ATHRA NEWS #13-May 2013

Page 1 of 21 ATHRA News ~ Issue 13 May 2013

Association of Tourist and Heritage Rail Australia Inc. GREAT RAIL EXPERIENCES AUSTRALIA

~ Newsletter of the Association ~

Issue #13 May 2013 editor Chris Martin

Welcome to the thirteenth issue of the ATHRA News. This issue specifically covers the information shared at the

ATHRA meeting over Easter where Canberra ARHS hosted a very successful meeting. We hope you find our

newsletter informative.

Highlights of the meeting were seeing the progress on 6029 the largest locomotive to operate in Australia. It is

nearingthe start of steam trials. The double headed run from Canberra to Bungendore – about 32kms at mainline

speeds (80km/hr) on locomotives 1210 and 3016 was also a feature.- particularly as third man on the footplate for

the journey. The ATHRA awards held on the Saturday evening at the Bungendore Station were also an evening to

remember with the slide show of the nominations shown on a sheet on the side of the station to some of the

passengers and the ATHRA board members and friends.

This edition features the following articles:-

Report on the Canberra ATHRA Meeting – Brian Busch

T&H Rail Safety Update from Peter Anderson

The Great Rail Experiences Australia Website Update

2013 ATHRA Awards

Advertising Opportunities on the ATHRA website

Members’ Reports

Flood Damage to Queensland members

Project 6029

Australia’s newest rail business – The Wheatbelt Heritage Railway in WA

ATHRA needs assistance from people who have the time, interest and ability to help at a national level. If you

can assist please discuss this with your state board member or email me directly via our Contact Us page on the

ATHRA Website www.athra.asn.au.

In closing I would like to thank Judy MacKenzie who has been assisting with the website development and now

newsletter production. Your assistance has allowed ATHRA to raise the bar in its communication with members –

thanks Judy.

Special Dates

Next Board Meeting – November 9th and 10th in Melbourne

Tour to New Zealand – Late October – details available on the ATHRA Website

March 2014 Meeting – Tour to Tasmania for 20th SteamFest on Saturday 8th of March – ATHRA meeting on 15th

and 16th of March in Launceston.

................................................

REPORT ON THE CANBERRA MARCH 2013 ATHRA Meeting – by Brian Busch SA

Rep and Chairman

The last Board meeting was held at Canberra in connection with the ARHS ACT Divisions Easter team festival.

During this weekend loco 1210, the oldest operational steam locomotive in Australia, was returned to service and

will be used as part of the centenary celebrations for Canberra later in the year. Congratulations to the ARHS for

their efforts. An update was also given on the return to service of Garrett 6029 the largest operational steam

locomotive in Australia. We thank the ARHS for their hospitality over the weekend.

http://www.athra.asn.au/


As members would be aware Warren Doubleday - who has served as the ATHRA representative n a number of

outside groups including the Regulator’s panel and various ARA groups - has stepped down so that he can spend

some time travelling overseas. The meeting unanimously agreed to appoint Warren as an Honorary Member for

his work for ATHRA and we congratulate him on becoming the first Honorary Member in ATHRA. His role is

being picked up by Peter Anderson with some changes due to the establishment of the National Rail Safety

Regulator. An article introducing Peter and his back ground appear in this Newsletter

Work is proceeding on the development of Lesson Plans for Station Master, Train Controller and Railcar Driver.

It is hoped to have the draft ready for comment in the near future and all response will be most appreciated as

these are joint documents for all of ATHRA. Peter Ford and his team are also working on a steam locomotive

maintenance manual which it is hoped will be completed by the end of the year.

Our Website developed by Judy McKenzie through Chris Martin has been well received and we thank Judy for

her efforts some of which have been and are voluntary. Statistics given to the meeting indicate the increasing

popularity of the web site which has links to other T&H groups and hence your railway or tramway. If your

group is a member of ATHRA through your State Organisation and is not shown on the Website OR the

information shown is incorrect or missing something, please let us know and provide the necessary

information for us to add or make corrections as necessary. We are only able to provide as much information

as we are provided with. Contact Chris Martin if you have any further information. Further details about the

website are provided in this newsletter.

Discussions took place about Governance and issues which have arisen with some of the T&H groups which have

brought them in conflict with Rail Regulators. Whilst it is acknowledged that most croups operate under the

States Association Incorporation Acts or where there is no such Act, the relevant Companies Act, they also have

requirements under the Rail Safety Act and Regulators in relation to Governance. A sub group is looking at what

might be able to be done to provide some training in this area for members

Ian Seymour is about to commence a document on tram maintenance and will be seeking documentation shortly.

A joint meeting with our NZ counterparts FRONZ is being planned for Wellington in late October. It is the 150th

celebrations for the railways in Christchurch in October and ATHRA is planning a tour to coincide with both

events plus travel to Dunedin and Auckland along with a visit to a number of the T&H groups along the way. It is

hoped to have a brochure out by the end of April with an open invitation to all, if you are interested and don’t

receive a brochure check the ATHRA Web site for information. We need a group of 25 to 30 persons for the tour

to take place. It will include steam to Arthur’s Pass and Timaroo.

Our next Board meeting will follow the NZ visit and will be held in Melbourne on November 9th and 10th.

Are you aware of ATHRA’s push for Great Rail Experiences? Is your State on Board? Much work has been done

in Tasmania and we look to expand this Australia wide.

ATHRA’s Strategic Plan is currently under review now that the Office National Rail Safety Regulator is in place

with some States still to join. A sub group has been established to look at opportunities for ATHRA with a report

required in two months. We are only a small group with some trying to provide many services to the sector and

unfortunately our main focus has had to be on rail safety. Some work has been done on marketing but apart from

the website we realise we are lacking. Hopefully we can improve but we need assistance to do so. It is

unfortunate that not all executive positions are able to be filled with Chris Martin having to pick up two roles.

Concerns were raised by NSW over the removal of a number of rail heritage items from the State Heritage listing.

ATHRA is concerned that we do not have the benefit of a strong political influence such as occurs in the UK with

Lord Faulkner who has put forward a new Rail Heritage Act. The other problem in Australia of course is the fact

that we have many States all of whom do their own thing and would ignore any Federal approach.

It was of concern to hear about the losses incurred by two groups in Queensland in recent flooding both of whom

suffered not one but two onslaughts, the second just days after work had started to sort out the first mess.

Donations were collected on the Saturday night dinner train and are being split between the two groups at

Bundaberg. Meanwhile in South Australia a fire near Gilberts damaged SteamRanger’s Tourist Railway.

Fortunately assistance with second hand sleepers from the Adelaide metro rail vitalisation project has enabled the

railway to be restored and reopened to traffic. This fire was close to a washaway in mid 2012.


......................................

T&H RAIL SAFETY UPDATE – from Peter Anderson, newly appointed Rail Safety Rep. With the retirement of Warren Doubleday from the ATHRA board, I have been asked to write this Newsletter as an

introduction of myself with some background information and the level of activity and possible direction we will be

taking in addition to current rail safety issues affecting the Tourist & Heritage rail sector.

Before I do, and as most ATHRA members would be aware, Warren Doubleday has decided to take a well-deserved

break and once more take a more active role with his beloved trams. I would like to personally thank Warren for his

efforts over the years in relation to overseeing the T&H sectors interests with regard to ARA (Australian Rail

Association), RISSB (Rail Industry Safety Standards Board) and ONRSR (Office of National Rail Safety

Regulation), and his help in bringing me up to speed with the broad range of his responsibilities as the ATHRA Rail

Safety representative. Warren has big shoes and they will be hard to fill.

As an introduction, most ATHRA members will not know me from the proverbial “bar of soap”, so I will give a brief

history and background of myself. I am married with 2 adult daughters and grandsons, I have been a keen rail

enthusiast since observing my first steam locomotive as a 4 year old in 1956, watching a train hauled either by

locomotive G41 or G42 between Colac & Beech Forest Victoria, thus my love of all things steam but in particular

Garratt types. In 1966 I was introduced to the Canberra chapter of the then ARHS NSW Div., thence becoming a

foundation member when the ARHS ACT Div. was formed. On the closure of the Cooma Branch of the NSWGR,

the ARHS ACT Div. leased the line between Queanbeyan and Michelago and I started my career as a volunteer train

driver with the ARHS ACT Div. achieving accreditation. With the introduction of “Open Access” and deregulation

of the NSW rail network, we (ARHS ACT Div.) quickly achieved accreditation on the general rail network in NSW

and Victoria.

My interest with rail Safety Management Systems (SMS) goes back to 2001-2 when I was thrown into the “deep

end” having to develop compliant SMS’s for the 2’ gauge Millennium Parklands Railway (Sydney Olympic Park)

and the ARHS ACT Div. mainline operations on the general rail network. In 2010, I was awarded a Winston

Churchill Fellowship to study safety systems used T&H rail operators in the USA, Canada, UK and New Zealand,

with a view to developing reference and guidance material for T&H rail operations..

(link to Peter Anderson Report 2012 under Miscellaneous in the footer at www.athra.asn.au)

So much for ancient history, now back to current affairs. As the peak body representing the T&H rail industry

ATHRA is working closely with the Office of National Rail Safety Regulation (ONRSR), Australian Rail Association

(ARA), and Rail Industry Safety Standards Board (RISSB) through the rail safety representative.

With the establishment of the national rail regulatory environment through the ONRSR, there is an increasing role for

ATHRA. As an example, on the 4 April 2013, the ONRSR established and held the initial CEO Industry Reference

Group meeting in Adelaide, and ATHRA has been given a position representing the T&H sector.

ATHRA is a member of the ARA, but the relationship is more than that, the ARA is proactive in its support of the

T&H rail sector, why, because it sees the T&H sector as the best advertisement for the rail industry as a whole and in

a lot of instances the only rail industry contact with the general public.

RISSB provides ATHRA with ready access to the future direction of the industry, through a number of RISSB’s key

areas:

Board – observer status

Safety Managers Group (SMG) - representation

Safety Standing Committee (SSC) - representation

Wheel-Rail interface Standing Committee (WRIC) - representation

Rolling Stock Standing Committee (RSC) - representation

Infrastructure Standing Committee (ISC) - representation

Train Control Systems Standing Committee (TCSS) - representation

Operations & Performance Standing Committee (OPSC) - representation

The week of the 29 April – 3 May 2013, will see all of the above committees meeting in Brisbane, the next Rail

Safety Newsletter will contain an update in relation to the outcomes of these meetings.


Since the last Rail Safety Newsletter, a number of items of interest have occurred, and ATHRA members’ attention is

drawn to the following:

ATSB – (Australian Transport Safety Bureau) reports:

1. Partial train separation of XPT ST24 near Broadmeadows, Victoria on 11 August 2011

Final Report: www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2011/rair/ro-2011-012.aspx

2. Collision between a coal train BC151 and an excavator near Maitland NSW on 20 December 2011

Final Report: www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2011/rair/ro-2011-018.aspx

See RISSB Communique is available on the ATHRA website in footer, under Miscellaneous-Read!

UPDATE ON ATHRA WEBSITE – by Judy MacKenzie (web admin)

Checked the website lately? Here’s a summary of changes:- Mobile friendly - check it out if you’ve a mobile device

For ATHRA Members in the footer – lots of interesting stuff there, like

1. Tech library has LOTS of files in it, check it out;

2. Surplus Items - Swap/Give away/Sell – can you use it?

Miscellaneous –Read! in the footer – check this often, this is recommended reading.

Event Calendar – great to see more using it, but have you?

If you would like to, contact me and I’ll give you a login OR

send me your event info & I’ll add it for you (because I’m nice!)

Advertising Options – see the 2 ads running there now – you could be one of another

3 that would fit there – we need some RAIL- OR you could advertise in one of the

other available spaces at only $200 per year. Your ad can be a different format too so

if you’ve ideas, get in touch!

COMING SHORTLY – IF YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE!

A registry of stolen items - if items are pinched from your operation, they could be

sold. If we know about them we’ll add a warning on the website to alert the public

and other operators that items being offered may be stolen, and list the stolen items

so they can check.

Linking volunteers to events –We know you each have your own ways of getting

volunteers. But the ATHRA site could help further, particularly when you have an

event on. Let us know what skills you need, what for and when, and we will put out a

call on the site – sometimes people will be in the area on holiday, and might like to

help or are even willing to travel to an event (as SteamFest has found!) to help.

Any problems using the website?

Please don’t hesitate to contact me - [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


ATHRA Awards by Brian Busch

With a general meeting scheduled for March 2013 in addition to the regular Board meeting the biannual ATHRA

Awards for 2013 were brought forward from October to the March meeting.

Opportunity was given for all the Tourist and Heritage sector to apply and at the closing date 8 applications were

received. This time funding for the awards was provided as follows:

Loco restoration Award: $500.00 to be split between steam and diesel donated by Far North Rail Consultants, B7

Rail Consultants

ARA Graeme Breydon Rail Safety Award: $500.00 sponsored by ARA

Workshops Research Excellence Award: $500.00 sponsored by Ipswich Rail Workshops

ATHRA Excellence Award: $600.00 sponsored by ATHRA

Two submissions were received for diesel loco restoration. One was

from Geelong Preservation Society Bellarine for restoration of their

ex QR 1600 class loco 1604 and one from Golden Mile Loop line B

class loco 1610.

Both were worthy presentations however the award was won by the

Golden Mile Loop Line which is currently being diverted and

rebuilt ready for re-commencement of services

(Restored B class loco 1610)

Two applications were made for steam locomotive restoration.

One was from New South Wales Rail Transport Museum for their

rebuild of NSWGR 36 class locomotive 3642 and one from

Geelong Preservation Society Bellarine for the restoration of

former BHAS Pt Pirie locomotive Pozieres. Once again both

were worthy applications with the prize going to Geelong.

(Restored Pozieres Steam Locomotive)

There were no applications for the ARA Graeme Breydon Rail Safety Award

The Ipswich Railway Workshops Research Award attracted an application from

the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum for the restoration of a loco

instruction car and one from Australian Railway Historical Society WA

Division for a book on Western Australian Station Masters covering both the

WAGR and Midland Railways. The book on WA Station Masters won this

prize.


(Station Masters of Western Australia)

The ATHRA Excellence Award attracted two applications. One from

Australian Railway Historical Society (SA Division) Inc trading as

SteamRanger for volunteer worker Bob Green and the other from the New

South Wales Rail Transport Museum for their President - Peter Berriman.

Both workers have served their respective organisations for a long time and

contributed greatly in both cases. Accordingly the applications were judged

as equal winners.

Peter Berriman (4th from left) with RTM crew)

Thank you to all who put in the time and effort to make the applications and congratulation to the winners.

All the Award submissions can be found under Awards in the footer on the Athra website.

The next ATHRA Awards will be in conjunction with the AusRail Plus conference in November 2015

....................................................... ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOWS .........................................................

WOULD YOU LIKE...

a new website by someone who understands non-profit volunteer operations and their

limited funds AND by someone who in the last 4 years has learnt a heck of a lot about

tourist & heritage rail?

I can make you a mobile friendly, user friendly, and volunteer friendly site to suit your

needs – get in touch with Judy- [email protected] - if interested.

mailto:[email protected]


OPPORTUNITIES TO ADVERTISE ON THE ATHRA WEBSITE

Currently all railways, tramways and rail museums can be found on the state pages accessed via the

clickable Australian map on the ATHRA home page. The website now has had more than ½ million hits

since it was created and inquiry rates are growing as the site is promoted more widely.

Opportunities exist for interested parties to pay $200 per year for their advertisements to appear on the

Athra website – see the ad below for the options available.

From our web manager Judy MacKenzie.................

ADVERTISING ON THE ATHRA WEBSITE

Seen the new advertising slider?

That’s just one example of adverts on the site.

ABOUT ADVERTISEMENTS

Each ad costs $200

This entitles the ad to go on the home AND state page Ads sharing a space, e.g. the slider, are charged separately.

The website shows where ads might go. Ads may be sliding, static, clickable etc

Images for ads must be supplied or link given to access them

Ads in sidebar are limited by sidebar width.

FLASH is NOT available as it is not mobile friendly.

If you have ideas for your own ad,

contact Judy via link in ad examples in the sidebar


MEMBER REPORTS:

ARPG WA 2013 REPORT Bennett Brook Railway

Great Boulder Gold Mines Planet has been introduced to

traffic 24 March 2013.

We have just come through a long hot summer, interrupted

with many summer fire ban days. We are looking forward to

Autumn and Easter to resume revenue running. We are

preparing to have four locomotive boilers retubed. These are

the 0-6-2 Perry,both NG15’s and the Mallet. The 0-4-2 Perry

will start this winter. Our carriage fleet is undergoing

overhaul, the latest being the brake coach AQB 2970. We

have also regauged and restored our last bogie open truck R

1751, which entered service on the 24 March 2013.

Rail Heritage WA RHWA recently celebrated the Centenary of the turning of the first sod at the eastern end of the Trans-Australian

Railway. It did this through a three day trip from 15 to 17th February, by train of course, to Kalgoorlie where a

number of activities occurred. First was the visit to the site of the ceremony that took place back in 1913. A plaque to

mark the site was presented to the local Council to install there.

The local Railway Institute hosted the

48 visitors and also supporters from

the Golden Mile Loopline Railway

Soc (GMLRS) for a barbecue tea and

welcome to the Goldfields. After a

mine tour, just like 100 years ago, the

GMLRS took tours around their

facility and shared their future plans.

Highlight of the weekend was the Gala

Dinner in the Boulder Town Hall. Hon

Tim Fischer AC was the guest speaker

and a wonderful, though hot, night was

enjoyed. (The final day the

temperature reached 44.9deg!)

Then on 9 March 2013 a group of Rail Heritage WA members joined many current and former Midwest residents to

celebrate the Centenary of the opening of the Northampton to Ajana railway. Another very hot occasion (43deg) at the

Northampton Railway Station site and along the line. The Railway Station has been carefully restored along with a

number of wagons and a carriage of the type used on the railway. Displays of the history have been developed by the

Northampton Friends of the Railway.

Around the Railway Museum in Bassendean improvements have been made to the interpretation signage on the site

and a grant has been obtained to redesign the original displays of photographs and small artefacts.

South West Rail and Heritage Centre

Forging new partnerships in the local community, the former Boyanup Museum, now known as the South West Rail

and Heritage Centre, has reopened to the public each month starting with a big re-launch day last November. With this

increased local involvement there is a sense of optimism for the future. Steam locomotive ‘Leschenault Lady’ is very

popular in the South-West and plans are in hand to see it returned to serviceable condition.

Continues next page....


Kojonup Tourist Railway Spirit of Kojonup is running Sunday 17th February at 11.00 a.m. Kojonup

Railway Station, Benn Parade, Kojonup. Other running times can be arranged by

calling 0417 947 644 or the Kojonup Visitors - www.kojonupvisitors.com/

In our track pattern we need to lay 1 in 8 steel sleepers between our wooden

sleepers. We have already accomplished this for approximately 6 kms of the

track. New wooden sleepers need to be between the steel sleepers and new ones

need to be a minimum of 1 in 8 as well depending on the condition of the existing

wooden sleepers. This is a priority for us to ensure that we complete the section

up to where the steel sleepers have been laid - this will increase our accredited

run by a further 3.5 kms.

Busselton Jetty Come into the Interpretive Centre and browse the unique and

stylish giftware, souvenirs and artisan pieces on display. The

Museum offers an insight into the jetty’s fascinating past and

stunning marine environment through a variety of interpretive

signs, artefacts and audio visual displays. Jump on board and take

the leisurely train ride along the jetty. Sit back and relax while the

driver takes you on a journey across the calm, clear waters of

Geographe Bay. With 50 seats available and trips leaving

throughout the day, the Jetty Train is the perfect way to experience

the Busselton Jetty. The Underwater Observatory, at the end of the

jetty, provides visitors the opportunity to experience one of Australia’s greatest artificial reefs. Descend 8 metres to

the ocean floor via a spiral staircase to view some of the 300 species of vividly coloured tropical and sub-tropical

corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates. Extend the experience with a dip, throw a line in or have a bite to eat on the

Busselton beachfront.

B 1610 at Boulder during the Trans Australian centennial celebrations

mid March

......................................

http://www.kojonupvisitors.com/


RHA (NSW)

In the last two Newsletters it was reported that Transport for NSW was carrying out a major review of rail heritage in

NSW. This began in September 2011 when the Minister for Transport announced that the Director-General of

Transport would conduct a review of the future management of rail heritage assets. In December 2011, Transport for

NSW advised that it was undertaking a review to formulate an approach for the future management of the State’s rail

heritage assets and that it intended to consult comprehensively with the broader rail heritage community as part of the

review. In February 2012 Transport for NSW advised that it had engaged Ms Patricia Azarias, Head of Internal Audit,

Premier’s Department, who has extensive experience reviewing and auditing Government processes to Chair the

Inquiry.

In addition, two rail heritage experts, Lord Richard Faulkner and Mr Andrew Scott from the United Kingdom were

engaged as members of the Inquiry. Both have had extensive experience in the management of rail heritage matters

and both visited Sydney in February 2012 to participate in the Inquiry. The Inquiry sought submissions from rail

heritage organisations, met with representatives of key organisations and made a number of site visits. Representatives

of RHA (NSW) met with Ms Azarias on 22 March 2012 where an outline of the makeup and nature of the rail heritage

movement in NSW and some of the many problems being facing were presented. Discussions were held on possible

structures for a new, independent body to be responsible for rail heritage in NSW.

Details were also provided to Ms Azarias of a similar review of rail heritage in 2004/5 which had recommended the

establishment of an independent body to take responsibility for rail heritage. However, the then Government, instead,

approved of the establishment of a heritage section within RailCorp, the Office of Rail Heritage. As that body only

took responsibility for RailCorp heritage assets, including those under custodial management arrangements with some

rail heritage groups, there was no interaction with other rail heritage groups as proposed by the review. In all, it was

considered that there were many shortcomings in the outcomes from that review. One positive action was the

restoration of the old interstate booking office on Central Station, part of which is now occupied by the ARHA (NSW)

bookshop.

In the current review, RHA (NSW) supported the concept that a new body should be established to take responsibility

for rail heritage matters in NSW. A Trust or other independent incorporated organisation was favoured, similar to the

proposals in 2004/5. RHA (NSW) proposed that the new organisation would have a Board whose members were

nominated by RailCorp, NSW Heritage Office, NSW Rail Transport Museum, 3801 Limited and RHA (NSW). In this

way, the vast majority of the volunteers in the rail heritage movement across NSW would have representation on the

Board.

To safeguard the interests of the Government, it was proposed that Government would hold the reserve power to

appoint a maximum of four additional board members, if that became necessary at some future time (modelling the

successful and proven Puffing Billy structure).Advice was received that the final report by Ms Azarias had been

submitted to Transport for NSW. RHA (NSW) contacted the Minister for Transport to suggest that the matter had

urgency, particularly in light of the cessation of operations by Zig Zag Railway and difficulties being faced by other

rail heritage groups. The holding of the Inquiry had raised the expectations of the sector with the hope that soon a Way

Forward could be planned. RHA (NSW) has met with relevant executives in Transport for NSW to try to ascertain the

status of the current review but no positive information has been obtained. It is hoped that there will be sufficient

interest shown by Government in the future potential of rail heritage in this state for the recommendations to be

adopted.

......................................


Great Rail Experiences Tasmania (TATRail):

For those who aren’t aware Federal Hotels ceased operating the West Coast Wilderness Railway on the 30th of April

citing issues with the infrastructure not being fit for purpose and degrading far faster than they were anticipating. The

predominant activity for TATRail over the last few months has been lobbying the State government to have some

involvement in the re-establishment of an operator and services at the West Coast Wilderness Railway.

Progress to date has seen the Federal Government commit $6million on the proviso that the State Government

establishes a sustainable operator and contribute a similar amount over 4 years to the operation. Key staff have been

assured their positions and from 1st May a maintenance shut down over winter commenced to allow for the

infrastructure to be brought up to a reasonable standard. Expressions of interest for a Private Operator of the railway

were called and received by the Government which is currently asking for proposals from applicants. It remains to be

seen what the result of this process will be.

The preservation sector have highlighted that should the operator be a not for profit entity similar to say Puffing

Billy’s Emerald Tourist Board that there could be benefits across the state’s mainline capable groups if the West Coast

resources can be allowed to work on operations other than the West Coast Wilderness Railway on a commercial basis.

Efforts to pursue mainline running are still on hold with TasRail claiming difficulties in obtaining insurance for their

freight operations without the complication of adding passenger transport of any shape into the mix.

In brief across the sector:- The Don River Railway runs diesel or rail car services daily. Steam power is

still to make a return. A recent volunteer drive has recruited additional

volunteer resources however there is still a shortage of skilled staff to

maintain rolling stock. (Photo: V4 at Coles Beach NW Tasmania)

The Tasmanian Transport Museum at Glenorchy continues to run steam

operations on a regular basis. They have completed construction of a

$400,000 federally funded package of works that has a 500 sqm display hall

as its centerpiece. The new Road Transport Display Hall was officially opened on 7th April. Steam operates on the

third Sunday of each month and the diesel rail car operates on the first Sunday of the month.

The Derwent Valley Railway is effectively a static museum until such time as the mainline insurance issues are

resolved.

The Wee Georgie Wood is still to return to steam following construction of a new boiler by Ainsworth Engineering in

Goulburn. Delivery is expected by June and the engine is expected to return to steam for the next tourist season. The

Romeo diesel engine ex Lake Margaret Power Scheme is still running trains on their regular schedule.

Railtrack Riders at Maydeena are providing pedal powered rail activities throughout the year. I was lucky enough to

enjoy a recent visit to the operation which appealed to my young family – there is some terrific scenery along the

Derwent Valley line and it will be good to see operations return there in the future.

The Redwater Creek Railway held a successful SteamFest

2013 on March 9, 10 and 11. The event featured a record

16 engines in steam, 110 stalls and in the order of 7000

visitors enjoyed the largest show the society has provided.

Next year will be the 20th SteamFest and plans are already

underway to continue to grow the event.

The Steam Training weekend at the end of October last year

with 30 participants provided a great boost to the

movement. With the road steamers – a steam roller and

three traction engines - the Society ran 5 boilers.

Participants who demonstrated the required knowledge

received their Basic Boiler or Reciprocating Engine High


Risk Licenses. The Society is progressively developing a two foot locomotive training package and a road steam

training package to assist with competency development.

The Ida Bay Railway has returned to service with regular train operations at Australia’s most southern railway. They

are presently revisiting their structure – the government owns the infrastructure and the equipment is owned privately

and operates as a private enterprise – albeit at a loss! The dilemma with private ownership is that the operation cannot

obtain grant funds and the Government shows no interest. The provision of funds for the state owned West Coast

Wilderness Railway when none was available for the Ida Bay Railway has been a blow for the private operator who

has ploughed her life savings into propping up the railway.

......................................

ATRQ:

As you may be aware things in the T&H sector in Queensland at the moment are not as rosy as they could be.

We have Mary Valley, RavRail and Rosewood Railways suffering from track closures, imposed by the Regulator, we

also have the groups in Bundaberg, North Bundaberg Railway Museum and Australian Sugar Cane Railway that have

suffered floods and more floods and all others that have suffered a general downturn in patronage, this has all added to

our normal dramas that besiege the operations of our railways.

The groups in Bundaberg have suffered near extinction with the flooding and flood damage, it is now an opportunity

for us as a group to give these groups, a bit of a hand and our support to help them get back on their feet and be able to

reopen. At the last meeting of ATRQ we agreed to organise some assistance for these groups, this may be in way of

workers or donations etc. Over the weekend of 16/17th March, a group of us went to Bundaberg from Mackay to give

BRHS a bit of support and do some of the clean-up jobs that were a bit heavy for the troops there. This being the

dismantling and removal of their gangers and section car shed, this accomplished we moved on and cleared out

wagons and removed a large portion of wire security fencing that had been washed over into their site. On reflection

of the day’s work, over a few cleansing ales on the Saturday evening, we deduced, that all they had left, for creature

comforts was a jug, as all else had been destroyed, so the next morning I went to a local retail outlet and after a bit of

discussion with the man and a generous discount, we from MHR purchased and donated a fridge, since then one of our

members has donated a freezer. We have offered the same support to ASCR, and they will take us up on the offer, at

the moment their site is still deemed a hazardous area, so we will wait until contacted.

I am speaking of Bundaberg Railway Historical Society, I have spoken to Graham Hibbard and he has forwarded to

me a presentation and some words on the damage and resurrection of their site. As I have previously stated we are all

going through tough times, but these groups are going through even tougher times, now let’s stand up and be counted

for the betterment of us all.

One a brighter note we can now report that we (ATRQ) have been able to purchase through the Auction process a Spot

Tamping machine from QR. This has been a long process, but we now own it, it’s stored at Down’s Steam in

Toowoomba, where it is getting checked out for operation and serviceability and hopefully given a coat of paint.

When this is completed the machine will be available to all ATRQ groups that require it on a time share basis. It will

be thoroughly checked before a loan out and on its return, in other words if you break it you fix it, to our standard.

There is other track maintenance equipment coming up for disposal in upcoming auction, so on behalf of all our

groups, we will submit an appropriate bid.

We have also been donated from AURIZON, at Redbank, 5 pallets of equipment from the Pump Room, where fuel

pumps and injectors were overhauled; this equipment includes fuel pumps and injectors for diesel locomotives, as well

as injectors and fuel pumps for railmotors. This equipment will be disbursed to any groups they require bits, once we

have made an inventory of same. We have had some very positive responses from our contacts that other equipment

may come our way, especially for the groups that have diesel locos.

Another issue that has been brought to my notice lately is the matter of “Experts!”

We all have volunteers out there, that have read a book or magazine, and instantly become experts, this is a factor of

our industry, and should not be fostered or encouraged by any group. If you have expertise in a specific field within

your group, listen to that Expertise and not “my mate says” or I know better, if he or she didn’t know what they were


doing you wouldn’t have given them the position. Remember all - SOME OF US ARE PLAYING WITH SAFETY CRITICAL EQUIPMENT, and if it all turns pear-shaped, who carries the can. This is becoming more

prevalent as the members of our groups come from different walks of life, full of enthusiasm and keen, but dangerous.

If you have appointed a competent person with the expertise to undertake a specific position in your group, back that

person, no the “so called expert” there is enough drama in running a railway, without having to watch your back as

well.

Basic report from our member groups Brisbane Tramway Museum. Restoration work continues on both FM car 400 and Dreadnought 136.

Visitor numbers on Sundays are marginally above last year's numbers, however weekday group charters from

commercial operators and community groups such as Probus Clubs, Seniors Clubs etc have dropped by 40%. The

explanation for cancelled bookings is always the same - retirees can no longer afford such optional expenditures as the

state economy declines rapidly. Rosewood As mentioned previously Rosewood Railway, is having some issues with track and has now suffered a fairly

substantial land slip on a cutting, these issues will need to be addressed before operations can commence.

Swanbank In operation, but down on numbers. Downs Steam at Toowoomba Not running yet, in the process of registering their 1170 class loco and coaches, they have completed the erection of

their workshop and the installation of the turntable from Beaudesert and this is about to be commissioned.

The revenue they are generating is from open days, dinners and visiting tour groups, so you don’t just have to rely on

running trains.

Southern Downs Steam Railway at Warwick Operation at twice a month to Wallangarra and Clifton/Hendon, numbers are picking up and things are operating well,

since their dramas a while back.

Woodford Operating well but reduced numbers, they have now been joined by a Men’s Shed group which will enable them all to

work hand in hand.

Mary Valley Railway Operation closure due to track problems, this is an ongoing concern for all groups in Queensland as we cannot obtain

2nd hand sleepers. The present system for disposal is that a contract is issued for the removal of sleepers from the

system, as we are only very small player, we don’t get a look in, but we are trying.

Just a quick overview from Queensland.

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HRSA:

HRSA Membership remains the same as previously.

The organisation met in November 2012 at Cobdogla and at the beginning of March 2013 at Murray Bridge which

was our AGM and bi-annual elections. The following were re-elected un-opposed:

President: Brian Busch,

Secretary: Ian Seymour

Treasurer: Peter Soar

ATHRA Representatives: Brian Busch and Ian Seymour

Since our last meeting the Office of National Rail Safety Regulator has come into effect and whilst some States are

still to pass enabling Legislation others is now part of the National scene either directly or through their State

providing services.


In South Australia information was sent out to the various organisations on the proposed changed however the

database of addresses they used was way out of date and a number of groups had to chase the information. Information

being sought at the time of a Notifiable Occurrence and at the end of each month does vary from what we have been

providing and means additional information needs to be obtained.

The National Regulator’s Office has provided information that it wishes to retain its on going relationship with the

T&H Sector in SA and to that end Derek Heneker, State Director attended meeting at Murray Bridge. Arrangements

are being made for a risk workshop for the sector. He spoke of changes to fatigue and drug and alcohol testing but

pointed out that he felt the sector in SA was already compliant. He did indicate that the Regulator has the right to carry

out its own random testing but this will not occur until after a Contractor has been engaged to do so.

All groups in SA have commenced a review of their SMS as a result of National Law with two new elements being

introduced. Also a splitting of other elements such as Worker Competence into at least five separate elements. Risk

assessments need to be undertaken on all elements. Derek advised of a two year transitional period for this to be

completed. Derek indicated that under the new arrangements SA has responsibility for both Northern Territory and

Tasmania.

Whilst in South Australia we did not experience flooding as occurred in the Eastern states, we did however have a

number of serious fire days with a fire near Gilberts burning about 1.2 Klm of SteamRanger track. Fortunately the

damage was restricted to burnt sleepers with the rail being certified as being ok, after initial thoughts that some 8

lengths would need to be replaced.

Adelaide has been without trains into the main station for the month of January 2013, as preparation work is carried

out for electrification with a major relay of half of the Adelaide yard and the building of an underpass for the

Noarlunga Centre trains at Goodwood, plus an overpass on the same lime at Oaklands. This line is also being extended

to Seaford

From 2 January to 3 February buses replaced train services between Woodville and Adelaide on the Outer

Harbor/Grange line and between North Adelaide and Adelaide on the north line. Buses continue to replace all rail

services to Belair and Noarlunga Centre with Belair trains due to resume mid year and Noarlunga in September.

Commencement of electrified services to Seaford is proposed for February 2014 with a State election one month later.

The relay work meant an abundance of second hand timber sleepers all of which had previously been sent for chipping

but an oversupply at the chipper saw a donation of some sleepers being made to the T&H sector especially

SteamRanger for the replacement of the burnt out sleepers.

During the rebuild of the metro system there has been a lot of second hand materials which could have been used but

were sent to scrap - arguments being sleepers are contaminated with weed spray and can’t be relocated. In the case of

the T&H sector most lines had the same weed poison years ago so it’s a transfer from one affected area to another.

Once overhead is erected the 2000 class railcars will no longer be able to operate as their driver’s pod is made of fibre

glass and considered a risk should something happen with the overhead.

In mid February HRSA sponsored a joint T&H sector display at the Caravan and Camping Show at the Wayville

Showgrounds. In addition to a joint display a free lottery was conducted with a first prize of a trip from Adelaide to

Darwin on the Ghan and 71 other prizes from the various groups such as family passes on trains or entry to events.

Whilst we don’t know the overall return from such an event we have asked groups to undertake their own surveys to

try to see if it was a success as a lot of work goes into setting up of his type of promotion. Each group makes available

their brochure with the brochures being handed out bagged so that persons receive information on the entire T&H

sector in this State. Whilst this does cost it is felt that it is the better way rather than have loose brochures being picked

up and dropped almost immediately. At least people seem to take the packs home and we hope read the content.

Volunteers from the various groups man the display.

Whilst some groups do not operate during the November to April fire season others do continue to operate. This year

the National Rail Museum - who operate the small train from Semaphore to Fort Glanville daily during the school

holidays - suffered from a number of high temperature and fire ban days. St. Kilda Tram Museum opened throughout

whilst SteamRanger operated its Cockle train for the school holidays. Steam loco 621 along with Rx 207 was again

used and the patronage was on par with 2012 which was a record. Days of total fire ban see a diesel being used unless

the temperature is 35 degrees or more at Victor Harbor when the trains are cancelled. Richi Richi does not operate


over this period whilst Cobdogla has a few open days. Pichi Richi report that the narrow Gauge Yx steam loco is

nearing completion after a major restoration project. Of interest Rx 207 turns 100 in December 2013.

Of interest is Peterborough where they have changed from an operational railway to a static museum with a sound and

light show which has proven a huge success helped in many ways by tourist travelling north to see water in Lake Eyre

The National Museum has embarked on a year of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the

museum initially at Mile End. I am probably showing my age by admitting to being at the first of the public working

bees at the site to clear scrap and see the erection of a security fence before the task of tracklaying all those years ago.

HRSA is to give consideration to changing the format of its brochure to align with Great Rail Experiences as supplies

of our current brochure are diminishing. We are seeking information from Chris on art work etc

......................................

ATR VIC:

New Web Site ATR is proud to announce the successful launch of its new Web Site - http://www.atr.org.au/. The new site is completely refreshed and should benefit both the ATR and the member groups in promoting railway preservation activities in Victoria. It is particularly colourful and is easy to navigate. We are significantly indebted to Lisa Jones and ErezYearot for the work being undertaken to create our web site.

Summer Fire Season

Whilst much of Australia has been suffering from devastating floods in recent months, Victoria has experienced an

extended dry period with large bushfires. Fortunately, no tourist railways have suffered fire damage, but some found it

necessary to curtail steam operations in January and/or February because of the high fire risk.

One group suffered a 40% drop in patronage (compared to the

same period last year) as the general community wrongly

assumed from media coverage of a large bushfire that the

township and surrounding countryside had been destroyed by

the bushfire. In fact the town suffering damage was more than

50 kilometres from the tourist railway.

Fire Patrol – the old way – Thomson (WGR) March 2006

Materials Released to the Sector Public Transport Victoria (PTV), through the auspices of the

Victorian Tourist and Heritage Rail Registrar, continues to

co-ordinate the release of surplus material, mainly from the Metro operator. In the last three months tourist and

heritage groups have benefited as follows:

Six groups received surplus hi-rail equipment

Two tramway groups are about to receive two tower trucks

Five groups received redundant mechanical signalling equipment

Most groups continue to access rail, sleepers and fittings. Most recently was the recovery of 6000

serviceable timber sleepers by 6 groups.

Three groups received 5 Y class diesel electric locomotives (withdrawn and stored since the 1990’s)

6 Class trams from Preston to assist 2 tourist tramways


with their ongoing preservation activities. Sleepers at Dandenong, waiting for sorting and removal – March 2013

As infrastructure renewal and upgrade projects continue over the

next six months, sleepers, bridge beams and mechanical signalling

components are expected to become available for the Victorian

groups through a well-established ‘Expression of Interest’ process

managed by PTV.

A W class tram at Preston – in contention for a new home – January 2013

Pastoral Care

Recently one group became aware of an urgent need to introduce a pastoral care program for their older volunteers

when it was realised, belatedly, that one of their regular volunteers had been injured (at home) and they were unaware

of his predicament.

John Frost, a stalwart of railway preservation and an enthusiastic supporter of the ATR, is recovering well from a dual

stroke episode that occurred late last year.

Changes to Rail Safety Phil Kamay recently attended a briefing on the impact of the National Rail Safety Scheme in Victoria including an

overview of the proposed changes to the Rail Safety Legislation to enable tramway and tourist railway operators to

remain under appropriate State legislation. Two bills were presented to Parliament – The Rail Safety National Law

Application Bill and the Transport Legislation Amendment (Rail Safety Local Operations and Other Matters) Bill

were both passed by State Parliament on Thursday 18th April 2013.

Jenney Gabriele will address our next ATR meeting on Thursday 9th May to outline how the new legislation will

impact on the sector.

Share User Pathway As part of the Peninsula Link Freeway project, a new overpass has been constructed where the freeway passes over

the Mornington Railway between Moorooduc and Baxter (a section currently not operational) and a ‘shared user path’

(pedestrians and cyclists) has been constructed parallel to the railway from the Freeway through to Moorooduc

Highway. Traffic lights are being installed at Moorooduc Highway for pedestrians and cyclists. The location of the

pedestrian crossing is adjacent the unused railway crossing.

Level Crossing Upgrade Program During the 2012/13 financial year 5 level crossings on Tourist Railways will be

upgraded. Two level crossings on the Bellarine Railway were commissioned in

March 2013 and 3 level crossings on the Puffing Billy Railway will be upgraded

to boom barriers by 30th June this year. The level crossing upgrade program is

managed by VicTrack and this is the first time for a number of years that T&H

level crossings have received the benefit.

Puffing Billy approaching Main Road Emerald, one of the level crossings listed for upgrade

......................................


ARHS CANBERRA

2013 began with our traditional New Year’s train to the Sydney Fireworks. This year’s train was the most successful we have run for many years with all tickets sold out by early December. The train ran on time all of the way and in fact it returned back to Canberra eight minutes early. This year we ran with the help of ex Victorian Railways S 300 as our locomotive 4807 had failed one week before we were due to run. Steam operations for 2013 commenced at Easter with our annual steam spectacular. This year locomotive 1210 made a welcome return to traffic with a spirited double head including Locomotive 3016 on Easter Sunday. The event was well patronized with our best attendance ever with plans already staring for next year. The ATHRA conference was held over this period at Canberra and delegates were treated to an evening run on the branch. The Victorian era timber carriages were used to the delight of all including the HCX dog box that has not run for some time. The ATHRA awards were presented on the platform at Bungendore station along with a BBQ dinner. Rebuild projects have progressed well over the summer months with both rail motor CPH 27 and 6029 edging closer to full operational condition. The rail motor team is now planning main line testing with CPH 27 and 37 operating together. This is subject to the fitting of a new ICE radio system and some catch up jobs on CPH 37. It is intend to run a welcome back CPH 27 tour for members on the Canberra branch with both rail motors in operation. The big question we are being asked by many is, will 6029 be in steam this year? The short answer is a resounding YES. However this is dependent on the continued support of our members both in terms of financial support and physical hands-on help on our work days. Having said that the static steam tests should start by October then followed by preliminary operational trials. This will include significant training for our crews on both sides of the foot plate. Initial plans for operations are focusing on the main South between Goulburn and Junee as both locations have facilities that allows for locomotive servicing. Tickets for the first revenue runs will be limited and advanced bookings will only be opened after the testing has been completed. The network operator/maintainer recently changed the method of safe working on the Canberra branch. The branch now operates on manual train order system replacing the traditional method of staff and electric miniature staff operation. After many years of heritage operations the ARHS has set up a new division called ESPEE Railroad Services. This is the commercial arm of the society that provides services to the contemporary rail industry. Locomotive 44s1 has been purchased from CFCLA and has already had new wheel sets fitted at the AHSC Adelaide workshops. It is intended to transfer the locomotive to Canberra in the coming months to complete the cosmetic works including a new paint job. It will be re numbered back to its original SAR number of 961 but it will be painted in ESPEE colors. Having said that we will consider painting it in traditional SAR colors if any of our friends over the boarder would like to sponsor the cost of painting. All profits from commercial work are used to help the Society maintain its heritage collection of locomotives and carriages.

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FLOOD DAMAGE TO RAILWAY OPERATIONS IN QUEENSLAND

The Bundaberg Sugar Cane Railway and the North Bundaberg Railway Museum- mentioned in ATRQ’s report – both

suffered enormous damage to their operations as a result of heavy rain and flooding in January . Bundaberg SCR

supplied a PowerPoint so that members at the conference could see what they have been up against. There is a pdf of

the same on the website, under Miscellaneous – do take a look at the before and after photos!.

PROJECT 6029 - the restoration of the largest steam locomotive in Australia which is close to completion. The Beyer Garratt #6029 was ex NSWGR and purchased by the Whitlam Govt. for a

proposed national collection in 1973. Following change of government, it was gifted to AHRS Canberra where it lay

for some years until Alan Gardner relocated to Canberra. He was asked to look at the Garratt. After an initial burst of

enthusiasm to strip the locomotive down, general interest fell away and a small band of enthusiasts have been

undertaking a long list of individual tasks to bring this powerful locomotive back to its former glory. Read the full

story at http://blog.project6029.com/ and take a look at the PowerPoint on the Athra site. You’ll find both of the above in the footer on the ATHRA Website under Miscellaneous-READ!

http://blog.project6029.com/


WHEATBELT HERITAGE RAIL PROJECT – AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST RAIL

BUSINESS - by Chris le Marshall

Dowerin, Goomalling and Wyalkatchem are Shires that are located in the heart of the Western Australian Central

Wheatbelt. The communities in the three Shires have benefited significantly from the contribution that wheat has

made to the local economy. A key support associated with the Wheatbelt is the railway, which for over 100 years, has

carried wheat from the area and brought in essential supplies, and also provided an essential means of travel for

communities in the region.

Figure 1 – Location of the Project

The Shire of Dowerin recognised the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Dowerin railway line in December

2006 with a weekend of festivities centred on a heritage steam train hauled by the West Australian Government

Railways S-Class steam locomotive. The event was highly successful and the Shire of Dowerin in 2009, recognizing

the support for the event, initiated discussions with Rail Heritage WA and the Shires of Wyalkatchem and Goomalling

to prepare a long term plan to relocate the S-Class steam locomotive and other items of rolling stock to the region,

forming the Wheatbelt Heritage Rail Project. The Project will consist of a Heritage Rail centre and associated rail

operations.


Figure 2 – the S-Class Steam Locomotive

.

The Shire of Dowerin, with support from the Shires of Wyalkatchem and Goomalling, Rail Heritage WA has taken the

lead in progressing the project.

The aim of the Wheatbelt Heritage Rail Project is to develop the rural economy and stimulate growth in small towns

in the Wheatbelt through the development of a themed rail heritage town at Minnivale with a Heritage Rail Centre,

including an operational running line, and the capability to operate heritage trains on the main line. Specifically the

project will:

reinvigorate the small towns in the region, especially Minnivale, through the creation of a themed rail

heritage town;

increase the value of the rural economy in the region, especially in Goomalling, Dowerin, Minnivale and

Wyalkatchem;

improve the marketability of the region by adding to the diversity of recreational pursuits available for those

living in or considering relocating to the region;

increase employment opportunities in the region; and facilitate demand that will lead to enhanced

investment in tourism and other related infrastructure.

The Shire of Dowerin has secured a long term lease on facilities at Minnivale to house the Heritage Rail Centre.


The facilities consist of a large wheat storage shed and associated handling equipment and rail tracks.

Figure 3 – Minnivale Wheat Storage Shed

The Shire of Dowerin has now received funding from Royalties for Regions to progress the Wheatbelt Heritage Rail

project.

Dowerin Shire, as the lead Shire, with the Shires of Goomalling and Wyalkatchem together with Rail Heritage WA

will restore steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock to operate on the rail network between Goomalling and

Wyalkatchem.

Wheatbelt Heritage Rail is an exciting hallmark Wheatbelt regional tourism initiative that will also create a nationally

significant Heritage Rail Centre at Minnivale utilising the extensive enclosed former wheat storage area and sidings.

The Centre will have a restoration workshop that supports training youth at risk and an internal running line. The

Centre will be the base for main line operations.

Wheatbelt Heritage Rail will operate heritage trains to enable people from the Wheatbelt and Perth to travel to the

significant number of major local events and activities thus improving the sustainability of those events and the

communities that support them.

The Wheatbelt community will benefit through economic diversification, annual direct and indirect input to the

economy of $6 million and the creation of 73 jobs in related industries. Socially, the project will “close the gap”

enabling increased attendance at regional events, engagement of youth at risk, enhanced social inclusion and the

sustainability of small towns.

The Shire of Dowerin and Rail Heritage WA have been working jointly since 2006, and are delighted to receive the

funding as it will see rail heritage showcased in the Wheatbelt and utilised for the benefit of our communities.

The project will be completed by the end of 2014.

Documents

ATHRA NEWS #13-May 2013