Castlemaine and Maldon Railway Members Preservation Society Newsletter November 2008

President’s Column Inside this issue: by Paul McDonald

region” and we look forward As we approach the end of to a cordial relationship with 1-2 the year with all that it brings, the Shire in the future. On President’s Column may I take the opportunity to another day in another place remind members that new Maldon Toilets & some Board members met 2 volunteers to the Railway are with the State MP for Bendigo Station Roof always welcome in whatever West, Mr. Bob Cameron , and role they may wish to become again a favourable response involved. This need will was received especially when First Aid 2 become particularly evident in the 125th. Anniversary of the the coming summer months Railway in June next year was Special Feature - J as, for the Railway to proceed mentioned. 3-5 with train operations over the Class in Profile holiday period it will be Members’ end of the year necessary to operate fire function will now be held on New Members 5 patrols behind every train. Saturday 22nd November and With very little rainfall in the will involve members of our Castlemaine – Maldon area neighbouring group the VGR Christmas Party 5 over the last two months as Daylesford Spa Country well as persistent windy Railway whom many will Steaming Up 6 conditions the whole area has remember entertained VGR Broadway dried out considerably and members to a pleasant therefore the decision has afternoon and evening at their been made to operate fire railway last year. The plan is Weekend Bus Service 6 Patrols before the declared fire restriction period is for a steam hauled (subject to weather) train to announced. There are a number of volunteers depart Maldon at 2.45 pm, travel to Castlemaine presently qualified to act as fire patrol drivers (3.30 – 4.00 pm) and back to Muckleford (4.25 pm). Mechanical Branch 7 however assistants are always needed – no brilliant In the pleasant surroundings of the station and goods qualifications necessary but desire to do something shed area we will be able to enjoy a pleasant to help out and good eye sight would be an afternoon and evening of our own complimented by New Timetable 7 advantage. Instruction in operation of the basic fire a 2 course Dinner, and a range of drinks will be fighting equipment will be provided. Also, since offered for sale by the VGR, although members may patrols are now conducted in the Nissan Hi-rail prefer to bring their own. The train will leave Board Meeting 7 vehicle you could have the opportunity to travel Muckleford at 8.00 pm and return to Castlemaine over the length of the railway in air conditioned before continuing on to arrive back in Maldon at comfort! Who knows, this may foster an interest in around 9.15 pm. Lowanna Power 7 other aspects of the Railway’s operation and could be the beginning of many happy hours of a labour of Total cost for the evening is $20.00 per person (drinks extra) which includes train ride, pre-dinner love, or new friendships formed or new skills Passenger Comments 7 learned. In addition I repeat again the call for nibbles and 2 course dinner. This can be paid on the someone with computer skills and office experience day and a separate ticket will be issued for dinner. Members who wish to attend are asked to notify to assist with the administration and day to day th I Now Pronounce You... 7 running of the railway and if we are able to find a Shirley Frewin on 0427 602 882 by Saturday 15 . person who can assist for a few hours on a couple of November and please limit calls to before 9.00 pm days each week this will significantly reduce the work on any day. Come along, bring friends if you wish and load on Board members. join with us in the opportunity to get together and to know each other a little more. During October, Board members met, on separate 48 Years Ago occasions, the newly appointed Chief Executive In all aspects of our contribution towards the Officer of the Mount Alexander Shire Council, Philip Railway we must all be aware at all times of our The Maldon turntable was Rowland, as well as on another day, Executive standing and the image portrayed by the railway in taken out of service on Managers of the Shire. The CEO and Managers were the community. Remember, it’s not just what we do, 22nd November 1960. It it’s HOW WELL WE DO IT and this effects every entertained on board Tambo on a Wednesday and was replaced with the were both impressed by the scale and potential of aspect of every department or division. We need to aim for it to be a privilege to travel on the Railway turntable from Skipton our operation. Indeed, Board members were pleased and restored to service by with the comment from the CEO at the end of the and enjoy the experience and a large part of this is day that he saw the railway as an “important building how well we present the railway and ourselves. Well CMRPS volunteers in block in the development of tourism within the (Continued on page 2) 1988

If you would like to contribute an article, a photo or a letter to the Members Newsletter, you can send it to [email protected] November 2008 Page 2

(Continued from page 1) presented and attired staff, a clean locomotive hauling clean carriages and an overall air of our volunteer staff wanting to be there for the paying public will make an enormous difference to the image of the Railway. I realize with water restrictions in place that keeping locomotives and carriages clean presents a problem but if we all help out and not leave the bulk of the work to a willing few the task becomes so much easier. May I also remind those who come into direct contact with the public of the need to take particular care not just with their appearance but the way that people are dealt with, especially when answering the numerous questions with which we are continually bombarded. How well our staff are presented and how they respond is how well the Railway will be received by the travelling public and remember, word of Many members will not be aware that up until the 1950s, the toilets at Maldon were at the mouth is the best known form of advertising. Castlemaine end of the platform - roughly where the small shed is shown here. Next month I hope to be able to present more to members about the upcoming Maldon Toilets revision of the Safety Management System The board has initiated a feasibility study for out of the weather. and also – hopefully – some good news on a the development of new toilets and an It is hoped that funding will come from a couple of fronts: watch this space!! expanded merchandising area at Maldon. It number of sources and members of the Paul McDonald - President has been proposed that the original building executive have initiated enquires in this area. on the Castlemaine side of the building be The scope of the works is beyond our means reinstated for this purpose. This was a but some areas such as toilets and disabled originally a galvanised metal, skillion roof access need to be addressed urgently as they First Aid on the VGR structure incorporating the ladies toilet, a could impact on our ability to operate storage area and a porters accommodation services. Our septic is very much on quarters, it was demolished about 1950. borrowed time and disabled visitors having to A disturbing fact about our volunteer Original plans and drawings have been be taken into town to use the toilet is not workforce at VGR is that we have very few obtained. Discussions have been held with acceptable. currently qualified first aiders. With ever the local heritage advisor, who supports the It is hoped to get things sufficiently organised increasing demands for professionalism and proposal in principle. It is also proposed that to allow sewerage works to be completed in accreditation requirements from a range of the original advertising billboard, 3 metres February 2009 when we are not running other areas our volunteers and VGR’s image high by 8 meters wide be reinstated. Photos trains. All donations to the project would be would benefit from having an increased of this and the toilets have been obtained. A tax deductible both for individuals and number of suitably qualified people in this major component of the toilet works will be businesses. There is scope for some in kind area. A number of opportunities exist for us the extension of the sewerage main to the contributions which will be identified along to access low cost and in some cases free of station boundary and sewerage drain to the the way, however we need approx $20,000 charge first aid training. The local CERT team site. A consulting engineer is currently to complete the sewerage component of the will provide CPR training free of charge and it preparing design costs and quotes. project. As such, a donation slip is included in is likely that we can access level two first aid The cost and feasibility of building a two lane, this newsletter and it would be appreciated if training at very reasonable rates. Many 80metre long carriage shed next to existing members could give consideration to members may find that this training will also workshop is also being investigated. This supporting this special appeal to upgrade our be of benefit to them in their work or other would allow us to place passenger carriages facilities. organizations to which they belong. If a volunteer was able to provide CPR or other first aid that helped save a life of a Book Found Maldon Station Roof passenger or fellow volunteer it would a very It is with some relief that we can report to satisfying for all of us, rather than being Some urgent repairs to the slate roof at members that the missing copy of Steam unable to assist someone in need. Maldon have been completed by local Locomotive Lubrication: Its heritage builder Garry Orchard at a very At this stage a list is being compiled of people Development & Practice has been found. small fee and as a result he has in fact made a willing to undertake this training. The delivery Thank you to the member who ensured it significant donation to VGR. These repairs place and times will be designed to suit as was returned to the workshop many members as possible. It would be nice were required after some leaks were to have at least one first aider on duty for detected. On inspection of the roof structure each operational day. There are a number of 2008 Photo Supplement and slate battens Garry found them to be in areas where we may be compelled to go Our annual colour photo supplement will good condition. He then constructed a down this path so it would be good to be be mailed with the next newsletter. If you special roof ladder to access the slates on the seen as pro-active in this area. Members have a special photo of something that outside and clipped the loose slates back into place. This is not a long term solution but it interested in putting their names down for happened on the railway in 2008, please gives us time examine long term options for inclusion in any future first aid training email it to restoration of the roof. contact George Young on 03 5475 2442. [email protected] November 2008 Page 3

not run on Tuesdays or Need for New Thursdays. Motive Power J Class in Profile Supplies of fuel oil proved more With the end of World War 2 By David Barnett reliable, and with the lessons and the approach of the 1950s, learned from the coal strikes it much of the motive power of was decided to make the order the was showing its age. Nowhere was this more for 60 J class, half coal burners, and half oil burners. obvious than in their light line locomotives. These comprised the 90 The thirty coal burning engines were to be constructed first, with the plus D³ class 4-6-0s, and the more modern but less numerous K class same number of oil burners to immediately follow. 2-8-0s, which numbered 50. Coal burners were allocated numbers 500 to 529, while those fired by Built between 1922 and 1946, the Ks were free steaming and known fuel oil continued the series, using 530 to 559. for their overall rugged reliability. Most were fitted The contract went to the with air operated fire Vulcan Foundry Ltd, at doors and A6-ET brake Newton-le-Willows in equipment. Lancashire, England. The D³s were a different At about this time, the matter. Built at a variety of first B class, 1500 HP manufacturing sites to a diesel electric locomotive design dating from around was delivered by Clyde 1900, the last of the class Engineering in New South was out shopped in 1920. Wales. Progressive B class While an excellent deliveries meant that the workhorse, many had 70 strong R class 4-6-4s reached the end of their were soon removed from economic life, and while many principal passenger able to be repaired, the trains, with the diesels costs involved would by taking over. no means represent money well spent. Also, The boys with their diesel they were 27% less toys in the Rolling Stock powerful than the K class Branch were ecstatic. The and something more new noise polluting nuisances could do no satisfactory was needed. Coal fired J515 leads oil fired J541 earlier on this year. Photo courtesy of James Brook wrong and more must be Nevertheless, they had two major features that made their immediate obtained. Clyde Engineering offered a smaller, 900 HP unit, which was wholesale scrapping completely out of the question. considered ideal for secondary duties and plans were made to place an order as quickly as possible. These were: their low axle load, which enabled them to run anywhere on the Victorian broad gauge; and their short engine and tender Strenuous efforts were therefore made to cancel the contract for the wheelbase, enabling them to be accommodated on a 53 ft turntable. J class. Fortunately, it was too late, and the contract remained. Victoria had a plethora of 53 ft turntables and there were no plans to Engines 500 to 529 replace them. Both a K and a D³ could be turned on one of these, but the soon to be delivered, low axle load and recently modernised N First deliveries of the coal fired engines took place in 1953. They class 2-8-2s, could not. entered service after preparation and checking at Newport Workshops. Here, they would be placed in steam and then run light An “upgrade” of the K class was therefore required. Thus the J was to North , from where they were dispatched to various born. country depots. Working within the constraints of a short length and low axle load, Their early appearances were interesting. They soon became the the designers had virtually no scope to increase the engine’s size. The regular engine on the 9-0am Melbourne to Yarram passenger train, J therefore had a boiler whose dimensions closely resembled that of a with other passenger duties being from Lilydale to Warburton, and on K. Opportunity was taken however, to increase the grate area to 31 locals from Spencer Street to Werribee. sq ft, enabling grate sections to be compatible with those of an N class. This in turn provided a slight increase in firebox volume, They also made their mark from Tallarook to Yea, Alexandra and permitting installation of two arch tubes. Mansfield, and were regular performers from Toolamba to Echuca. Boiler pressure, cylinder dimensions and driving wheel diameter were Shortly after their arrival, every Driver and Fireman qualified to drive, the same as for a K, making the starting tractive effort of the two received a small number of sheets of duplicated information relating engines identical. to the technical background of the J class. This included details such as the bearing metal used in the axle boxes but very little of value in the The firebox design was such that the slope of the grate from back to day to day running of the locomotive. front was very gentle. The Js were quite well equipped. Their refinements included a fast On coal burning locomotives, this required the fireman to fire more acting, Ajax air operated fire door, air operated cylinder cocks and evenly over the whole grate area, rather than concentrating on the Nathan non lifting injectors. The cab was roomy and well sides, back corners and under the door, as one does on an engine proportioned, with full back plates behind each crew seat. The Klinger with a more steeply sloping grate, such as a D³. pattern gauge glasses were positioned so that both the Driver and The immediate post war years were punctuated by crippling coal Fireman could check the water level at a glance without having to strikes, causing the Victorian Railways to severely reduce country services, which for some time meant that country passenger trains did (Continued on page 4) November 2008 Page 4

(Continued from page 3) hauled the train to Sale. The final leg of the journey from Sale to saw the train in charge of an oil burning J. stand up. A stabilising water column was fitted to the Fireman’s side gauge glass. The Ash Pan Sprinkler Lever was also under his control, Modifications with valves for the Cab Sprinkler being located nearby. In the early 1960s, the then Chief Mechanical Engineer, Mr W.O. A double stage, cross compound compressor supplied air to the A6- Galletly, ordered that all J, K, and N class locos were to have their ET braking system. boiler pressure raised from 175 psi to 180 psi, and their speed limit increased from 45 to 50 mph. The regulator valve in the dome incorporated the latest centrifuge, water separating technology. The commendable theory being that any The increased boiler pressure raised the J’s starting tractive effort to water caught in the steam stream passing through the regulator would 30,000 lbs and reduced its factor of adhesion from 4.56 to 4.36. This be trapped by the centrifuge and fall back into the boiler. It probably 5% reduction in adhesion did nothing to dampen the engines’ would, and maybe still does; but nobody really knows and the use of reputation for being able to handle heavy loads without slipping. this pattern of regulator meant the discarding of the D type valve used In the decade of the 1950s, a Trans Tasman body existed known as with trouble free the Australian and New operation on the K class. Zealand Railway The D regulator valve Conference. One of its provided a simple, highly activities was to effective steam seal research the latest items when the regulator was of railway technology closed, meaning a K and advise on whether could be left with a they thought one of the banked fire overnight for member railways should up to 12 hours or more, evaluate them. with little or no steam or water loss. Despite the decline in steam power, in 1957 In the event, the J class the Conference made a regulator valve was recommendation that something of a nightmare the Laidlaw Drew when it came to stabling system of oil firing be the engine and banking evaluated for steam the fire. It was prone to locomotives. blow through when closed, meaning possible The conventional means unsatisfactory water loss to deliver oil into the when the engine was left fire box was via a weir unattended, with nothing type burner, set at grate able to be done until it The only two currently operating J class locomotives in Victoria stand side-by-side at Maldon. level at the front of the was returned to a major Work is being undertaken to return J549 to service on the VGR next year, Photo courtesy of box, and inclined depot, blown down, and James Brook upwards facing the rear. attention given to the Oil from the tender tank regulator valve seat, which was by no means a guarantee that the blow flowed by gravity to the burner, which beneath its weir overflow, had through would be cured. In some cases it was worse! an atomiser nozzle supplying boiler steam. The steam emulsified the oil into a fine spray making it burn easily. The induced draft of the Apart from it’s over designed regulator, the Js were generally locomotive’s blower created a flow of air through the fire box, satisfactory. They pulled well, steamed well and occasioned little providing oxygen for combustion. adverse comment from crews. The Laidlaw Drew system, which had wide use in marine applications, Engines 530 to 559 was different. It used a swirl type burner placed in the centre of the Dynamometer car testing of the new engines was delayed until the fire box floor. The swirls were designed to deliver oil in a combustible arrival of the first batch of oil burners. pattern, and incorporated passages for atomising steam. The system came in a kind of kit, with the burner installed in the middle of a floor J 532 was selected, and a number of tests carried out to determine that bolted in to the bottom of the fire box of the locomotive. The the locomotive’s Tractive Effort and Horsepower characteristics. A “floor” was of a refractory material having angled holes for the entry maximum drawbar horsepower of 930 was developed between 20 of combustion air. and 25 miles per hour. Working the engine to the same Cut Off- Speed Chart, the tractive effort ranged from around 28,000 lbs at The Victorian Railways were nominated to conduct the Laidlaw Drew starting, to around 5000 lbs at just over 40 mph. tests and J 546 was the engine chosen. It went to North Melbourne, where its weir oil burner and fire box floor were removed, and in While not spectacular, these figures indicate that as a class, the Js had their place was fastened the Laidlaw Drew equipment. This came with plenty of power up to 30 mph, which on many of the lines on which a small lever, moving through a horizontal quadrant, connected to a they operated, was the maximum permissible speed. vertical shaft, at the base of which was the valve controlling the flow of oil to the burner. The lever and quadrant assembly was mounted at At the time of these tests, the maximum line speed for a J was 45 a convenient height in front of the Fireman. The atomiser steam valve mph. was unaltered. With the electrification of the main line to Warragul in 1956, the B Stationary tests were conducted, and providing air was used to class diesels were removed from the Melbourne to Bairnsdale atomise the oil, good combustion results were obtained. The results “Gippslander” passenger train. Prior to the electrification reaching with steam atomisation, however, could only be described as , the “Gippslander” was hauled by a 2400 HP, L class electric mediocre. After persevering to obtain an optimum position to secure loco from Melbourne to Warragul. Here, an R class came on and (Continued on page 5) November 2008 Page 5

(Continued from page 4) expense of a very smoky funnel. Drew experiment being a bracket on the Fireman’s side which guided the vertical shaft the new fire box floor, a road test was On arrival at Seymour, a slightly larger blast to the valve controlling the flow of oil to the performed. pipe cap was fitted in an effort to improve burner. steaming. Starting with a full load and full boiler Final Years pressure, the new equipment failed to deliver The return journey, however, proved an adequate steam supply. Whenever the disappointing. Again with 390 tons behind the The Js lasted right up to the end of steam. At engine was worked hard, the steam gauge fell. tender, the rising grades south of Broadford least one, J 507, was fitted with shunter Poor combustion in the fire box was to blame saw the crew involved in a three cornered footboards and performed pilot duties at and this was thought to be, in part at least, battle with the regulator, steam gauge and Ararat, Horsham and Dimboola, as well as due to an inadequate air supply to the burner. gauge glasses. The steam gauge was the first being utilised on the down Dimboola Deflector plates were welded in position in to wilt, with the engine pulling to a stand passenger on its final leg from Horsham. front of the fire box and angled so as to beside the Kilmore East up Distant signal with Other coal burners were active around provide maximum deflection of combustion 140 lbs on the clock. Here, opportunity was Geelong, Ballarat, Ararat, Bendigo, Hamilton air. The burner was slightly repositioned to taken to raise the boiler water level, and after and Seymour. hopefully obtain a better air supply. about ten minutes with safety valves lifting, the train proceeded without difficulty for an Oil burning Js operated out of Traralgon, The next road test was from Melbourne to uneventful run to Melbourne. Geelong, Ballarat, Ararat, Bendigo, Hamilton Seymour and return. There was no guarantee that further fine and Dimboola. While frequently on pilots, With a load of 390 tons, 546 ran to tuning of the burner’s position would they also saw mainline service on the weekly Broadmeadows via Sunshine and Albion and produce improved results, and the indifferent Ballarat-Ballan and return goods, roadside was soon slogging its way through Beveridge performance during the initial weeks of goods trains between Ballarat and Ararat, and towards Wallan and Heathcote Junction. testing saw the project shelved. very frequently from Horsham to Dimboola Despite a barely acceptable performance to on the morning passenger from Melbourne. Wallan, the engine topped Heathcote J 546 was converted back to weir burner This latter train was probably the last steam Junction blowing off, although this was at the firing, with the only evidence of the Laidlaw hauled passenger train in Victoria

J Class - Dimensions as built:

Boiler pressure : 175 lb per sq in. Group : Nos. 500 – 529 (Coal Burners) Grate area: 31 sq ft. 530 – 559 (Oil Burners) Boiler heating surface: Wheel Arrangement: 2-8-0 Tubes: 1317 sq ft.; Firebox: 118 sq ft.; Arch tubes: 9 sq ft. Cylinders (2): 20 ins diameter, 26 ins stroke Superheater: 238 sq ft. Coupled Wheels: 4' 7.1875" Total : 1682 sq ft Wheel Base: rigid, 15' 6"; engine and tender, 50' 8¾"

Length overall: 60' 5½" Tractive Effort at 85% boiler pressure: 28650 lbs. Weight in working order: Tender capacity: Engine 66 tons 19 cwt. Water: 4,200 gal (Coal burners) Tender 45 tons 16 cwt. 4,100gal (Oil burners) Total: 112 tons 15 cwt. Coal: 7 tons Adhesive weight: 57 tons 7 cwt. Oil: 1500 gal Axle load – max: 14 tons 10 cwt. New Members

The society is delighted to welcome the VGR Members Christmas Party following new members who have joined the nd society recently: Saturday 22 November at Muckleford Bill Chapman A special train will convey members to the party departing from: Rod Wilkinson* Departing Maldon 2.45 pm Darrell Honey* Departing Castlemaine 4.00 pm Leigh Monk* Returning to Maldon via Castlemaine at 8pm Please welcome these new members when you see them around the railway. Total cost for the evening is $20.00 per person (drinks extra) which includes train ride, pre- dinner nibbles and 2 course dinner. This can be paid on the day and a separate ticket will be *An asterix indicates a member has received issued for dinner. Members who wish to attend are asked to notify Shirley Frewin on 0427 their membership after completing a Driver 602 882 by Saturday 15th November and please limit calls to before 9.00 pm on any day. Experience day. The society now has over 420 members! November 2008 Page 6

The railway was delighted to have the new CEO of Mount Alexander Shire Council, Phil Rowland and the executive management team visit the railway on 15th October. Board members Paul McDonald, George Young and Philip Ryan, along with Acting Civil Manager, John Shaw were able to talk about the railway and what our vision is for the railway. Phil Rowland along with Sue Howard, (Director - Economic and Social Development), Sandra Wilson (Director Corporate Support) & Nick Haslinghouse (Director Environment and Infrastructure) were able to enjoy a return trip from Castlemaine to Maldon on Tambo. Phil, Sue, Sandra and Nick were also able to give the railway some advice on how we could work more closely with the council and other government bodies as well as some advice on how we can further develop the railway and the services we offer. A photo of the meeting Steaming Up Broadway on Tambo is shown (left) by George Young Weekend Buses an outstanding collection of machinery and On the 11th and 12th of October Wycheproof From 1st November 2008, Castlemaine Bus th equipment. The group have an old homestead celebrated the 125 anniversary of the on several acres and have moved a couple of Lines and Castlemaine Taxis will commence opening of the railway to the town. Like very old school buildings to site and set the two trial weekend public transport service many other places Wycheproof lost its lot up as a static museum. The additional between Maldon and Castlemaine. passenger rail services many years ago but it displays over the weekend included many The services will make return journeys still has a freight service centred on the pieces of equipment rarely seen these days. between Maldon and Castlemaine four times movement of grain. It is the only town in The demonstration of working historic on Saturdays and three times on Sundays, Victoria where the rail line runs up the centre tractors was excellent. with a route that includes stops at key sites in of the main street. The sight of Steam Castlemaine and Maldon. The timetable is powered R761 hauling a large number of The million bushel silo tour, the Mt attached. passenger carriages up the middle of the main Wycheproof climb and concert on the Mount street was a sight to behold. were all great attractions. The concert ran non stop from 4pm to midnight and featured Victorian Goldfields Railway The town of only 800 people staged an a lot of top quality talent. As part of the General Office and Marketing outstanding weekend of events and activities, weekend there was a reunion for past railway P.O. Box 51 including steam train shuttles out to Glenloth workers and their families from the area, it CASTLEMAINE VIC 3450 and back. We were lucky to share a was surprising how many of them attended. compartment with two retired engine drivers who started work at Korong Vale and On the Sunday morning an excellent market Phone: (03) 5470 6658 worked in the area for many years. Their was held as part of the festivities. Their list of Facsimile: (03) 5470 6272 recollections were extremely interesting. sponsors makes very interesting reading. One of the major sponsors was Elzoro Rail who Email: [email protected] for bookings, In the morning there was a bike race against had an engine in shiny new livery on display Train Times & Fares information or the train from Charlton, photographic and during the event. [email protected] for all other enquiries historic displays, patchwork displays and a wide range of other activities to long to list. Observing the light construction of the road network in the area make suggestions that all Recorded Train Information Of particular interest was their Men’s Shed, grain could be carried by road transport Phone (03) 5475 2966 where local blokes can get together and work completely impractical and frightening. The on projects that interest them and make rail network is still in reasonable condition in Castlemaine Railway Station useful items for the community. The range of this area and the locals will fight to keep it at equipment and the size of the shed would all costs. Kennedy Street, Castlemaine make most of us very envious. They had Phone: (03) 5470 6658 some interesting exhibits including a grain to The thing that struck me most about this Facsimile: (03) 5470 6272 loaf operating mini bakery that ground the event was that a small community of well grain using steam power and cooked bread motivated people could achieve so much and on wood fired stove. This could possibly be do it all so professionally. They intend to Maldon Railway Station an exhibit for Picnic at Muckleford next year. make ‘Steaming up Broadway’ an annual Hornsby Street, Maldon event. They have their own steam Telephone: (03) 5475 1451 It was great to see and ride the train, but for locomotive, unrestored and a functional Facsimile: (03) 5475 1427 us, one of the best activities of the weekend turntable for future events so it will be was the terrific machinery and historical interesting to see who they can involve next display just north of the town at Nullawil. A year. Muckleford Railway Station very small group of enthusiasts had assembled (only staffed for special events) Muckleford-Walmer Road, Muckleford Telephone: (03) 5470 6014 November 2008 Page 7

New Sunday Sunday Service Timetable Starting Sunday 7th Steam Steam Steam December

Train Train Train To try and build our presence in Castlemaine, and to provide a better, more convenient option for our passengers commencing their journey in Castlemaine and wanting a shorter Maldon Depart 10.00 am 12.40 pm 3.30 pm visit to Maldon, we are introducing an amended timetable, featuring 3 return Arrive 10.20 pm 1.00 pm 3.50 pm journeys each Sunday, commencing on 7th Muckleford December. Depart 10.25 am 1.05 pm 3.55 pm The board has also decided that there will a Arrive am pm pm slightly altered Wednesday timetable over the Castlemaine 10.50 1.25 4.15 Winter months, featuring a slightly earlier departure from Maldon for the last train of the day. Details of this change will be Depart announced when the timetable comes in to Castlemaine 11.20 am 2.05 pm 4.30 pm effect. Arrive 11.40 pm 2.25 pm 4.50 pm Muckleford Depart 11.45 am 2.30 pm 4.55 pm Board Meeting Maldon Arrive 12.05 pm 2.50 pm 5.15 pm The next meeting will be held at Sat 29th November 10am - 12:30pm at Castlemaine Station Mechanical Branch I Now Pronounce Please feel free to attend. Update Yo u … . Some Comments The mechanical branch is always busy looking The railway was delighted to be able to say after our locomotives, passenger carriages as that a happy young couple were married on From Our well as freight vehicles. As well as all this, the the railway on the 26th October. The branch also looks after our other equipment ceremony occurred in Tambo on one of our Passengers such as compressors, hi-rail vehicles, trolleys, regular Sunday services and we were able to tampers, etc. As such, any assistance is gladly help the happy couple celebrate by serving “The day of the train journey was amazing - welcomed. The next working bee will be held drinks and delicious finger food to the guests. perfect weather and a marvelous trip, on The bride looked beautiful and the groom especially rattling along on the footplate. The certainly seemed to enjoy the day. The happy restoration work carried out on the VGR Sat 6th December & Sunday 7th couple even managed to convince our own December at Maldon rolling stock is something to behold - so Phil Leslie to pose for a photo with them! elegant. We enjoyed our time so much we Please feel free to attend. You’ll be most While we often get to host wedding parties stayed an extra two days, just to soak up the welcome. as part of their celebration, we believe that local history. Well worth every cent!” this was the first time that a couple have actually been married on the railway. Perhaps “It was excellent! My husband and I had such Lowanna Power any members who can confirm this could a great time on this steam train. We were so contact the railway. relaxed watching the scenery along the track and during the walk around in the Maldon Did you know that power is always required township. What a wonderful day!” on Lowanna? During the week, Lowanna is connected to “Shore” Power via a power lead from the workshop. When running, “The experience on the steam train was Lowanna has a diesel generator that provides terrific. The footplate ride was great and first 240 volt power. The fridges that are in the class carriages were fantastic. The service kitchen on Lowanna contain food and drink from the staff was exceptional and friendly, for our First Class service and if these fridges the cheese platter was delicious and the lose power, we have to throw out food that champagne was refreshing!” may have gone off. This is a serious financial blow to the railway. If you are working “I took my Grandfather on the steamtrain around Lowanna, please ensure that the experience and he loved it - heard all about power is connected and turned on at all The brake pressure gauge on steam the steam trains from long ago !” times locomotive J541 MALDON-CASTLEMAINE WEEKEND TRANSIT TIMETABLE

SATURDAY

MALDON CASTLEMAINE CASTLEMAINE CASTLEMAINE CASTLEMAINE CASTLEMAINE CHEWTON CASTLEMAINE CASTLEMAINE CASTLEMAINE CASTLEMAINE MALDON MALDON MALDON

POST OFFICE RAILWAY STATION RAILWAY STATION MARKET BUILDING WESLEY HILL MATHESON ROAD CHEWTON MATHESON ROAD WESLEY HILL MARKET BUILDING RAILWAY STATION POST OFFICE CNR BARINGHUP & POST OFFICE HIGH STREET – ARRIVE – DEPART MOSTYN STREET MOSTYN STREET HIGH STREET NUGGETTY ROADS HIGH STREET

8:10am 8:40am 8:56am 8:59am 9:02am 9:06am 9:11am 9:16am 9:20am 9:23am 9:26am

9:55am 9:58am 10:01am 10:05am 10:05am 10:09am 10:12am 10:15am 10:35am 10:40am 10:45am

10:45am 11:15am 11:15am 11:18am 11:21am 11:25am 11:30am 11:35am 11:39am 11:42am 11:45am

12:20pm 12:23pm 12:26pm 12:30pm 12:30pm 12:34pm 12:37pm 12:40pm 1.00pm 1:05pm 1:10pm

1:50pm 2:20pm 2:20pm 2:23pm 2:26pm 2:30pm 2:35pm 2:40pm 2:44pm 2:47pm 2:50pm 3:10pm 3:15pm 3:20pm

3:20pm 3:40pm 3.40pm 3:43pm 4:10pm

SUNDAY

CASTLEMAINE CASTLEMAINE CASTLEMAINE MALDON MALDON MALDON MALDON CASTLEMAINE CASTLEMAINE CASTLEMAINE CASTLEMAINE CASTLEMAINE

RAILWAY STATION MATHESON ROAD RAILWAY STATION POST OFFICE RAILWAY STATION CORNER BARINGHUP POST OFFICE RAILWAY STATION MARKET BUILDING MATHESON ROAD RAILWAY STATION RAILWAY STATION – DEPART HIGH STREET & NUGGETTY ROADS HIGH STREET MOSTYN STREET – ARRIVE – DEPART

10:15am 10:25am 10:35am 10:55am 11:00am 11:05am 11:25am 11:30am 11:40am 11:50am 12:05pm

12:25pm 12:30pm 12:40pm 1:00pm

2:20pm 2:30pm 2:50pm 2:55pm 3:10pm 3:20pm 3:40pm

EFFECTIVE 1ST NOVEMBER 2008 [Version A]