 346 prior to the session. Some sessions have maximum numbers of participants.

Date Course Location Times Precis 16th Shunting Course (One Maldon Yard 10 am Start, Lunch Feb Day Course Break at 12.00, A shunters course is being run for all people directly involved with Finish by 2.30pm the movement and operations of locomotive, rolling-stock and trains. The shunting course is a pre-requisite for Guards / 23rd Shunting Course (One Maldon Yard 10 am Start, Lunch Signalman & Locomotive Trainees. This course will take only one Feb Day Course Break at 12.00, day to complete, please select the date which could suit you most Finish by 2.30pm 23rd Locomotive Trainee Maldon 1.30pm - 3.30pm This Course is for all prospective Loco Crews, this course can be Feb Induction to Workshop taken in conjunction with the shunting course also available on the Workshop and 23rd Feb. Locomotives 23rd Conductors & Shop Castlemaine 10.00 Start, Lunch Conductors & Shop Sales Officer Courses are prerequisites for Feb Sales Officer Course Station Break at 12.00, Station Master/ Booking Officer & Officer in Charge (O.I.C) roles, Finish by 2.30pm. these courses are aimed to introduce and familiarise anyone interested in volunteering in the VGR Customer Services Division. 23rd Information Session Maldon 10.00 to 12.00 Feb for prospective Station This initial information session will be attended by the VGR's Guards, re: Medicals, operations managers, training managers and medical examiner to expectations, answer any of your questions. commitments, Q&A, etc 2nd Booking Officer / Castlemaine 10.00 Start, Lunch Booking Officers / Station Masters & O.I.C Course is for March Station Master / O.I.C Station Break at 12.00, volunteers wishing to undertake those critical roles. Course Finish by 2.30pm. 2nd Guard / Signalman Maldon 10 am Start, Lunch March Course Part 1 Station Break at 12.00, Finish by 2.30pm 9th Guard / Signalman Maldon 10 am Start, Lunch March Course Part 2 Station Break at 12.00, Finish by 2.30pm 16th Guard / Signalman Maldon 10 am Start, Lunch Guard / Signallers course will be run over five session. Completion March Course Part 3 Station Break at 12.00, of this 5 part course, with practical training, will allow the trainee Finish by 2.30pm to sit the ATR Safeworking examination 23rd Guard / Signalman Maldon 10 am Start, Lunch March Course Part 4 Station Break at 12.00, Finish by 2.30pm 30th Guard / Signalman Maldon 10 am Start, Lunch March Course Part 5 Station Break at 12.00, Finish by 2.30pm Off The Rails

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 3-30- cost $ 80,  Food Supervisors Course on Feb 27th, 9-30 till 4-30- cost $90,  Responsible Serving of Alcohol Courses Feb 26th,9-30 till 1-30- 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 0428 810 633 for any enquires January 2013 Page 10

Carriage Shed Progress Tourist and Heritage e-News The Tourist & Heritage division of Public Transport Victoria produce a bi-monthly 'e- news' 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 http://enews-touristheritage.ptv.vic.gov.au/ 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 Talking Shop manufactured and hung. The picture, above, shows the cladding being attached and the We have recently taken delivery of a small portable elevated platform that was very useful in the process. Shortly we’ll be working to peg order of mugs with the Victorian Goldfields out the line of the track and to level the interior and approach to the shed. Railway logo on them. These high quality mugs are available with our two other recent Fare Review designs - one with K160 hauling a mixed train over Winters Flat bridge and the other with The board has recently reviewed our fares J515 and J541 hauling a passenger train and has compared our prices to several other through the forest. These are all available tourist attractions including Sovereign Hill from the Maldon and Castlemaine shops (Ballarat), Puffing Billy, Melbourne Aquarium, Bellarine Railway (Queenscliff), Melbourne Zoo, , Penguin Parade (Phillip Island), Village Cinemas (Standard movie showing), Mornington Tourist Railway, Scienceworks (Melbourne), Victorian Goldfields Railway AFL Home and Away match at the MCG, General Office and Bendigo Vintage “Talking” Trams, Anakie Marketing Fairy Park. The result of this review is that P.O. Box 51, CASTLEMAINE VIC 3450 we have determined that fares Excursion

Class fares will remain unchanged for the Phone: (03) 5470 6658 2013/14 year. First Class fares will be Facsimile: (03) 5470 6272 reviewed once the magnificent Pullman carriage, Macedon, enters service later in the Email: [email protected] for bookings, year. Recently, this broken rail was detected by Train Times & Fares information or

the Fire Patrol that was following a regular [email protected] for all other enquiries Steam Trains for Kids fares have also been service, close to the tip at Maldon. We were reviewed and the following new fare able to repair it before the next running day. structure agreed upon. Photo by Darryl O’Brien. Castlemaine Railway Station Kennedy Street, Castlemaine Phone: (03) 5470 6658 Steam Trains for Kids Fares Facsimile: (03) 5470 6272

On-line Tickets Walk-Up Tickets Maldon Railway Station Hornsby Street, Maldon Parents, Grandparents & Friends $22.00 $24.00 Telephone: (03) 5475 1451 Kinder & School Kids $12.00 $14.00 www.vgr.com.au www.driveatrain.com.au Pre-Kinder Kids $2.00 $3.00 www.driveasteamtrain.com.au The Whole Family $65.00 $75.00 If you would like to contribute an article, a Membership Renewals photo or a letter to the Members These have been included in this mail-out. Please consider making a donation to assist in our re Newsletter, you can send it to -railing work between Maldon and Muckleford. Every cent will allow us to complete this task [email protected] sooner rather than later!