PORT BAY EXPRESS Bay... · delivered said tea, we were free to climb up into the cabs of the locos,...

PORT BAY EXPRESS

________________________________________________________Official Newsletter of the Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway Inc.

Volume 5 – Issue No.6. June, 2020.

Sue & Keith Stasinowsky (“Team Stas”) are truly valued and loyal members who have

given many years of service to our mini railway. Our grateful thanks are extended to

them for the great work achieved over a long period of time. (Pic: Stasinowsky Family)

Port Bay Express . June, 2020.

OUR PRESIDENT REPORTS :

As we continue to be in lockdown, some members are toiling along behind

the scenes in an effort to keep us run ready and across all departments

that we need firing , so that when we finally get the go ahead we can

welcome visitors back to our miniature railway….....and we hope that is

soon !!.

Financially we are struggling as there is no income and we still have

financial commitments of essential items. We need to put our thinking

caps on, and think outside the square, not only for now but for later when

we start operating again. Any ideas are welcome and can be forwarded to

our Secretary.

I believe we should start acting on our carriage / engines and track

maintenance, as soon as possible, even if we do it in 2’s, as when we

finally get the go ahead, we are ready to roll......We need to be well placed

to handle our visitors when the time comes!

During the month of May “Volunteers Week” is celebrated. Accordingly may I take this opportunity to thank all our loyal volunteers for the work

you all do. You are all truly priceless to the PBMR !!.

Keith Stasinowsky – President.

FROM THE SECRETARY'S DESK :

The Committee recently held a Special Meeting to discuss various things

including the re-commencement of the railway. At this stage, there is no date set aside for public services to resume, but we will advise in the

future via Facebook. Please watch this space.

Working Bees will soon commence at the railway with the lifting of the

restrictions and soon much maintenance work will be able to be

carried out.

Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway has established a Go Fund Me

Page to try to raise money for various projects at the railway and

hoping that everyone can chip in a small amount to help us with our

projects. Show your support by going to this link :

gf.me/ u / x29gnw

Ashleigh Myers - Secretary.

Port Bay Express . April, 2020

BENALLA LOCO, YARDS, etc. By Ron Griffiths.

‘Benalla Loco’ was the name given to the engine shed of the Victoria Railways at Benalla, Vic. The actual shed where the locos were stabled was of the classical Roundhouse design with a 70 foot electrically operated Sheldon turntable in the centre. Approximately 20 ‘roads’ radiated out like spokes in a wheel from the turntable pit. The walls and roof were corrugated iron sheets fixed to RSJ uprights and angle-iron rafters respectively. Near the front of each ‘road,’ directly above the centre of the rails was a smoke-hood and the hostler was expected to place the stack under the centre of these smoke-hoods. On cold, rainy days the smoke from locos that had been lit-up but had no steam to operate the blower, wafted about the shed instead of exiting via the hood. The blower soon lifted the smoke out through the hood but until then it was simply too much of a good thing. To the best of my knowledge there was no electric light in the shed at all and the fitters were expected to do good work by the light of smoky old oil lamps. The lack of electric light probably explains why the inside Stephenson’s valve gear on the resident D3 shunting loco was never ‘squared-up’. Most D3 locos sounded bad except D3 639, the Commissioner’s Loco. When it hauled the Commissioner’s train the exhaust beats were square and even, so North Melbourne Loco, where the loco was kept, probably had electric light! The concrete floor of Benalla loco was covered in a thick, hard coating of black, cinder-reinforced grease and oil. My mother would not let me inside the house unless I took my shoes off if she knew I’d been to ‘the loco’. One my school-friends, Ken Gibbs, (who I still keep in touch with 65 years later) was fortunate because his dad was a fitter at Benalla Loco. When Mr Gibbs was on afternoon shift, Ken and I would jump on our bikes and take his tea to him. Having delivered said tea, we were free to climb up into the cabs of the locos, some warm, some cold. Permission to ‘climb up’ was always accompanied by “don’t touch the bloody regulator”. My enthusiasm got a bit much for Ken sometimes and he would ride-off home without me. It takes a boy quite a while to check-out the cabs of A2, D3, K, X, J and my favourite, the handsome, sharp voiced R class Hudsons with their mellow toned whistles! Incidentally, Ken’s mother is still alive at time of writing (Jan 2020) and has just celebrated her 104th birthday. Mr Gibbs passed away about 50 years ago. The Loco Foreman For many years, when I was growing up, the Loco Foreman was a nice man called Bertie Hicks. His left thumb was shaped like a table-tennis bat. Many years before, as a young fitter, he was taking a connecting-rod off an A2 when it slipped and squashed his left thumb. Bertie and his wife lived in a Railway House two doors from our house and directly opposite Ken Gibbs.

Port Bay Express . June, 2020 Now Bertie had a very round face and when a large black and white cat with a very round face followed my sister home one day (she was a cat magnet) my father took one look at him and said “we’ll call him Bertie.” This caused much mirth on running days when we steamed ‘Dinah’, my Dad’s gorgeous little 2-1/2” gauge Pacific when both Berties were present. My Dad would say “would you like a drive Bertie?” and some kid who knew the two-legged Bertie as Mr Hicks, would say “cats can’t drive trains”. The VR Drivers Two drivers gave me cab rides ----- that’s all, despite promises from a few others. My two heroes were Angus Macleod (D3 & K class ---- shunting) and the redoubtable and amusing Alfie Armstrong (mainline freight: R class powered). Other names that come to mind are Bill Bryce (loved ‘Heavy Harry’----- his favourite loco), Ron Bain, Ivan Drew and Harry Broadbent. Most of these men drove my Dad’s little loco and one them, who shall be nameless, ran it out of water which stopped play for the day! Fortunately no damage was done to the bronze-welded & silver-soldered boiler as it does not have any soft solder calking. The Station, etc. Benalla was ‘Change for Yarrawonga Line’ and as such the red brick and cream-painted station building was equipped with a large waiting room. The building also had an ornate tower which was quite a pleasant aesthetic feature. When the magnificent 3 cylinder S class used to thunder through at 60 mph twice a day every day when hauling the Spirit of Progress, they shook the ground. Not only the ground shook: the station did too and the ornate tower developed dangerous cracks and as a consequence it had to be demolished. Without the tower, the building looked very plain. What a shame it had to go! The head porter for many years was a red-headed man who was known to all and sundry as Ginger Mac. When a passenger train stopped at the station, Ginger Mac would stand beside his mobile newsstand and cry-out in a very loud voice “NEWSPAPERS and MANGERZINES”! The Station Master at this time was a man can called Mr Arblaster. He lived in a beautiful railway-owned house that was quite close to the station ------ too close as it turned out because it had to be demolished in 1961 to allow the standard gauge track to go through. IT’LL BE THROUGH IN ’62 was the slogan. Station Master he may have been but in the ‘young blade’s’ eyes he was much more notable for being the father of his beautiful daughter, Sue! There were two signal boxes at Benalla. ‘B box,’ situated near the coal-stage, was the larger of the two and most of the yard’s track work was controlled from here. ‘A box’ was situated at the Melbourne end of the yard where the busy Nunn St crossing was situated. Four manually operated gates swung in unison when the hard-working signalman heaved and shoved on a big wheel like ship’s steering wheel.

Port Bay Express . June, 2020 His job was not made any easier by we kids having a ride on the gates which we thought was quite good fun. The signalman would threaten us with all kinds of punishment if we didn’t get off, but we knew he couldn’t leave the ‘box’ so we stayed on and enjoyed the ride.

1940’s Victorian Railways Map – Benalla & surrounding areas. The Yards. There were two separate yards at Benalla: the main yard where shunting was carried out and where freight trains were made up. The other yard, about 1km from the main yard, was on the Yarrawonga spur, and served the sheep and cattle sale-yards which were quite substantial in those days. When having a cab ride in the D3 shunting loco with Mr Macleod, I used to enjoy our trips to the sale-yards. The Circus Trains. In the 1950’s, Wirth Bros. moved their circus animals and paraphernalia around Victoria by a train composed of cattle wagons and flat cars. When this long train came to Benalla, it was invariably hauled by one of the hefty X class 2-8-2 freighters. The train stopped right beside the Goods Shed. This shed was large enough for trucks to drive around inside it and the trucks accessed the inside by driving up the sloping end of the platform, along the platform, then in the shed. The X class would stop the train with an Elephant-carrying wagon alongside the platform. To save on engine hire charges, the loco would be uncoupled without delay.

Port Bay Express . June, 2020 The Elephant handler would then choose a sturdy specimen, open the wagon door and walk Jumbo onto the platform, down the sloping platform end and towards the front of the train. Jumbo would then place his massive forehead against the end of the wagon and PUSH. Slowly, the whole train would begin to move. This interesting spectacle would be repeated until the train was unloaded. With the animals etc. in their cages, the whole shebang, on Wirth’s trucks, would parade through the town and set-up on the Showgrounds for a spectacular season of just two evening performances plus a Saturday afternoon matinee. Some Memorable Moments at and around VR Benalla.

1. Going up the Coal Stage in a D3 with Mr Macleod.

2. The many R class cab rides with Alfie Armstrong.

3. Watching the S class pacifics hauling the Spirit of Progress.

4. Watching and listening to an R class getting a 1000 ton wheat train up the bank

out of Benalla yards and on to Geelong to be exported.

5. Seeing Heavy Harry derailed (tender only).

6. A K class cab ride with Mr Macleod.

7. The many visits to Benalla loco with Ken Gibbs.

8. The-Circus-Trains.

Epilogue.

The once-grand Benalla loco met an ignominious end: it was pulled down with a K-Class one day whilst I was living in the UK.

This article is republished with the kind permission of Ron Griffiths and was originally

published in “The Oilcan” Newsletter of the Queensland Society of Model & Experimental

Engineers Inc, for whose kind permission to re-produce we also acknowledge.

FURTHER DETAILS ON PAGE No.20.

Port Bay Express June, 2020

Galah - The STD Station By Norman Houghton

In the old days on the Ouyen to Pinaroo line the second station out of

Ouyen was Galah, some 14.5 kms (9 miles) distant. There was not much

at Galah, it being a farming area but it possessed a railway station where

its wheat could be despatched in season. The station opened for public

traffic on 25 June 1912 and was managed by a Caretaker. Facilities there

comprised a passenger platform with shelter shed and a goods loop, later

fitted with a silo.

The traffic through the station was a few passengers, some parcels, a truck load of sheep every now and again and colossal amounts of wheat in

season. The station was served by the regular Mixed train for many years

until a Rail Motor service was introduced in the early 1950s to cater for

passengers and parcels. Separate goods trains catered for the livestock

and wheat traffic. The RM service was discontinued in November, 1968

and shortly after the station was de-staffed with the removal of the

Caretaker on 28 February 1972. That left the station unattended so all

safeworking and traffic paperwork was handled by the train crews passing

through.

At sometime around 1977 the VR had need to renew the telephone line

that ran to all the stations on the branch from Ouyen to Pinaroo. It was to be an expensive proposition so an alternative was adopted in connecting

all the station phones to the Telecom (AKA Telstra) system. The phone in

the shed at Galah was so treated and it, like all the phones to Pinaroo had

long distance call capability, known as Subscriber Trunk Dialling (STD) that

eliminated the caller needing to book through the nearest staffed

telephone exchange. During the wheat harvest season a contingent of

train running staff (drivers, firemen, guards) was brought in to Ouyen from

all over. These harvest staff came from as far away as Ballarat,

Maryborough, Ararat, Horsham and other places and camped at the Ouyen

Rest House or found other accommodation in town.

Some of the young relievers found the going a bit tough and sought solace

in communications with their distant wives and girlfriends. That mean long distance phone calls through the Ouyen telephone exchange or coin in the

slot box at the Post Office at great expense in those days. Then it dawned

on some bright spark that the railway phone at Galah had STD so it came

about that after the various shifts there was a procession of cars along the

highway from Ouyen to Galah to the STD booth. The relievers possessed

keys to the railway buildings along the line so were able to let themselves

into the telephone shed at Galah and make a call.

That was marvellous to all concerned, kept up morale and made for a

happy workforce. Never was a No One in Charge station with virtually

nothing there so busy. That is until the District Superintendent was

informed of the colossal phone bill for Galah station so he arranged with Telecom to put an STD bar on the Galah phone.


The Galah platform and passenger shelter in 1976, before the PMG line

was connected. The STD telephone was placed in the left hand

compartment of the shed. (Norman Houghton Image)

Site of Galah in 2015, when the Ouyen to Pinaroo line was out of service

and prior to standard gauge conversion. (Norman Houghton Image)

Port Bay Express . June, 2020

Some examples of Silo Art now appearing on silos at country locations around Victoria.

This article is republished with the kind permission of Clive Manly and was originally

published in the “On track” Newsletter of the Box Hill Miniature Steam Railway Society Inc,

for whose kind permission to re-produce we also acknowledge.

Public help sought over tourist railway

burglary

Mornington Railway is seeking the public’s help to locate items stolen from its Moorooduc

base in an early morning break-in.

A heritage locomotive number plate was removed and damaged caused to doors and

fencing during the incident, which happened about 4am on Saturday 16 May.

The break-in was captured on CCTV and has been reported to police.

The thieves had also started to remove valuable equipment from a storage shed, however they were unsuccessful in removing these items.

Mornington Railway President Andrew Swaine said it was extremely disappointing the individuals had targeted a volunteer organisation.

“The Mornington Railway is a self-funded community organisation and like other similar

groups, our revenue has been severely impacted due to the covid19 pandemic,” Mr

Swaine said.

“This incident could not have come at a worse time. It is a lowly attack on our volunteers

and the many people who love our railway.

“It is especially disappointing that these individuals have targeted a non-for-profit group.”

The stolen number plates were from locomotive W241.

“Locomotive number plates are of intrinsic value and are often sold between collectors,”

Mr Swaine said.

“We ask everyone to keep their eyes open for these items and immediately report anyone

trying to sell or dispose of these plates.”

Anyone with information surrounding the break-in is urged to call Crimestoppers on 1800

333 000.

Mornington Railway Media Contact: Secretary Robert Reed on 0432080072 or [email protected]


SOME OF OUR SOUVENIR RANGE :

MY RAILWAY COLOURING BOOKS - $8.00 Ea.

WOODEN TOY TRAINS, TRUCKS AND OTHER LOVELY THINGS

IDEAL GIFTS FOR THE KIDS......PRICES ON APPLICATION.

KIDS "TEE SHIRTS" AVAILABLE IN SIZES 2 - 10 - $18.00 ea.


CAN COOLERS $ 7.00 ea. FRIDGE MAGNETS $ 3.00 ea.

TEE TOWELS $ 8.00 ea. KEY RINGS $ 4.00 ea.

JUST SOME OF THE THINGS AVAILABLE AT OUR STATION KIOSK


CAMERA CORNER :

West Coast Wilderness Railway No.3 Steam Loco & train at Dubbil Barrel, Tasmania.

(Pic: WCWR)

“Mary-Ann” and train at Maryborough Whistlestop, Queensland.

(Pic : David Deem )


Bumper Stickers (pictured above) available at the Station Kiosk – Only $2.00 each.


SAFETY BULLETIN BOARD

These safety messages appeared in a Victorian Railways publication during the 1960's.

OUR MONTHLY PASSENGER TALLIES – From December 2015 – to current :

Month 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Month 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

January 665 1622 1488 2417 2214 July 325 398 363 670

February 522 306 883 758 698 August 118 - 163 370

March 606 522 854 770 897 September 793 572 1095 679

April 399 1636 1466 1524 - October 432 939 971 2572

May 403 316 280 615 - November 325 811 699 737

June 341 422 646 392 December 725 1009 1068 1714

TOTALS 3343 7543 9346 10835 5597 8553 9976 13218

FY FY FY FY FY YR YR YR YR YR

Comments: Railway carried no passengers during May or a loss of 2275 Passengers or - 37.39 %.

Results for the current 2019 - 20 Fiscal Year are 10551 Passengers or a rise of 1.03 %

Figures represent a loss in traffic for the 2020 year of 2275 Passengers or – 37.39 %.

Railway was re-opened by PBMRI for passenger traffic on 6th December, 2015.

Notes: August, 2017, recorded a "Nil Tally" due to the Park being closed for works.

Passenger train operations were suspended as from 22nd March, 2020 - TFN.


SPECIAL TRAIN / PARTY BOOKINGS NOTICE BOARD :

Special Train / Party Bookings have been received, as under :

DAY & DATE TYPE : TIMES OF HIRE : No. of Trains : No in group :

FESTIVALS & SHOWS :

The railway proposes to participate in the Drysdale Machinery Meet on Sunday, 6th

September, 2020. (Fathers Day)

Volunteers will be required to assist on these dates. Contact Harm Jager (0481-117-981) - if

you can help us at any of these special events.

BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR JUNE :

The following members have birthdays which fall during the month of May and the railway

would like to record our congratulations and sincere best wishes on their happy occasion. We

hope that they will have a great day and that all their birthday wishes will come true !!.

ROSTERS – TRAIN RUNNING :

The June Train Running Roster is currently held in abeyance.

The draft July Roster may be circulated to the members, for comment soon. For Roster

Enquiries, kindly contact Ashleigh Myers, PBMR Roster Clerk on Mobile Tel No. 0498-

541-224. Email: [email protected]

REMEMBER : IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND - CONTACT ASHLEIGH MYERS ASAP....


WANTED TO SELL :

Curtis Controllers (24V 110 Amp) Available for Immediate Sale. $265.00 each.

Contact Alistair - Mobile No. 0452-258-399.

PBMR - CALENDAR OF EVENTS :

DAY & DATE : EVENT :

PASSENGER TRAIN OPERATIONS SUSPENDED TILL FURTHER NOTICE

(Standby for further announcements.)

THINGS TO REMEMBER :

Winter Timetable proposed to begin on Sunday, 7th June, 2020.

- Running First & Third Sunday’s - 11.00 am to 3.00 pm.

(Subject to COVID-19 Restrictions being lifted.)

• Party Bookings : See "Special Trains Notice Board" - Page 17.

• Volunteers are always required - Ring Ashleigh !!!.


CARRIAGE SPONSORS BOARD

These companies support us with their valued sponsorship.

Please consider supporting them with your custom.


THE TAIL DISC :

LOOKING FOR A NEW HOBBY – WE NEED YOU !!!. NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME VACANCIES EXIST FOR STATION STAFF, SIGNALLERS

DRIVERS, HANDYPERSONS, KIOSK STAFF ETC ETC.

APPLY AT OUR STATION KIOSK...

OR TO OUR ADDRESS AS SHOWN BELOW :

Email : [email protected]

Website: www.miniaturerailway.com.au. Facebook: miniaturerailway

Postal Address : P. O. Box 419, Portarlington. 3223. Vic. Phone Enquiries: 0476-124-598.

PBMR - KEY CONTACTS :

PRESIDENT : VICE-PRESIDENT : SECRETARY : TREASURER :

Keith Stasinowsky. Brian Coleman. Ashleigh Myers Harm Jager

Mobile: 0408-599-075 Mobile: 0407-314-839 Mobile 0498-541-224 Mobile: 0481-117-981 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Port Bay Express June, 2020

http://www.miniaturerailway.com.au/

mailto:[email protected]

PORT BAY EXPRESS Bay... · delivered said tea, we were free to climb up into the cabs of the locos,...

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