Members Newsletter

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.

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