The Swanage Railway Trust
- Swanage Pump - General Manager's Newsletter - January 2006
 | ShutdownShutdown work is proceeding well. So far the following tasks are in progress:
If you have not been able to join in helping to prepare the railway for the coming season you will still be more than welcome on any of the remaining working days – please see the Working Parties section for more details. Sleeping CarAt the end of November I was asked to take on responsibility for the management of the Sleeping Car. To help me establish a way forward there will be a meeting for all interested users of the Sleeping Car at 11 30am on Saturday 28th January. I hope that new arrangements can be in place for bookings by or soon after the start of the 2006 running season on 11th February. I would also like to start drawing up a plan for its long term maintenance and improvement. If you are unable to make this meeting but wish to pass on thoughts and ideas please e-mail me on nick.brown@71b.co.uk. Start of the 2006 SeasonAs the shutdown proceed we move ever closer to the start of the 2006 season of operating which, as normal, starts with a ‘Day out with Thomas’ event during the February half term (11th – 19th Feb.). Day Out with Thomas For this event we are hiring in a different ‘Thomas’ (from the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway) which will double head certain trains on each day. It is hoped that this will be the last time that we will operate in this way for ‘Thomas’ events as we have arranged to hire a more powerful ‘Thomas’ from the Midland Railway Centre in October. This engine (a converted ‘Jinty’) should be more than powerful to haul a train alone and can therefore operate without the need for double heading. Members Weekend On the last weekend of March (25th and 26th) we will be holding the annual Members Weekend. There will be a steam hauled service on both days, with evening (Sat.) and lunchtime (Sun.) dining trains which will be available to the public as well as members. In addition the following additional attractions for members of SRT:
Branch Line Weekend The 1st and 2nd April will see our second Branch Line Weekend. There will be a wide variety of trains operating, hauled by steam and diesel locomotives. As well as passenger services there will be a demonstration goods train running the length of the line and a vintage vehicle display at Corfe Castle. As a former Somerset and Dorset engine 34028 will be marking the 40th anniversary of its closure at this event. Holders of Special Event tickets may enter a photographic competition with a range of railway related prizes. Locomotives in use will include (subject to availability):
Staff ChangesWith the New Year have come several changes to the staff on the Railway: Following Roger Sinar’s retirement towards the end of last year James Cox has been appointed to manage the Locomotive, Carriage and Wagon Departments with Frank Mead remaining as his deputy. As already announced Mike Standhaft has ‘retired’ from the post of Operations Manager but is continuing as Senior Operations Inspector. Steve Dyer is currently Acting Operations Manager, pending a permanent appointment for the post. I have taken on direct responsibility for the oversight of marketing and Dave Green is assisting me with this and taking on additional responsibility for the organisation of Special Events and some administrative tasks. To reflect this change in responsibilities Dave’s job has been re-titled ‘Assistant to the General Manager’. VacanciesContact the named person (via Station House) for more information: Operations Manager - to manage the delivery of the train service and manage members of staff in the Motive Power and Traffic Departments. Contact Nick Brown. Electrical Manager – to plan and supervise the maintenance and installation of electrical equipment. Contact Frank Roberts. Station Manager for Herston – to look after the maintenance of Herston Halt and assist with the management of Herston Bank. Contact Frank Roberts. Station Manager for Swanage – to look after the maintenance of Swanage Station. Contact Frank Roberts. SRT Magazine Editor(s) – a dedicated volunteer (or group of volunteers) is required to take over the editorial and design work required to produce the Swanage Railway Magazine. 1997-2005 Passenger Figures and Revenue
A larger version of this graphic will be available shortly Health and Safety UpdateSafety Management SystemThe following instructions will be available for issue during February. Copies at Signing-on Points and Signal Boxes should be updated by 14th February. Could Managers please bring their personal copies to be updated at the Managers Meeting on 22nd February. The instructions to be issued include:
CDM RegulationsProject Managers are reminded that written Risk Assessments are now compulsory for works involving lifting, heavy plant and working from height. Awareness of CDM regulations is also vital in planning and carrying out work. Work near watercoursesSince last April works within 8m of the Corfe River or Swan Brook must have land drainage consent from the Environment Agency. This includes work not directly connected with the watercourses themselves and failure to comply could lead to prosecution. Swanage PTS CoursesPTS Training will take place at Swanage on 4th and 5th February. Sessions will start at 9am on both days. Meet at the Engine Shed Signing On Point. Please bring a passport sized photograph of yourself to the training session. HRA PassesApplications are now being accepted for the Heritage Railway Association Inter-rail passes for 2006/7. The price is £19.00 and the pass will be valid from 1st March 2006 until 28th February 2007. All members of paid staff and working volunteers are eligible to apply for HRA Inter-rail passes. To apply for a pass please send £19.00, preferably a cheque made payable to HRA, but cash can be accepted, to me at Station House by Sunday 19th February 2006. In view of the confusion last year please note that applications cannot be accepted after this date. Dave Green, Assistant to General Manager Working PartiesPlease come and help prepare for 2006. Permanent Way WorkMeets every Sunday in the shutdown at 8:30am at Swanage Station. Contact Tony Andrews. Carriage and WagonMeet weekends in the Swanage Goods Shed. Contact Jeremy Weller. Infrastructure Support Group (ISG)Next meetings (all at 9am). Contact Frank Roberts 07703 566941. 21st January - Corfe Castle 18th February - Location to be confirmed 18th March - Painting Corfe footbridge. Location tbc. External Carriage Cleaning3rd and 10th February. Meet at Swanage Station at 9am then travel. Contact Steve Dyer or Martin Trott Signal and Telegraph Wednesday GangMeet most Wednesdays, usually starting at Corfe Castle. Contact: Dave Cobb Tidy Train5th February - 8:30am at Swanage Station. Contact Tony Andrews or Steve Dyer. Strategic PlanProgress so farSince the Strategic Plan was issued last March there has been progress in some of the areas identified within the plan. By way of review the objective identified and a summary of activity in that area is given below: 1. The extension of the Swanage Railway to enable the delivery of the planned community services. Work has continued to make the connection with Network Rail at Motala. HMRI have agreed to the arrangements in principle and much equipment on SR land has been installed. Currently work is progressing on the Connection Agreement itself and we are trying to resolve issues around the installation of works on NR owned land. 2. Creating the conditions to facilitate capital input for identified projects. Currently being funded is the installation of signalling at the boundary with Network Rail. It is hoped that funds for improvement to the Permanent Way will become available during 2006 as a result of the increased fundraising and reorganisation of company structures. 3. Facilitating the acquisition and first phases of development of Furzebrook depot. This project is currently not at a stage where any definite plans can be made. Issues to be resolved include: (i) Whether BP will transfer the siding area to the ownership of DCC and on what conditions it can be leased by SR. (ii) What requirements may be made regarding return to nature of part of the site. (iii) What use PDC will allow the site to be put to. (iv) How SR will gain access over NR metals to the sidings (or how it will arrange for a licensed operator to facilitate stock transfer). 4. Directing SRCL to return a net surplus each year, such surpluses as are not retained within the company to be covenanted to the Trust for improvement and development projects. See SRCL objectives. 5. Improving volunteer facilities. 6. Increasing its general fund-raising profile and seek grant aid for selected projects. 7. Developing the Railway’s Museums. Work to develop the Mining Museum has proceeded well with the first parts of the old mine buildings being dismantled ready for re-erection in the Park and Ride site. 8. The phased restoration of the Railway’s fleet of heritage coaches and wagons. Coach 4365 is nearing the end of major work at Ramparts and will then be returned to Swanage for interior work to be undertaken before it is ready to enter traffic. 1. Completion of the programme to overcome backlog maintenance issues. This objective will take several years to be achieved but progress is being made towards it. Over the past year several major issues have been dealt with including the re-pointing of Corfe Castle Viaduct, the rebuilding of a retaining wall and the relaying of half a mile of track with damaged rail-ends. The programme of clearing infrastructure work will continue with a planned heavy renewal of track materials every winter. In 2007 it is expected to relay about a quarter of a mile of track near Victoria Avenue Bridge. On the carriage side the programme of General Overhauls is now ready to move into the next stage where it will provide for the ongoing overhaul of coaches at a planned rate of 2 per year. The final coaches of the original overhaul plan (35464 and 4899) will be sent for overhaul in 2006/7 and the first coach that is not a ‘backlog issue’ (9015) should be going for overhaul ready for the 2007 season. 2. Consolidation of the SRCL’s existing activities. 2005 has seen a thorough revision of manager’s responsibilities to try and build a secure management structure for future developments. The business is now managed as four revenue generating units: Train Operation, Station Catering, On Train Catering and Retail. It is now in a position to develop individual development plans for each area of the business. 3. Implementation of a maintenance regime for the fabric of its buildings and structures. Biennial inspections are now programmed for all buildings and structures and work plans are drawn up as a result of the priorities that these indicate. 4. Review its activities to deliver surpluses as directed by the Trust. Much work has gone into managing the railway back into a profitable position and (subject to audit) this will have been achieved during 2005. It is anticipated that a similar result will e obtained in 2006 whilst the revised structures take effect and efficiency can be increased. Of strategic importance is the need to undertake the capital investment to improve the base condition of assets and thereby reduce ongoing maintenance costs – this is subject to sourcing funds for capital work. 5. To increase passenger numbers to 200,000 p.a. Whilst, importantly, revenue increased during 2005 our passenger numbers have actually dropped slightly. The main reason for this was a very poor period around the General Election and a dramatic drop in expected numbers in the weeks following the London Bombings (an effect experienced on various other heritage railways nationwide). It is hoped that progress towards this objective can be made during 2006. 6. To operate within the policies of the SRT. The Company and its staff have endeavoured to operate in accordance with SRT policies and to resolve conflicts where these arise. Revision of the PlanIt is a year since the five year plan was issued and, on the basis of a year’s experience, it is now the time to revise its contents to ensure that it is up to date – particularly as we are now in a position to include more tactical detail to the strategic aims. The plan itself has been slimmed down and connected to it will be a number of individual plans covering Marketing, Locomotives, Carriages, Wagons, Infrastructure and Heritage Coaches. Of these the Locomotive and Carriage Plans are ready for viewing in draft format before consulting owning groups. Following review these plans, together with the Strategic Plan itself, will be available on the SRT website for further comment. The Marketing and Infrastructure Plans are in the process of preparation and it is hoped that a full assessment of our Wagon fleet will take place shortly so that work can start on a long-term plan for the maintenance and overhaul of those vehicles that are required for operational reasons or have strong heritage credentials. Notes from the Board Meeting on 14th JanuaryHealth and SafetyInspections Sleeping Car – Individual hammers are not required although a lesser alternative will be provided in any case. Concern about access on to the track form the sleeping car was expressed. Enquiries are continuing to ensure that all aspects of fire safety remain covered. Swanage Bay Platform – Measures must be in place to prevent public access to areas where lifting is taking place. Motala – No H&S issues although the sighting of the hut may pose security risks. Incidents One incident had taken place resulting in a heavy shunt of stock in Platform 2. It was noted that the Operations Manager had introduced measures aimed at avoiding a repeat incident. Other Items Project Managers are reminded that written Risk Assessments are now compulsory for works involving lifting, heavy plant and working from height. Awareness of CDM regulations is also vital in planning and carrying out work. Since last April works within 8m of the Corfe River or Swan Brook must have land drainage consent from the Environment Agency. This includes work not directly connected with the watercourses themselves and failure to comply could lead to prosecution. PTS training is now being organised by Mike Standhaft after the volunteer who was going to take this on dropped out. Rules and Regs. are now being distributed. There are still several out of date Employers Liability notices around the railway. Could managers please inspect any in their area and remove/replace them if out of date. See last months Feedback for details of locations that must display a notice. FinanceThe full process of finalising the accounts at the end of the year has not yet been completed but indications so far are that SRCL will have returned a small profit for 2005. Given the small amount of profit that is likely it is anticipated that the Directors will retain the profit to offset the losses over the past two years. The process of completing the transfer of assets from SRT to SRCL is proceeding with much detailed work taking place on asset values. The 2006 Budget has been issued and is once again challenging with little contingency for errors. The policy of having a £100 spending limit remains in force so that, should it be an issue, cash flow can be managed. The SRT has benefited from a bequest and, together with the structural changes, it is anticipated that this will produce the desired surplus of income to provide funding for projects that are within the charitable aims of the SRT. Overall lack of cash is our single greatest problem and spending on of revenue and capital nature needs to be tightly controlled if we are to reverse the situation and reduce the need for a winter overdraft. In this respect the figures to December 2005 so an overall cash improvement of about £11,000 compared to December 2004. General Manager’s ReportDiesel Day The Diesel Day was a successful event but the cold weather did reveal the need for us to consider re-equipping at least some coaches with ETH equipment. This has since been included in the Draft Carriage Plan. Santa Specials and Christmas Dining Trains The Santa Special season went very well with good organisation of both the booking and on-train aspects of this service. 2005 was the busiest year yet for Santa Specials and this has set us a challenge to better for 2006. The Christmas Luncheon trains were also very successful and thanks go to the Operations staff who ensured that this was able to operate as a 6 coach train with every arrival requiring additional shunting. The week after Christmas saw good levels of traffic. Environmental Health We had an approach from PDC (Environmental Health) about the use of steam locomotives to steam heat the stock overnight and as a result we had to adopt a revised procedure with the locomotive coming on to the train early in the morning. Apart from one of the days this seemed to work satisfactorily – although the fact that most doors were left open as soon as passengers became involved did somewhat negate the effect! Marketing The Marketing Department met and discussed plans including publications and websites. It was provisionally agreed that individual members would look at the following publications:
Since this meeting some initial changes have been made to the SRCL website which has recently been updated with 2006 information. 2006-11 Strategic Plan An updated Strategic Plan was tabled. It is a slimmed down version of the plan issued last year. It consists of the Plan itself and connected it to a number of individual plans covering Marketing, Locomotives, Carriages, Wagons, Infrastructure and Heritage Coaches. Of these the Locomotive and Carriage Plans are ready for consultation. 2006 Fares The Fare structure for 2006 was confirmed and will be published in the Working Timetable. Overhaul of BSK 35464 The proposal to send this vehicle to Rampart for a General Overhaul lasting approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of the summer season was approved. Herston Bank Mess Room The proposal to convert an existing P. Way Hut that is currently being used as a Store into a Secure Store and Mess Room to provide additional facilities for staff working in this area of the Railway was approved (with certain conditions). Corfe Castle and Harmans Cross Telephone Concentrators The proposal to install concentrators to standardise the systems in each signal box was approved. This will also lead to the installation of Signal post Telephones at Harmans Cross. It was requested that alongside this work a survey of telephone needs on the internal system be undertaken. Crane – Outstanding repairs Following the emergency repairs last year a number of outstanding tasks remain to bring the currently operational crane to a reliable condition. This work was approved. Crane Travel Further work to make the crane’s traction motors operational and allow it to become self propelled has been costed. This would lead to increased efficiency of P. Way work as small movements of the crane would not require a separate locomotive to be supplied. At the present time it was decide that funds were not available for this work. However, it was asked that quotes to overhaul the resistors so that they can be held pending further work be prepared for a subsequent Board meeting. Security Cameras The recording quality of the current recorder makes the system little use for the identification of people using the CCTV system. A number of quotations for varying degrees of enhancement had been obtained and was requested that simple replacement with digital rather than analogue equipment take place. This work was approved as the CCTV system has proven itself effective in the past. Tea Kiosk at Swanage The proposal to create a Kiosk towards the Booking Office end of the platform to sell teas, coffees and certain snacks was approved. An added advantage would be the ability to sell Draw Tickets from this location. It is hoped that in addition to increased sales of its own products this outlet will free the Birds Nest to concentrate on meals and therefore increase its efficiency. On days when the Kiosk was not opened a full service would remain in the Birds Nest. It was agreed that planning could continue to the point where full costs are available. Personnel The Board met with one of the external candidates for the post of Locomotive, Carriage and Wagon Manager. Following the interviews for the post of Locomotive, Carriage and Wagon Manager James Cox was appointed to replace Roger Sinar. At this point the meeting ended as time was short – a separate meeting to deal with other urgent business will take place. Future Meetings
SRT Open ForumAn Open Forum is held before the monthly meeting of SRT Directors (CoM) in the Rectory Classroom – the next meeting is on 25th February 2006. It will take place at the new time of 2pm. Nick Brown |
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