Depot Diary 118, the Refurbishment of Our Roundhouse Forecourt Was Imminent

No 119 April 2018

The renovated forecourt between the turntable and roundhouse

In this edition 1. The Chairman’s chairside chat 6. Models 2. Roundhouse forecourt refurbed 7. Workshop 3. News desk 8. Safety matters 4. Big toys 9. Membership 5. Talking shop 10. Our coming events

The first word Of course you may have been wondering if there share the need for renewal and succession is anything to report other than the refurbishment planning. If as a member you have skills that can of the Museum forecourt? Well the good news is be put to good use at the Museum, please have that “There is” and hopefully the following pages a chat to Membership Officer Jeff Russell on will provide plenty to interest everyone! Project 4751 2471 straight away, don’t delay! If you Manager Bruce Coxon has prepared a great know anyone who is not a member, but has skills article for your enjoyment on the massive that are compatible with the Museum’s infrastructure upgrade that occupied his time for objectives, please let Jeff know! Make sure you the last two years and led to the Museum’s six include younger candidates when searching your week closure. Progress has been made on many brain. Also if you know of a likely group that we other fronts and as usual many volunteers have can target with an appeal for volunteers, please contributed across all departments since DD118. contact Jeff. The Museum always benefits from the input and impact of new arrivals and different In common with similar organisations around the ways of problem solving. All welcome! world, the challenges of keeping the wheels turning are best met by sharing the load. We also Keith Ward, Publicity Manager VHLDHM

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1. The Chairman’s chairside chat I welcome back Bruce Coxon to the ranks of our the Museum’s custody. The Keys were executive committee as Large Exhibits Manager. ceremoniously presented by Sydney Trains' (Bruce is well known to most of you as a Barry Palmer to past Chairman Ted Mullett who committee member for many years and passed them over to current Chairman, Henk Luf Chairman during 2015–17 — Ed) via previous Chairman Bruce Coxon who did most of the paperwork prior to the handover on Meeting: 11 April. (A small but excited band of volunteers The THNSW Board meeting was held at The from across the years attended this impromptu Valley on 27 February. The actual Board meeting but important event, before the mysteries of the was held in the cafe/shop while giving Board roller door remote control had several of us members also a bit of an opportunity to observe practising the limbo!—Ed) a work in progress. Site inductions took place and given current activity, all movements for a closer look were escorted and restricted to safe areas. I provided the Board with an overview of our plans and progress in relation to other projects as well as WHS issues. I think the report was well received! Rail Corridor Boundary Fence: The latest news is that Sydney Trains are looking at it more positively with dates being considered in the May–June 2018 window (coinciding with a main line shutdown).

Civil Depot Handover:

The Civil Depot will house some historically important railway items currently located within From left: Ted Mullett (past Chairman), Henk Luf the Museum roundhouse, a process that by all (current Chairman), Barry Palmer (Sydney Trains), accounts will take some time. Bruce Coxon (immediate past Chairman)

After years of negotiations, reams of paperwork Henk Luf, Chairman VHLDHM and substantial amounts of friendly and gentle persuasion, the Civil Depot was transferred into

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REMINDER OF MEMBERSHIP FEES Members who have not paid their 2018 renewal fees are now unfinancial. To pay your fees, please visit our website

infobluemountains.net.au/ locodepot/ membership and read the information on the right hand side of the page. You can also contact the membership officer at

jeff.russell@ valleyheightsrailmuseum. info or 0414 764 178 and a form will be posted to you. 2. Roundhouse forecourt refurbed From this... · Firstly, the uneven surface which had rail heads protruding above the bitumen creating major trip hazards to our volunteers and visitors has now been eliminated to create a smooth surface all round. Foam strips are being trialled in the flangeways to enhance the safety of all.

to this...

If you have visited the Museum recently or seen our Facebook page you will have caught up with the fact that the forecourt refurbishment project has been completed, a project that we are all · Secondly, the risk of derailment albeit at low very pleased with. Three major issues have been speed of a locomotive or carriage when resolved: entering or leaving the roundhouse has been

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minimised by the replacement of all sleepers look. What we found was that in bays 1 to 5, the below the surface and the replacement of railways probably in the 1970s had remediated rails that had substantial corrosion of the rail this section with some PVC piping but bays 6 to foot. Many rails and sleepers had completely 10 had no drainage pipes left at all. Further to failed due to the lack of drainage below the this, the roof downpipes emptied into a box drain surface. which had a further pipe at the bottom taking the · Thirdly, the complete replacement of all water away to the main outlet. It was essential to subsurface drainage. When the site was keep these box drains to preserve the original excavated, we discovered that the original look of the system but nearby excavation meant earthenware drainage in all ten bays had they literally just fell to bits! They had been fallen apart and was not working at all. As constructed with a very weak concrete mix and a you know, the roundhouse roof has a large few pieces of brick and rocks. surface area and due to this failed drainage The two photos below show the new PVC piping system, most roof water was just flooding the and an example of a new box drain. The photo area causing rotted sleepers, rusted rails and on the right is of bays 1 to 5 where we could the area to subside. save some of the box drains but from 6 to 10 The management team thought we had been they were all replaced. As you have seen in the very thorough in our planning allowing for what completed photos, the finished project looks utilities may be uncovered and what future needs exactly the same from a heritage perspective as (like ducting from the roundhouse to the turntable the original drains. pit) should be provided for, but we were Of course we would rather have not touched any somewhat taken aback by the task of how to drainage but this failed system was found to be replace this drainage and maintain the heritage the root cause of all our damage!

New PVC drainage system The box drains

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There were other challenges along the way and one was the issue of how to weld standard 53 kg replacement rail to the original small 41 kg rail coming from the roundhouse. This took the specialist welders some time to perfect but the pictures below show how it was achieved. Most rails were severely corroded and were replaced. The railways had previously done some rail replacement and had used transition bolted plates but it was felt that to drill new holes through the very old original rail would produce a weak joint and welding was the way to go!

A Completed weld and composite sleeper

41 kg rail ready for welding to 53 kg rail

Concrete sleepers were mainly used in the Other interesting heritage items discovered project but of course where the rails converge at included the original brick facings to the entrance the turntable, these were not functional as they of the roundhouse roads. The picture below cannot be cut to length and would foul the shows an example of this brickwork installed adjacent sleepers where they intersect. Timber c1913, during the depot’s construction. Great could of course have been used but has limited care was taken to not damage this infrastructure, life so the picture above shows a composite some previous decay is shown. sleeper (made from recycled soft drink bottles!) that can be cut to length and fixed to the rail with coach screws.

Original brick facings

The new compacted roadbase with concrete sleepers installed and composites ready for use

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As you can see it was a most interesting bitumen. This of course meant that all construction that took 21 working days to precautions by specialist groups had to be complete. Prior to this, two year has elapsed taken to remove this contaminated soil and during preparation to arrange funding and for it to be tipped at a registered facility. Also, tenders while heritage approvals from Sydney all staff including a skeleton volunteer crew Trains and the Office of Environment & Heritage had to follow strict guidelines on how to be took place in order for work to proceed. present at the site. This asbestos removal added considerably to the cost and The project also had a number of issues that the complexity of the project and you will see in team had to resolve, these included: the photo below how the site was protected 1. In a prior test dig, a very small amount of with plastic in order to contain the potential asbestos was discovered in the soil below the hazard.

Plastic sheeting protecting drains Removal of potentially contaminated soil

2. Protection of exhibits both large and small. which shows just how seriously safety was As with all large projects, dust can be a handled by the entire team. concern along with vibration from machinery, 4. Site supervision and access was another big and many volunteers spent considerable time issue provided for by Museum volunteers. A covering and moving exhibits to safe storage roster was set up and an authorised locations. Some large exhibits like the single representative was on site every day from deck interurban trailer car, 5711’s tender and 06:30 until 17:00. Progress meetings were standard goods loco 5461 were moved to held weekly between Valley Heights allow work to continue. volunteer managers and the contractors to 3. A section of our shop area was set up as a ensure the agreed “Inspection and Test” plan Site Office for the many safety briefings that was being met and that work was proceeding occurred every day to ensure no incident or to budget and program. Due to the additional accident occurred. I am happy to say that the potentially contaminated soil that had to be whole construction period was injury free, removed and the extra plumbing works, the

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project was over-budget by about 13% but 3. The major contractor, Rhomberg Rail acceptable when you consider we were Australia that was technically excellent, working with a very old site with lots of hidden willing to overcome problems along the way. secrets! Due to the escalating project cost, they 5. We were very fortunate in that the weather provided service over and beyond the terms was kind to us but some rain, hot days and of the contract. small amounts of wind played havoc with our plastic dust screens.

There were a number of smaller day-to-day issues that we had to overcome but all 4. The Trinitas Group that provided the WHS volunteers and contractors worked together to and Occupational Hygiene services to come up with an excellent finished product that monitor the asbestos removal process and will serve the people of NSW and beyond for issue the vital Clearance Certificate to many years to come. confirm the site was safe. 5. Absolute Environmental Services that There are many volunteers and contractors to expertly removed all asbestos contaminated whom we owe a great deal of gratitude for both soils. their expertise and their willingness to do a great job: 6. Niche Environment and Heritage that prepared the Heritage Impact Statements 1. All the volunteers at Valley Heights led by and carried out archival photography of key Ted Dickson, Andrew Tester, Terry Matchett, stages of construction to provide a record of Jeff Russell, our Chairman Henk Luf, Michael the works. Pensini and his team who protected all of our 7. The Heritage Group of Sydney Trains that precious small exhibits, our weekday approved this work as land owners. volunteers who helped move large exhibits and prepare the site and to all other members 8. The Office of Environment & Heritage that who just showed us support along the way! approved the works on this Heritage Listed site. 2. Jennifer Edmonds, Andrew Moritz and Gordon Strachan from THNSW who were Thank you to all! outstanding in supporting us and ensuring A big job for sure but when you see the smiling that the finances were controlled. faces of young and old as they ride the trains on Museum Open Days it proves it was worth it! Bruce Coxon, Project Manager VHLDHM

3. News desk Shunting, signwriting and annual inspections Summer open days Sunday 14 January was a perfect summer’s day for a crowd of interested visitors to enjoy the Museum in the ambience of a non-running day. (With good fortune, I hope this will be the last time I need to use that term in years to come as our diesel shunting loco X206 is closing in on its unveiling as a revenue earner!) We welcomed a return visit by over 20 members of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) led by Division 7 Superintendent, Les Fowler. A guided tour was conducted for the group, including areas normally off-limits on Open Days. Stevo following smartening up

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The plan to offer steam rides across the Australia publicity campaign had been conducted across Day weekend was thwarted, due to a minor various media channels and although reduced to technical hitch on the Saturday. This was one day this year to aid preparations for the resolved later in the day and in good time for forecourt upgrade, the event was highly normal service to be resumed on Sunday 28th. successful, with over 200 visitors. During the week prior, “Stevo” was smartened up Many familiar activities were again on the with the reinstated covers being given a program: the talented Kate Woolfe Trio; the preliminary paint job ready for its first run of the Model T Ford Car Club; the Nepean District year. Historical Society and the Sydney Morsecodians. Trains, Trams & Ts We also welcomed back the Nepean Family History Society (NFHS) after a three year Sunday 11 February saw the return of the absence. popular Trains, Trams & Ts event. A high profile

... the Kate Wolfe Trio Visitors enjoying live jazz by...

Model Ts bask in the summer sun

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Roslyn Austin: a prize winner at TTT Period Dress competition

Nepean District Historical Society display Sydney Morsecodians

A high turnout of cars made for a colourful was on hand to capture their best angles, with spectacle and provided plenty of photo impartial judge, Judith McCleod, NFHS treasurer, opportunities for members and the public alike. making her decisions mid-afternoon. The band Blessed with hot, but fine weather, the many played in the middle of the day for the keen family groups that turned up mingled with music followers who showed their appreciation of flappers and crooners in their 1920s gear, ready the fine jazz on offer at every occasion including for the period dress competition. Andrew Tester a set on the tram.

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Newington Armory visit load of 40 board the narrow gauge train after an introductory guided tour of the buildings and On Thursday 15 February, a large group, many infrastructure. A fascinating insight into the from the Museum, joined the outing to the behind the scenes activities that were conducted Newington Armory kindly arranged by David at the Armory over many years was followed by a Lewis, STARPS membership officer, and tasty lunch in the Mess Hall. Museum member. Another warm day saw a full

Arriving by ferry Newington Armory train

Armament receiving and issuing hatches Armory railway turntable

Valley Heights visitors at the Armory

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Thirlmere Festival of Steam paint job. Five locos were in steam and provided a wonderful opportunity for families and Several Museum members were spotted at the enthusiasts alike to enjoy the sights and sounds Festival of Steam at Thirlmere on the weekend of of yesteryear. 3-4 March. Saturday marked the unveiling of 3526 in its VERY bright green livery—a great

3526 in shed 3526 on turntable

3526 poses for photos 2705 with passenger train

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Day Out With Thomas Engineers at the Valley Ted Dickson and I helped at the Day Out With On Tuesday 27 March, we hosted a group from Thomas at Thirlmere on 17-18 March. Ted the Western Sydney Division of Engineers managed family groups doing cab inspections of Australia. Following Devonshire Tea in the café, 3642 and I spent the morning on the main gate prepared by Eileen Ward, the requested and then taking umpteen shots in all manner of technical tours were guided by Ted Dickson, Ted poses of those wanting pictures with the Fat Mullett and myself. Three groups of seven were Controller in front of Thomas. Despite hot and escorted to various exhibits and infrastructure, windy conditions, the hundreds of excited including some not normally accessible to the children were well catered for and all seemed to public. Experts were on hand to discuss their pet have a good time. If you’ve never experienced subjects: Ted Dickson—steam loco 5711 and one of these days up close, it’s quite an eye- ash tunnel; Terry Matchett—diesel shunter X206 opener! and workshop; Steve Corrigan—electric loco 4601 (featuring the first “public” demo of the

simulator!); Henk Luf—model layout; Ray Steam returns to the Valley Beharrell —1950s layout. Feedback from this Steam returned to Valley Heights on Sunday 25 special interest group was very positive and they March after a six week break and Stevo was “all plan a return visit in 2019. If you are a member of fired up” chugging up and down the line to another group or know anyone who is and may enable visitors to gaze from above on our latest be interested in a mid-week visit, please let me major project! know on 4751 4174.

Visiting engineers with Museum volunteers on “new” roundhouse forecourt

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Terry Matchett explains X206 modifications to the group Ted Dickson explains the workings of 5711 and the ash pit

Glenbrook Park Junior Playground The “Transport across the Mountains” themed the Museum were mostly in place, but some work Glenbrook Park Junior Playground was officially remains, including the mounting of interpretative opened by Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC) plaques. The park appears to be well received by Mayor, Mark Greenhill on Saturday 7 April. Other those using it, especially the children! Council councillors plus Federal MP Susan Templeman awarded a certificate of recognition to the were also in attendance and I, along with other Museum and it is on display in our shop until a contributors (including the Men’s Shed) had the permanent home is found. chance to speak briefly. The items donated by

Mayor Mark Greenhill, Susan Templeman MP, councillors Railway scales in park and community at the opening

New sleeper path at Glenbrook Park Junior Playground Railway track feature in park

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The colour green On the first Sunday in April, standard goods loco 5461 was trialled in a new coat of water based Brunswick Green to match 3214. As it was then realised that there were too many green locos in service already, Ross Stenning kindly agreed to wash off the paint the next day.

Washing green paint off 5461 Seniors “One-for-one” and a birthday Sunday 8 April turned out to be a great boost to The day was enhanced by a pre-booked birthday the Museum’s fortunes with healthy visitor group of 30+ who enjoyed rides and made good numbers and good shop sales. The day was the use of our gas BBQ. As a nice touch, they also first of our Seniors “One-for-one” days and many provided their own musician, local Rob Spark, of the seniors who turned up brought other family who fitted in well under one of the two shelters members along. we provided and performed with great skill for several hours. Thanks to all who helped with the preparations for this large group.

Musician Rob Spark The museum provided a marquee and gazebo for the birthday celebration

Stronger Families Alliance The Museum participated in the first airing of could provide feedback to Council. A link to the the Stronger Families Alliance in conjunction with holiday calendar has been added to our website BMCC and other service providers. One of the and other activity organisers are doing likewise objectives is to “Coordinate information about low as a condition of engagement. If this program cost/free school holiday local activities for looks promising, we’ll consider opening as a non- families living in the Blue Mountains in one running day on the two Thursdays during the July accessible calendar”. We are one of the few school holidays. “commercial” activities involved in the program but only opened on our regular day during these school holidays (Sunday 22 April). A survey was conducted on site so that Mountains residents

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Other stuff Cultural Heritage Organisations (BMACHO). After morning tea, kindly arranged by Grant Networking: Robinson (our delegate), debate kicked off Andrew Tester and I joined an introductory amongst the large group of 16, including Gay meeting at Katoomba with Council’s new local Hendricksen, as well as Henk and myself as museum adviser, Gay Hendricksen, that was observers. A guest speaker from “Friends of the also attended by representatives from Glenbrook Paragon” outlined that group’s views on the Historical Society, Blue Mountains Historical recent history and future of that building/business Society, Linden Observatory, Bygone Beauties, at Katoomba. Meetings such as this provide an Woodford Academy, Mt Wilson/Mt Irvine opportunity for us to showcase the Museum to a Historical Society and several from Council. Gay new batch of business people and policy makers is a founding partner of The Rowan Tree who have input into heritage issues across our Heritage and Cultural Services and has a long area. The meeting closed with a well patronised career in the museum and galleries sector. We 30 minute guided tour. have already submitted our response to a questionnaire about our current status. The meeting heard of the aspirations and challenges of the various organisations, many common with ours! One item of interest was discussion of the cataloguing tool eHive and Andrew is looking into that, possibly as a way of managing information about our large exhibits. Gay visited the Museum in April for the BMACHO meeting and we were pleased that she joined the group for the guided tour. BMACHO at the Valley: Friday 6 April saw the Museum host the monthly BMACHO meeting at Valley Heights meeting of Blue Mountains Association of Website: Andrew Tester, Grant Robinson and I have been large proportion of our target audience uses working on a revamp of the Museum’s website. devices, especially smartphones as their sole This involves making the content more channel for receiving news and information. This accessible and relevant and also more user is a work in progress and will be submitted to our friendly for those viewing via mobile phones or Committee before any changes are made. other devices. This is a key element given that a

New website—desktop/laptop computer view

New website—mobile phone views

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Signage: Publicity: The “bogie sign” has been moved for the Most of you will have heard of the world of duration of the corridor fence project to its “Twitter”. The Museum now has an account and temporary home adjacent to the cement hopper. love it or hate it, in the same way that our Facebook following has accelerated over the last few years, we are hoping that the same will happen to our Twitter account. Morsels of news, information and comment are now going out to the world and will bring about increased exposure and a higher level of awareness with about 50 “followers” so far. These are from many countries with a strong representation in North America & Europe. There are some “odd” ones: a laundry in Denver and a Nepalese restaurant in Wales! Although our engagement with the process is still minimal and we have a lot to learn, there is every confidence that Twitter will be another string to our bow. If interested to see what is being said about your Museum, you don’t have to join up—just visit: https://twitter.com/@heightsrail

Keith Ward, Publicity Manager VHLDHM

4. Big toys 5711: Attention has returned to the engine with it receiving a well-deserved clean up and paint as it is now 24 years since its last coat. This involved high pressure water cleaning but the ensuing paint job is for preservation only of the locomotive fabric. My thanks go to Chris Troy, his son Sam, Ross Stenning and Steve Dive for their assistance, in the process using over 40 litres of paint and solvent. (Ted Dickson) 5711 cleanup 18 April 2018 ETB: Damaged seats in the U-boat were repaired or replaced. This involved the removal and refitting of a number of seats to improve the appearance and comfort level for visitors. (Dave Grove)

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4601: A further challenge was to carry out the work in such a way that no modifications at all were All recent work relates to development of the carried out on either the brake valve or handle, driver experience simulator. The recent ruling out any drilling or cutting. An additional acquisition of a set of brake handles suitable for requirement is that the handle can be removed in the 46 class has focused attention on finding a the normal manner when not in use, enabling way to interface the actual brake handle/brake safe storage. A functional solution was valve assembly to the simulator. The simulator implemented using a wooden “collar” which is has three brake functions: Release, Lap and fitted over the top of the valve, secured in place Service Application. These are the same as the using adhesive Velcro. Micro switches attached independent brake in the 46 class, as opposed to to the collar are then actuated when the handle is the Automatic (train) brake which has at least five either in the fully left (Release) or fully right positions (Release, Running, Lap and Service (Application) position. Lap is achieved by wiring and Emergency Application). This fact, in in series the normally closed contacts of both addition to the physical design of the switches in series, so that the Lap signal is on Independent brake valve, meant that the when the handle is in the mid position. A gap in independent brake was the best suited to the collar permits the handle to be lifted out in the interface to the computer. normal manner when not in use. Connection from the brake valve to the computer interface in the No 2 end High Tension compartment is via a terminal block in the main control stand and thence via existing wiring. This will facilitate easy change back to the original arrangement of using the regen brake handle should the need arise. During testing, this arrangement has worked very well, but the main disadvantage is its “inelegant” appearance, thus providing the next task! (Steve Corrigan)

Steve Corrigan with visiting engineers featuring the first “public” demo of the 4601 simulator

HG Guards Van: Bruce Coxon writes: My main goal in taking on this new role as Large Exhibits Manager, is to restore the van which I see as a valuable asset that can be used on the Valley Heights Mixed. As I have to prepare a budget, Conservation Management Plan, etc. before setting up the work area and gathering a crew, it will probably be much later in the year that we actually start work on the van.

HG Guard's van

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X206: I have also learned that we can proceed to carry Alan believes there will be no issue and we will out the test day on the new mechanical controls be right to go leaving only the accreditation by on X206 as the Office of the National Rail Safety STARPS which is well underway. Driver re- Regulator (ONRSR) has no objection to the training will commence in April/May this year as change. I am in discussion with Alan Gardner our original licence qualifications expire soon. (THNSW) about having this test day during April.

The load test subsequently took place on 18 April 2018

X206 load test with Valley Heights Mixed

X206 pushing Stevo during load test

Roundhouse Display: In the meantime, we are considering creative other items to the Civil Depot when ready. Care plans to reconfigure the layout of the must however be taken to ensure that the roundhouse, which will separate large display proposed work zone doesn’t just create another exhibits from work-in-progress areas to make it safety issue with lots of containers, tools, power easier for visitors to move around. Trikes will be leads and other equipment just left lying around! . moved into the fettlers' shed when finished and

Bruce Coxon, Large Exhibits Manager

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5. Talking shop Book Deliveries: If there are gaps in your railway library, Blue Mountains Journeys and Sydney Rock (supplied by Blue Mountain Education and Research Trust), and Central West Express and Byways 32 are back in stock at the time of writing. Buy now while stocks last.

DVD/CD Deliveries: Steam Action Part 4, Branch Lines, Steel on Steel and Recent Steam in the Mountains are all New release: popular titles that turn over quickly. Drop in on open day and bring your cash/credit card. STARPS have supplied a number of children’s Thomas and Engineer caps for sale.

Steve Corrigan, Retail Manager

6. Models 7. Workshop The late John Stanley Collection: A metal pit cover was fitted to the eastern end of No 3 road, following the roundhouse pits being John’s brother Warren has donated to us all of identified as a potential hazard by the safety John’s model railway locomotives, rolling stock committee. Following this successful installation, and also modelling tools and spare parts. This is units have been ordered for other designated quite an extensive collection and includes many pits. (See update in Safety matters—Ed) models that John was working on and had not completed. I am sorting through the boxes to The fuel injection pump again failed on road/rail catalogue the items. unit “Mario”. It was removed and taken to the Ray Beharrell, Model Railway Manager repairer who found the malfunction, and repaired it under warranty. The pump was refitted, and vehicle is now functioning normally. (Our love/hate relationship with this very useful but time-consuming piece of equipment continues!— Ed) Terry Matchett, Workshop Manager

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8. Safety matters

Safety is the first priority in any workplace. As an organisation we are responsible to ensure that we provide a safe working environment for our volunteers and contractors as well as ensuring the Museum is safe for visitors.

It is just as important to us as it is to your family and friends that when you finish working for the organisation at the end of each day, that you return home in the same healthy state that you were in that morning.

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Safety Notice Boards Our thanks are extended to the contractors, Rhomberg Rail, for their expertise in completing Please be conscious of the Notice Boards the work and to Transport Heritage NSW for displayed at the entrance to the Amenities and supporting and funding this project through to Training Room (a.k.a. Meal Room). These are fruition. Finally, thanks go to former Chairman regularly updated and while every effort will be Bruce Coxon, for the long hours invested over an made to communicate when a new item is posted extended period of time in preparing the various on the board. It is ultimately your responsibility to applications, engaging contractors and check regularly for new notices. negotiating with authorities to achieve this outstanding outcome.

Housekeeping There are improvements being noticed in this Edge Protection area but we need to stay on top of this. We currently have some areas that have SafeWork NSW can and have sent inspectors unsatisfactory edge protection (fencing) where into workplaces unannounced, to conduct falls are a possibility. A team of volunteers are random audits of safe working practices in any currently working towards addressing the first workplace. Hefty fines can apply to individuals area of concern with a start being made along and organisations for breaches of the WHS Act the top of the retaining wall that extends from especially for repeat offences where breaches behind the fire shed to the Ash Tunnel. have been identified in the past. The current work is being made out of material Just a reminder about housekeeping in our on hand at the Museum to keep the cost to a workplace. We need to ensure we clean up after minimum. The attached photo shows progress to ourselves at the end of each day. This includes date and I am sure you will all agree the work cleaning work benches, putting power tools looks terrific. away, tidying and storing extension cords and not leaving out flammable liquids where they can cause harm. We sometimes work in areas that are accessible to the general public so it is important that we don’t leave our equipment out where it could cause harm or even be stolen when not in use.

Roundhouse Forecourt Renewal As reported in Depot Diary 118, the refurbishment of our roundhouse forecourt was imminent. We are very pleased to announce the work has now been completed. Rhomberg Rail commenced the work on Monday 12 February, and it was completed on Monday 12 March. A full and comprehensive report with photos is Additional fencing beyond the Ash Tunnel included elsewhere in this edition. towards our eastern boundary and on the side of the footpath leading from the DLE’s Building to The new surface has removed the major trip and the former upper car park adjacent to the fall hazards that existed with the exposed rail mainline is likely to need funding assistance and heads and has improved accessibility for the quotes are currently being sourced to do this mobility impaired, wheelchairs and families with work. prams.

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Safety Committee Matters There are a number of matters currently on the agenda of our Safety Committee. The table below summarises the status of some of these matters:

Safety issue Current Status Housekeeping Permanent Agenda Item—Ongoing Tagging & Testing of This is an ongoing task of which we need to maintain currency. Members will soon Electricals undertake training in the Testing & Tagging of our equipment. Local Risk Register Draft has been developed thanks to David Honer, THNSW. This is a live document and ongoing maintenance is to continue. Emergency Response Document is currently being drafted. Procedures Sleeper Retaining Wall Investigation into its replacement. Survey of the wall has been undertaken and a report is imminent which will determine the next course of action. Rail Corridor Some good news here with quotes and a contractor engaged to replace the last section of Boundary Fence the boundary fence which runs between the eastern and western boundaries parallel to the main line. This project needs to be completed by 30 June 2018. Stay tuned for updates! Pit Covers All new pit covers to fit across the front of exposed inspection pits in the Roundhouse have now been received and fitted in place. This eliminates the risk of falls into these pits. Managing Oil Spills The Museum in conjunction with STARPS is currently trialling the use of reusable absorbent matting around the locomotives during lighting up process. Strips of matting down each side and underneath the locomotive are laid to catch and absorb oil spills. This assists with managing environmental safety issues and reduces the risk of spoiling the new forecourt surface. Access to ETB 6039 Following the forecourt renewal and with this carriage back in its usual position, improvements have been made to public access to the “U-boat” A safer set of steps has been positioned allowing access to the carriage from a platform at the top of the steps. The steps formerly used for visitor access are now at the other end of the carriage—to be used for emergencies only.

Thanks We would like to acknowledge and thank the invaluable support of Transport Heritage NSW for their help, guidance and assistance in addressing the safety at Valley Heights. Andrew Tester, Chair – Joint Operating & Safety Committee

Publicity Manager’s Trivia Quiz Corner Which Scottish village shares its name with a NSW village associated with the Ampol bitumen tanker NTBF 4716 at VHLDHM and what is the connection (with the tanker)? Depot Diary 118 Trivia Quiz answer: With only ONE entry received in the competition for last edition’s quiz, the judge’s decision was made very easy! Grant Robinson correctly named seven TrainLink stations that included a female name, in keeping with the conditions of the question and has been awarded the prize. The full list is: Dora Creek, Greta, Hazelbrook, Helensburgh, Lisarow, Mount Victoria, Penrose, Point Clare, Victoria Street, Unanderra (correspondence welcome!)

Check the question at infobluemountains.net.au/ locodepot/ depot-diary

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9. Membership

We welcome the following new members: · Kim Testa · · Melinda Grogan Christine Wainwright · · Tim Purser Bradley Jenkins · · Patrina Carter Brett Leary · · Chris Carter Robert Hendy · · Rachel Richards Richard Lorraine · Robert Holland Your fellow members hope you enjoy all the · Catherine Holland activities and facilities at your Museum. · Vasantha Weerakoon Jeff Russell, Membership Officer

10. Our coming events Teddy Bears’ Day Out. This highly successful event will be held on an extra Open Day–Sunday 20 May. Children with teddies are admitted free and can enjoy some extra treats – the “Teddy Bear Express”, the “Hidden Teddies” competition, a pack of “Gummi Bears” and a hoped for return visit of “Mama” and “Papa” Bear! Make sure that all the children in your family and circle of friends know about this one! Please share Museum news with friends, relatives, workmates and neighbours.

2018 Calendar of events Wednesday May 2 BMATA—Blue Mountains Accommodation & Tourism Association—Meeting and Visit Thursday May 3 Crows Nest Probus Club Visit Saturday May 5 Mt Victoria 150th Anniversary Exhibition Officially Opens—11am Exhibition Open until January 2019 Tuesday May 8 THNSW CEO Andrew Moritz—Visit and Q & A session. Wednesday May 9 Visit—The Entrance Diggers Club. Saturday May 12 Hydro Express—Sydney to Medlow Bath and return Tickets available through Transport Heritage NSW. Rides sold out Sunday May 13 Museum not Open—Mother’s Day Mon 14-Fri 18 May Retirees Week Sunday May 20 Museum open day Teddy Bears Day Out (Kids with Teddy Bears admitted free) Steam tram rides today

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Monday May 21 Parramatta Legacy—Visit Saturday May 26 Mt Victoria 150th Anniversary – Great Train Weekend featuring Garratt 6029 and CPH Rail Motors (subject to availability). Steam Shuttles—Mt Victoria to Lithgow and return Rail Motor Shuttles— Mt Victoria to Katoomba and return Tickets available through Transport Heritage NSW. Sunday May 27 Mt Victoria 150th Anniversary – Great Train Weekend continues featuring Garratt 6029 and CPH Rail Motors (subject to availability). Steam Shuttles—Mt Victoria to Lithgow and return Rail Motor Shuttles—Mt Victoria to Katoomba and return Tickets available through Transport Heritage NSW. Sunday May 27 Museum open day Valley Heights Mixed rides today Sat 9 - Mon 11 June Transport Heritage NSW Expo—Central Saturday June 9 Committee meeting Mon 11 - Fri 15 June Retirees Week Sunday June 10 Museum open day Steam tram rides today Saturday July 14 Committee meeting Sunday June 24 Museum open day Valley Heights Mixed rides today Sunday July 8 School holidays Museum open day Steam tram rides today Saturday August 11 Committee meeting Sunday July 22 School holidays Museum open day Valley Heights Mixed rides today Saturday September 8 Committee meeting Sunday August 12 Museum open day Steam tram rides today

No 119 April 2018

Sunday August 26 Museum open day Valley Heights Mixed rides today Sunday September 2 Museum open day Fathers' Day—dads admitted free Steam tram rides today Saturday October 13 Committee meeting Sunday September 9 Museum open day Steam tram rides today Sunday September 23 School holidays Museum open day Valley Heights Mixed rides today Saturday November 10 Committee meeting Sunday October 14 School holidays Museum open day Steam tram rides today Saturday October 27 EXTRA open day HALLOWEEN—LATE OPENING & CLOSING (TBC) Valley Heights Mixed rides today Sunday October 28 Museum open day HALLOWEEN Valley Heights Mixed rides today Saturday December 1 Committee meeting Sunday November 11 Museum open day Steam tram rides today Sunday November 25 Museum open day Valley Heights Mixed rides today Saturday December 8 EXTRA open day Special Christmas Themed Weekend—Santa Arrives on Steam Tram Steam tram rides today Sunday December 9 Museum open day Special Christmas Themed Weekend—Santa Arrives on Steam Tram Steam tram rides today Keith Ward, Publicity Manager VHLDHM

No 119 April 2018

TELL YOUR FRIENDS! Mid-week events, although needing extra planning and volunteer support, are always welcome. Valley Heights is the perfect site for special interest groups and attractive rates can be negotiated for birthday parties, wedding photography, film shoots, and so on. Please contact Keith Ward at the Museum on (02) 4751 4638 (leave message) if you know anyone who might be interested.

Photo credits Keith Ward, Eileen Ward, Andrew Tester, Bruce Coxon, Grant Robinson