BETWEEN OUR LINES
Edition 1 2015
Newsletter of the Mornington Railway FROM YOUR SECRETARY PRESIDENTS REPORT By Lindsay Carlier On July 1st membership renewals Pauline Wellard – A regular in the By Andrew Swaine volunteer recruitment drive, and through Way and Works department too, and the will again be due and all members will role of conductor with her step father Sid all that continued to run our regular new Saturday Way and Works gang have ere we are, half way through the year soon receive an invitation to renew. Howard ello everyone, and welcome to the Sunday trains and Driver experiences. plans to tackle several problem areas on and what a lot has occurred on our Please renew your membership promptly new and updated version of Between And there is more to come: many things our track over the coming months. railway.H Infrastructure developments, as these funds assist in helping our cash Ian McCaskill – An early carriage OurH Lines. This is a trial to determine underway have not yet reached fruition. track work, application for rolling stock flow and ongoing needs of our railway. Manager and volunteer on the Track gang whether this new format meets with your So it’s fair to say that there is a lot and a turntable, an updated yard plan, a approval, in addition to trying out some We were saddened last month going on! To support all this activity, we replacement diesel & locomotive shed, Of recent times our Committee of Our condolences and thoughts are of our new corporate branding concepts. to have lost Captain Ian McCaskill, also need to build better relationships with continual maintenance of our carriages, Management has reviewed our volunteer with their families and they will be sadly We will gradually be updating all our one of our long serving and dedicated the local community and Government at continuing work at Baxter, a new insurance and we have now been missed by the Mornington Railway documentation to newer, fresher formats, volunteers during the Crib Point and early all levels, to build our revenue base, and to Training and Education Manager, a wood successful in securing a better deal. This family. more in keeping with our image as a Moorooduc years. Ian was our Carriage increase the number of active volunteers. preparation group, and the imminent has been outlined in a recent edition of major tourist and heritage attraction on Manager and Treasurer for many years, The Human Resources side of our railway conversion of Wooralla Drive crossing to Down our Track. As you would all know, our Secretary the Mornington Peninsula. and left an indelible mark on the MRPS. is becoming increasingly important, and a fully automated basis, to mention some. Rowan Bravington resigned from the He had been unwell for quite some time, we must support this subcommittee in You will have noticed that the Down post early in 2015, and whilst I have To begin with I’d like to thank with a rare skin cancer finally claiming their endeavours. The Committee of Management our Track publication and the notice of taken on the position in the interim, we Graham Parrett, who has been our him on the 6th of May. Rest in Peace Ian. voted in at the AGM (Annual General works and activities publication has now are still seeking a person to take on this Newsletter editor since 2003 and has Finally, we need to revisit our Meeting) in October has been working been merged into one document. This has role on a permanent basis. Should any persisted with producing Between Our The next few months show no sign proposal to start running every Sunday. very hard to address issues that have proved to be a highly useful publication member or acquaintance of our members Lines through good times and bad. It is an of being any quieter! The Deniliquin We are out of step with all the other developed and those that required to disseminate information and advertise be interested in the role, I would welcome often thankless task, but an essential one turntable must be removed from its major Tourist railways and other tourism attention. This committee with the support upcoming events around the railway. the opportunity to discuss it with them. to keep our membership and stakeholders present location by the 31st of July, and operators in the region by operating the of Subcommittees of Human Resources, informed about what we are doing. we are also taking the track and other way we do, but in making this change we Marketing, and Rail & General Safety It was very sad to hear of the passing The Committee of Management Graham has been with the MRPS since assets at the site as well. The moves of also need to be careful to not overload have been tackling issues such as training, of three of our members during the past is continuing their challenging and the very early days, and has seen many 7 CV, 59 RM and W 241 will almost our volunteers, nor to compromise the marketing issues regarding a courtesy bus months. exhaustive work and look forward to exciting events throughout his time with certainly happen in June and the Work offering we provide to our customers. I and new marketing initiatives amongst ensuring our railway continues as a major the railway. I’m hopeful that Graham for the Dole scheme starts on the 9th of would like to appoint a working party to many others and the review of several of Howard Girdler – A founding member attraction on the Mornington Peninsula will write some feature articles for future June. There are also likely to be track examine these issues and to come back our current documents. and stalwart of our railway newsletters, sharing experiences from his assets in various locations made available to the Committee of Management with many years of service. for collection later in June, and we have some recommendations as to the best way steel sleepers to collect from our friends to proceed. I will be seeking Committee The last few months have been at the Daylesford Spa Country Railway endorsement for this proposal at the June chaotic, to say the least. We’ve seen our for trial in the Baxter section. We’ve also meeting. long held dream of obtaining a 70 foot started to investigate what can be done PLANNING FOR OUR FUTURE turntable realised, our Moorooduc yard to fix Tanti station platform (which is It’s a very exciting time for the redevelopment has hit high gear, we’ve slowly collapsing towards the track), the MRPS. I urge each and every one of you acquired new locomotive and rollingstock Balcombe Creek Armco culverts (which to consider what you can do to help move ver the past few months, a group of appointed members called the Strategy Working Group (SWG) have assets, nearly finished a boiler restoration, must be repaired or replaced within the the railway forward either from home, been conducting interviews with volunteers and reviewing the operations of the Mornington Railway to stripped a carriage for a full reskinning, next ten years) and the embankment or from the railway itself. At the very O met with Mornington Peninsula Shire over Watson’s Creek on the Baxter side least, we should all be evangelists for the produce a Strategic Plan which will outline a proposed way ahead for the MRPS. Council, successfully applied for a Work (which is subsiding). There are also plans railway, helping to spread the word about for the Dole scheme, set up a crib room to extend the platform at Moorooduc, us, encourage new business and build our The SWG has been busy interviewing roadblocks to ensure that the plan is be your document and will reflect the for our locomotive crews, rebuilt the and potentially Mornington as well, and profile in the local community. individuals, department members, delivered. direction that the majority of the members problem section of our track at Wooralla we are still hopeful of finding a way to department heads, and Committee would like the organisation to take. This Drive, removed many of the problem pine extend our carriage shed and set up a members to discuss their thoughts, ideas, In the coming editions of “Down is an exciting time for the railway, and the trees at Wooralla Drive, cleared all the proper workshop for the Carriage and and suggestions. These discussions have Our Track”, all members will be invited SWG are honoured to be undertaking this remaining pine trees on the Baxter section Engineering department. We are actively been very useful and many positive ideas to complete a short questionnaire which activity on your behalf. almost as far as Sumner Road, run a searching for a tamping machine for the and proposals have emerged, which will ask for your feedback on items which have been considered by the SWG for the SWG believe are important to you. The SWG comprises the following incorporation into the plan. This feedback is very important as the members: Geoff Blake, Kristian Lofhelm, SWG are keen to receive feedback from Maurice Clarke, John Baxter, Rodney The Strategic Plan which emerges at non-active as well as active members. All Reed, and Lindsay Carlier. the end of this process will be a blueprint members are also invited to write to the mapping out a recommended way SWG with their thoughts and ideas via the It is envisaged that the Strategic forward for the MRPS over the next four email address at the end of this article. Plan will be delivered to members for to five years. Once it is debated, finalised review in the fourth quarter of 2015. and adopted by the membership, the The SWG is continually surprised and All correspondence or suggestions in challenge will be to fund it and implement encouraged by the excellent feedback and relation to the plan can be emailed to it. The SWG will continue to be involved ideas it receives from MRPS members. [email protected]. Alternatively in the implementation phase, reviewing you can write to: Strategy Group, P.O. progress, working with the volunteers The Strategic Plan will ultimately Box 193, Mornington, 3931. involved and helping to work through
Edition 1/15 FRONT COVER President Mechanical Manager Roster Officer for Diesels Andrew Swaine: 0423 200 204 Gerald Spoor: 0417 339 936 Maurice Clarke: 0401 451 887 Work is underway at Deniliquin to prepare the turntable for the big move to Vice President Traffic Manager Moorooduc. (Photograph; Kristian Lofhelm) Geoff Blake: 0409 811 616 Peter Oldridge 0468 350 380 Moorooduc Railway Station Moorooduc Highway BACK COVER Secretary Roster Officer for Catering Moorooduc Lindsay Carlier: 0416 034 572 Margaret Spillett: 9789 5194 PO Box 193 W241, which has been allocated to the Treasurer Roster Officer for S/W Mornington Victoria 3931 Roger Townsend: 0417 598 755 Michael Hamilton: 0438 361 401 Telephone: (03) 5962 2490 MRPS, is seen resting in Newport Workshops E-mail: [email protected] adjacent to the Garden Platform and should Infrastructure Manager Roster Officer for Steam www.morningtonrailway.org.au be moved to Moorooduc within the next Ken Robertson: 0418 566 826 Rodney Reed: 0401 566 151 month. (Photograph; Kristian Lofhelm) Between Our Lines 3 THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN MATTERS OF SAFETY
Our RGS (Rail & General Safety) disseminated to relevant members and some work is yet to be done before subcommittee departments. This subcommittee would this can become a reality. Thank you to like to thank in particular S.Gabriel and Rodney Reed and his team in working ince our last report we have been S.Cox for their tireless work in producing hard to repair part of the track near successful in producing and having this updated document. Wooralla Drive, by lifting the track and re itS approved of an updated SMS (Safety ballasting this area to address issues that Management System) document which At present this subcommittee is were inhibiting the running of “at speed” has now been forwarded to the National working to meet MRPS obligations to trains in this area. Some extra work and regulator for their review. Thank you to the national regulator which requires us tree clearing is still required before testing all those involved to have an SMS document in line with of the automatic crossing with trains can requirements set out from the National continue. We have also reviewed the SI Regulator by may 2016. PUTTING This subcommittee is continually (Supplementary Rules) document and, at present this has been approved by This subcommittee is also working involved in safety (both rail and O.H.& VOLUNTEERS FIRST the CoM (Committee of Management) towards the automation of Wooralla drive S.) issues and welcomes the opportunity subject to a minor amendment, once this level crossing and whilst we have been to discuss with members safety issues amendment has been approved by this able to gain approval to proceed with and recommendations from members of he Human Resources (H.R.) At present we have several positions We have also been successful in subcommittee, this document will be automation from the National regulator, initiatives that could be taken. Subcommittee has been working hard available including the position of arranging a First Aid one day course with Tto upgrade and revitalise some of our Secretary which we are hoping to fill with a date yet to be finalised. Regrettably due current brochures and assets. in the near future. At present we have had to budgetary restraints we have had to be no interest from our current membership very selective on attendees that would A proposal to revamp the membership and we are now considering advertising be subsidised by the Railway, however, cards with new corporate colours and a externally to fill this important role. should anyone not invited to participate plastic coated card to replace the existing Should any one be interested we would would like to undertake this training at APPRECIATION... laminated one has been adopted. The new welcome the opportunity to discuss the their own cost, this subcommittee would membership cards issued for the year position with you or Do you know of be delighted, to discuss the matter. 2015/2016 will be in this format. The anyone who would be available to fill this s some of you are aware, we have Mt Eliza Dad loves trains, we came along cards for the year 2016/2017 will be a full role? All in all your HR subcommittee Aa guest book for our passengers to for the ride. Lovely time. Long live the plastic card, potentially with a barcode on and team members are working hard sign if they wish to comment on their A great tourist attraction, and right on railway. Made Colin very happy… the back to aid record keeping. We have been fortunate in Rodney to achieve goals set and increase our experience of our railway. our doorstep. Well done all volunteers… Reed accepting the role of Training and volunteers as well as catering for Middlesex. UK A new volunteer brochure has been Education Manager. Rodney brings a great members welfare. Naturally we welcome Following our remarkable Easter Ohope.NZ designed and approved for use and saw depth of knowledge and experience from any recommendations put forward to us Bunny day of record attendance I feel that A superb railway with wonderful its inaugural use in May. This brochure is other railways and we all look forward by members and encourage input, which it would be remiss not to comment upon We delighted in the steam. Let’s hope people! Unforgettable! Keep up the good more colourful than the existing brochure to a very concerted effort in streamlining will always be considered and responded some of their remarks. that K177 is not too far away… work… with a more eye catching colour and and the effective management of the to, from any person or group. This also layout. Along with the new brochures a training needs of members at Mornington applies to any queries or clarifications The following commendations are a Mt Eliza Unknown new stand has been purchased which is Railway. To start on the right foot Rodney, needed by members on this committee’s testament to the professionalism shown more professional and better presented as Manager Training & Education, and decisions and actions and the members by the railwaymen and women that make It was great! Beautiful old trains. Thoroughly enjoyed the ride and than current items being used. Kristian Lofhelm, in his capacity as HR of this committee would welcome the this railway what it is today. What great work you volunteers do… the yummy sausages. Keep up the good Manager will attend a “Train the Trainer” opportunity to talk to members. work!... We have also introduced two more workshop that the ATR (Association of Here is a selection of comments Yorkshire.UK. professional pull up banners to specifically Tourist Railways) is conducting for all compiled by Arthur Stone from the gusest St Georges Basin. NSW book: target volunteers to Mornington Railway. We had a great time. The kids really It must be acknowledged the effort, time enjoyed Santa… Great fun, thanks for your hard work and graphic design that has been given Hawthorn and dedication to keep this going for to Mornington Railway from Kristian Mt Eliza future generations… Lofhelm. MARKETING What a lovely way to spend a Sunday. Keep up the good work! Wonderful restoration work, you We should all be proud of our On the 30th May the first of many we assenger numbers up! – To the end of Items for the Calendar should all be proud. The kids loved it… achievements, whether you’re working hope, volunteer information stands was May we have had 950 more passengers Edithvale with passengers, in the background on a thanP at the same time last year. Our Easter set up at Karingal Hub Shopping Centre to • Saturday 25th July, Bunnings UK and Belgium committee or on a saw bench etc… try and increase our current membership trains attracted 681 patrons, which is BBQ at Mornington – This semi annual A fine project, well done. Thanks and in particular active members to assist an all time record. The Marketing sub- event is a chance to raise money and volunteers… current members in a view to running committee are now planning our next advertise Mornington Railway to the each Sunday. event day, which is Teddy’s Day Out on public. 12th July, which hopefully will bring lots As you will have noticed we have families to enjoy a day on our railway. • Saturday & Sunday 22nd & 23rd moved to a position of advertising August, Caulfield Model Train Show. We positions that are vacant rather than the 2016 Timetable – over the next few will again have a stand to showcase our previous method of tapping people on months we will be looking at designing Railway. the shoulder. This we hope will provide the 2016 timetable. current members the opportunity to decide If you are interested in assisting at if they would like to be considered for the Driver Experience – In April we either or both events please contact Roger role, and provides members a more open hosted 2 Diesel Driver Experiences (1 Townsend Ph. 59 712 423 Mob.0417 598 type operation with what is happening in Silver & 1 Bronze) and both guest drivers 755 email [email protected] the Society. enjoyed the day.
4 Between Our Lines Between Our Lines 5 Sleeper replacement being undertaken.(Photograph: K.Lofhelm)
The final product.(Photograph: K. Holmes) Rock solid at Wooralla Drive
Significant work has occurred on the track at the DOWN end of Wooralla Drive adjacent for cleaning and lubrication before reassembly with new bolts, spring washers and nuts. The joint gaps were reset to correct to the Balcombe Creek. This track has been subject to a 10km/h Speed Restriction since sizes throughout the section to allow for thermal growth of the rails with atmospheric temperature variations. This work was Gravel and dirt dug out 21/3 (Photograph: K.Lofhelm) November 2012. completed by early afternoon on the Saturday. Saturday afternoon a ballast train was operated. Approximately 20 ton of ballast was he track in this area had a significant dip in dropped into the track and spread using the excavator and assisted superelevation, frozen track joints and a suspected with manual raking by the volunteers. Tbent rail. As a result of these problems, a limitation on the train speed had been in place for some time. It was very On Sunday 22nd of March team 9 volunteers lifted the 50 important that these issues were dealt with promptly, meter section of track on track jacks to level and then tamped as they were delaying the automation of the Wooralla the track so that it was properly supported by the fresh ballast. Drive level crossing, which required a test train to be The result of this work was a significant improvement, with operated through the crossing at the maximum permitted beautifully level section of track. line speed. On Wednesday 25th of March a small team operated a further On Friday 20th of March preparations of the ballast train. With the track tamped the 1st 20 ton of ballast equipment and job site were undertaken in anticipation quickly disappeared under the sleepers. Thus the second 20 ton of the weekends working bee. Excavations of the track was required so that the sleepers can be fully boxed in for long commenced using a hired 2 ton Kubota excavator to term stability. dig out the fouled ballast from around the sleepers in the troublesome section. De-spiking of the sleepers to Thanks to the following volunteers for their hard work and be replaced was also undertaken in anticipation for the commitment: Herb Warren, John McCorkelle, Brenton Hands, following days working bee. Lachie A’Vard, Kristian Lofhelm, Maurice Clarke, Stuart Walton, Michael Hamilton, Bernd Bukolt, Daryl Royle, Craig Walton, On Saturday 21st of March a team of 15 volunteers Andrew Swaine, Barry Watkins, Wayne Cameron, David Spillett, undertook the replacement of approximately 30 sleepers Robert Reed, Ross, Keith Holmes, Simon Walker, Lindsay in addition to unbolting all the track joints in this section Carlier, Roger and Maria Townsend, Arthur Stone & Michael Trimming the last bits of ballast in the wagon before Tamping the sleepers with hand operated equipment (Photograph: K. Lofhelm) Martin. 3rd ballast drop (Photograph: S.Walton) 6 Between Our Lines Between Our Lines 7 GOODBYE DENI. HELLO MOOROODUC. he relocation of the Denilquin Turntable is the biggest project that the Mornington Railway will see in 2015 and we are delighted Tto report that preparation works on site are now completed ready for the lift. A huge thanks goes to everyone who helped get this project off the ground, the team work shown is a shining example of how we are continuing to grow into a truly amazing railway.
(Photograph: K.Holmes)
(Photograph: K.Lofhelm) (Photograph: K.Lofhelm)
(Photograph: K.Lofhelm)
(Photograph: K.Holmes)
(Photograph: K.Holmes)
(Photograph: K.Holmes) (Photograph: K.Lofhelm)
(Photograph: K.Holmes) (Photograph: K.Lofhelm) (Photograph: K.Holmes) 8 Between Our Lines Between Our Lines 9 EXPRESSION OF INTEREST PROCESS By Andrew Swaine AMONG OURSELVES . . embers will have noticed of recent Mtimes that our railway has been the beneficiary of a number of allocations of AURICE GILMOUR was material which were made available as the second child of four and surplus by VicTrack, Metro or V/Line. Mgrew up in the Riverina of New South Wales around the Griffith The process behind these allocations area. His life was one of diverse is quite complex. activities. In his early childhood Maurice’s schooling was mainly As the Victorian Railway system by correspondence but this all matures, a considerable quantity of old, changed when he and the family outdated and redundant assets which moved to Orange in 1941. belong to the State are withdrawn from service. While these assets are no longer From this period Maurice spent a of any use to the main line operators, lot of time studying through primary they are potentially still very useful to the school and then progressing to super Tourist and Heritage sector. An example primary school as it was called. In 1947 of this is dogspikes, which are virtually Maurice left school to work with his no longer used on the concrete-sleepered father in carting logs from an area near mainlines, but are of critical importance to the Jenolan caves to a small sawmill. This track maintenance on the tourist railways. Deniliquin turntable patiently waits for the long journey to it’s new work encompassed some heavy lifting of home in Moorooduc Yard. (Photograph: K. Lofhelm) the timbers. This proved to give Maurice Over the last few years, the Tourist a very good work out and could be and Heritage Railway Registrar, Adrian explaining how the assets will benefit and bidder to confirm the release of the considered better than attending the gym. Ponton, and his Project Officer, Brad their organisation, their members and assets and make the transfer legally Murnane, have worked very hard to secure the local community. The EoI’s will binding. In some cases, the successful Following this his family took up these assets, which would otherwise normally allow two weeks for responses bidders may also have to apply for access share farming however, as his father was have been scrapped, so that they can be to be submitted and have a fixed deadline permits, submit additional documentation in the defence forces based in Darwin, the redirected to the Tourist and Heritage which, in the interests of all participants, or hold certain safeworking qualifications family applied for a soldiers parcel of land Young Poultry and Chilling Works, now a Fitness and Indoor sports Centre. Railway sector. will not be altered. to allow access to the worksite. and was granted a site at Harden. It was Inset: Maurice is seen here in the workshops at Moorooduc on this farm that Maurice spent the next Once the deadline has passed, the The MRPS has been fortunate to 47 years. Here Maurice and his brother Maurice built a shearing shed, driver he enjoyed the infrastructure role Once Adrian and Brad have been originally with 2 stands, but later this was on the railway. Originally joining the track made aware of assets that are available business cases are then assessed by either obtain a number of assets through this worked on this farm until his brother was Adrian and Brad, or an appointed panel, program in recent times, including: granted his own parcel of land and it was expanded to 3 and then four stands as the gang alongside Alec Roberts and then for redeployment, they will prepare an flock grew. Shearing was always a busy with Bob Parnell Maurice has become Expression of Interest (EoI) document or external parties, or a combination of then that Maurice took over the running all three. A decision will be made as to • Deniliquin turntable and track of this farm by himself in the late 50’s time and Maurice had a regular shearing and integral part of the Mornington which will be sent out to the participants team to do the shearing. This shearing Railway family. in the scheme. There are 17 member the split of the assets to ensure that the assets early 60’s. most benefit is obtained across the whole team would effectively shear some 640 groups in the heritage EoI process, and sheep per day and then the wool would these include main line operators, branch sector, and then the successful groups are • Track jewellery from Bendigo On this farm Maurice produced In amongst many projects that advised of their allocation. They usually need to be classed, bundled and taken to Maurice has undertaken, we are extremely line operators (both broad and narrow Wheat and raised sheep, some for meat, Sydney for the wool sales there where gauge) and tramways. There is therefore have two months to collect the assets • Hi Rail truck and Crew truck but mainly for wool production purposes. grateful for his work in completion of the which are released on the basis of “as Maurice always attended . At these sales concrete wall alongside the carriage shed, considerable competition amongst the from Footscray The average acreage for wheat produced Maurice networked with other farmers groups for the assets, so each applicant is, where is”. A token dollar amount is ranged from 200 to 300 acres sowing the the continuing fencing issues and repairs usually exchanged between the vendor and learnt new methods ideas and the like along the perimeter of the property, a gate is required to submit a business case • Hi Rail Backhoe from Footscray crop in the months of May to July and that he put into practice when he returned harvesting in December to January. It was at Mornington station effectively closing home. access to rubbish dumpers on the site, the • Portable building from Footscray considered a good year if a realization of 8 to 9 bags per acre was produced however construction of the original extension of some times up to 18 bags were realized In the late 50’s Maurice decided the Mornington platform and was also • Hand tamping equipment and to venture into commercial sale of instrumental in the acquisition of some of porta power units from Footscray and these were considered very good years. Along with wheat he also ran some Turkeys as well as breeding these birds. our rolling stock. 3000 head of merino sheep producing This became a very profitable business • Bogie guards van 7 CV from fine to medium wool ranging from 18 to established a good business with sales These along with machinery and the Seymour 23 microns. to Young Poultry and chilling works as like maintenance, and his farmers know shown below. Maurice could send up to how on making use of what is available While the process does have some 2,000 turkeys for processing and at times to make repairs has made Maurice an detractors, it is the best option we have was mixing many tons of mash per week icon at Mornington railway, respected by to ensure that these valuable assets are to feed his stock. all members and we all thank him for his not only made available to the sector, but input. are allocated with consideration to the In 1996 Maurice decided to sell needs of the various groups. Since the the farm and move to the township of Maurice has been very interested EoI process was implemented around five Coleambally in New South Wales. in developments of late at Mornington years ago, several million dollars worth railway and looks forward to his and our of equipment that would otherwise have In 1999, after much persuasion, railway moving forward in the future been sold for scrap has been redirected Maurice moved to Frankston and then to the Tourist and Heritage sector. The joined the Mornington Railway. Maurice Well done Maurice and thank you. MRPS are therefore very supportive of it. always liked the railways and spent many hours as a child at the railway and this Thanks to Adrian and Brad for their allowed Maurice to rekindle his affinity ongoing work to secure these assets and with the railway. Maurice could see that to ensure the best outcome for the sector. he would be able to help the Mornington Guards van 7 CV, allocated to MRPS through the EoI process, soon Railway in many ways, and whilst not to be delivered to Moorooduc (Photograph: A.Swaine) Aerial photo of Coleambally NSW wanting to become a guard, fireman, or
10 Between Our Lines Between Our Lines 11 Andrew May help out when they can, as UPDATE well as several others who in some cases dropped in for look and ended up staying to help. We are also very grateful to Mark Russell, who has provided much needed financial support to the project over an extended period.
Long-serving MRPS member Tony Pingiaro has again been working hard behind the scenes on our behalf and has secured a further round of funding from the Western Port Biosphere Organisation Baxter Here We Come! for weed control and native tree planting 2 on the section of the railway between Frankston Flinders Road and Sumner B B Road. The funding for this initiative was provided to the Western Port Biosphere Organisation by the Federal Government as part of the Growing Connections The Steel Revolution initiative. The actual work is being done by SEEDs, a company who conduct bushland restoration services for a range FOR those readers who missed my previous articles on the restoration of public sector clients across a number of the Baxter to Moorooduc section of the Mornington line, I will give a of sites on the Mornington Peninsula. The Westernport Biosphere representatives to prove that they can be successfully where to start. Moorooduc is an obvious quick summary of what is happening. By Andrew Swaine. who have inspected the work done by ballasted, laid and tamped. If this trial is answer, but Frankston Flinders Road has both SEEDS and the MRPS this year successful, we have access to a further plenty of open space to set up a works have expressed great satisfaction with 300 steel sleepers, plus the 60 we will depot, ballast stockpile, and possibly Project Summary back to the MRPS and clearing work As mentioned in previous editions the results, and it is fair to say that the recover from Deniliquin, plus a few we passenger facilities such as a car park and easement between Moorooduc Highway 1. The project to restore the Baxter recommenced at Sumner Road. In early of Between Our Lines, the decision has already have in stock. We will need to platform. However, we have no way of 2014 the decision was made to remove all been made to remove all the pine trees and Sumner Road is really starting to acquire timber or (preferably) plastic getting the rollingstock from Moorooduc – Moorooduc section of the Mornington look fantastic. It is very pleasing to see railway began in February 2011. the pine trees along the whole easement on the railway easement along the Baxter sleepers at the track joints (as the fish to Frankston Flinders Road other than to eliminate future problems with them, section. This project has been ongoing the resurgence in growth of the native plates need to be spiked down), and we by road transport if we take this option, trees now freed from the constraints of 2. The section of track between and to enable revegetation with native for several months now, and we are also have enough concrete sleepers in as 0.5km of track will not get us back to species, which the pine trees were slowly very close to achieving our first major the pine trees. There has also been an stock to lay them under two, or possibly Moorooduc. Moorooduc and Sumner Road was the amazing resurgence of native grasses, first to be cleared, but this work was killing off. milestone, which is, to remove all the pine three, level crossings. trees as far as Sumner Road. This work which is really helpful in keeping the We are also awaiting a costing and stopped in February 2012 when that weed regrowth under control. section of track was closed off to allow 4. The team working on the project is mostly being done by MRPS members. Collectively, this means will be availability check on Pandrol clips for are using existing resources and manpower We also have several training companies able to restore around 0.5km of track, the steel sleepers as this will also be a the Peninsula Link Trail to be built Steel Sleeper Trial alongside the railway line between the to do the clearing, in anticipation that by undertaking chainsaw training on the pine which will be enough to test thoroughly significant expense for the trial. The new Peninsula Link freeway and the helping ourselves, we may inspire others trees in the Peninsula Link – Frankston After spending much time with a locomotive and rollingstock. The diagram below shows a steel sleeper MRPS station at Moorooduc. Clearing to provide further assistance and funding. Flinders Road section. The vast majority considering the various sleeper options biggest and most expensive challenge similar to those we will be using with work then shifted to a new location at of the MRPS clearing work over the last available for the Baxter section, the in the initial stages of the project will Pandrol clips in place. Frankston-Flinders Road, heading back The reinstatement of the Baxter few months has been undertaken by a MRPS have decided to trial steel sleepers be the laying down and profiling of the towards Baxter. Over the next 12 months, section continues to progress slowly but small team of very dedicated volunteers as the replacement medium of choice. new ballast. There is also the question of this 1 km section was 95% cleared. steadily, with much of the work happening to whom I am indebted for their patience, behind the scenes. persistence and commitment. The There are a number of reasons for core Baxter Team is Ross Hume, Stuart this: 3. In late May 2013, the Moorooduc Vickers, Wayne Cameron and myself. We Road – Sumner Road section was handed Landcare have also had Bill Best, Denis Harvey and 1. If laid properly with good drainage, steel sleepers will last many times longer than timber sleepers
2. The cost of timber sleepers is likely to increase significantly in future years as the main line operators complete their conversion over to concrete sleepers and the demand drops.
3. Timber sleepers have a very poor carbon footprint compared to other more environmentally friendly options, even though the other options (steel, concrete and plastic) require more manufacturing effort to make them
4. The remaining stocks of timber sleepers and track fittings held by the MRPS are needed in the Moorooduc to Mornington section which will remain “traditional” for the foreseeable future.
We have been allocated 200 steel Although this photo originates in NSW and is therefore standard gauge track, The Peninsula Link Bike Trail which runs alongside our railway. This area was previously crowded with pine trees, which have now mostly sleepers to trial in the Baxter section it gives a good indication of what our track might look like on the Baxter been removed by the MRPS, giving the native trees a new lease of life. Our railway can be seen on the right (Photograph: A.Swaine) section with the steel sleepers and timber or plastic sleepers at the joints.
12 Between Our Lines Between Our Lines 13 ROLLINGSTOCK BR. REPORT
241 is receiving some much needed attention prior to being delivered to the MRPS. Here we see 241 being shunted in Wpreparation for its turn on the under floor wheel lathe at EDI Newport. Shortly after its return, new batteries will be installed and preparations to start it will be made SOCIAL MEDIA BRAIN STORMING
By Keith Holmes. they grow up, looking forward to joining greet with members. With our Facebook page going live the railway when the time comes. recently, the IT&C team are looking for • Write up about party carriage ideas for regular content to assist with the Some of the ideas that have been and platform parties ongoing growth of the railway and it’s suggested to the team so far are listed membership base. We want to keep our below. Please feel free to contact myself • Write up about Young Toots club page up to date and engaging, not just the by emailing [email protected] or any odd post every month or two. We believe of the railways BOM if you have any • Advertise the local business that that sustained updates will peak people’s suggestions for content. Anything will be support the railway (ballast, Etc.) interest and aid in recruiting more people warmly appreciated for consideration. join the page with a longer term of view Some of the items listed will require of encouraging followers to become a • Friday Facts regular content to be submitted, also member of the railway itself. If we can maybe sometime spent with a member of achieve this, it will greatly assist with • Throwback Thursday (historic the IT&C team for Q&A. The possibilities our continued growth and help ensure content) are only limited by your imaginations. If our preservation efforts are sustainable you feel you have anything to add to the into the future. In particular, we want • A Moment with a Member list of suggestions for the team to move parents to sign up so that their children (monthly). Sort of a meet and forward we will be glad to hear from you. can become engaged with the railway as
estoration work has now commenced on 27BU, with the current internal colour sceheme of “mission brown” being repainted in a cream colour so as to make the carriage lighter. A number of pressed tin ceilings inside the carriage have been removed Ras they were rusted out, and they will be replaced. The restoration work is estimated to take 6-8 months. As you can see above the preparation of the carriage has involved stripping the external cladding to expose the internal “skeleton” prior to re-sheeting. The carriage was built in 1918 so you can see the workmanship involved in construction of the carriage. Roger Townsend (Carriage Team Member)
14 Between Our Lines Between Our Lines 15 BEFORE: The QR or VOWA goods wagon sits looking quite forlorn in STRIPPED DOWN: The timber work has been removed by THE WHEEL DEAL: The franna is busy relocating K177 + K191’s wheels to the yard at Moorooduc ready for restoration. (Photograph: K.Lofhelm) the the Work for the Dole Project. (Photograph: K.Lofhelm) the engineering area for assessment and storage (Photograph: K.Lofhelm) VIEWS OF CLEAN UP: A major clean up of the wood pile was underway when the above photograph was NEWS caputured, the pile has now been relocated to the new wood saw area. (Photograph: K.Lofhelm)
ROCKY DELIVERY: Crushed rock for the hard stand is delivered by the truck load in the late afternoon sunshine.
Caption
NO. 2 ROAD: The excavator makes light work of the chocolate coloured earth as it makes way for the extension of No. 2 Road at Moorooduc excavator one is the 2 road extension works (Photograph: K.Lofhelm) TRACK RENEWAL COVERED OFF: Work is progressing well with the preparation of the track in the new diesel shed, FLAT OUT: Over 250 tons of crushed rock were delivered and rolled to fill in the soft areas where with the sleepers laid out awaiting placement of plates and rail. the crane and truck are to be placed for arrival of our new rollingstock (Photograph: K.Lofhelm) (Photograph: K.Lofhelm)
16 Between Our Lines Between Our Lines 17
The one facing the white hut is the preparation of the 7 road foundation