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Issue 183 Summer 2013

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During the three or four months that have passed since the last edition of The Volunteer, the Talyllyn Railway has been an exciting place to visit, volunteer and watch on prime time television. On the 3rd of June the Llechfan boardroom was packed out to watch the Talyllyn’s segment during The People’s Coronation on BBC1, which was an excellent insight into the railway we love. That very same day, news from Buckingham Palace flooded Tywyn that the Railway had been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Volunteer Service, which has been likened to an MBE for volunteer organisations. Each and every one of us, and all those people who have devoted time to the Railway since 1951, should be proud of what we have achieved together, and this award is a recognition of how special all of us are and the important role that we play on the Railway. There will be a special presentation and train on Friday the 26th of July, and if you would like to attend you should contact Lorraine Simkiss (admin@talyllyn.co.uk).

The sad news of the past few months, of which I am sure you are all already aware, has been the passing away of several long standing volunteers and members, of which Ed Lund is sadly one. These familiar names will be sorely missed around the Railway and our best wishes must go to their respective friends and families. At the time of writing this editorial, both Ian Grayston and Roger Whitehouse have recently returned home having spent some time in hospital, Ian following a stroke whilst on holiday and Roger having suffered a nasty fall. I’m sure we all join in wishing them both a swift recovery and look forward to seeing them both back on the railway in due course.

I am putting this magazine together at the end of a six week visit to the Talyllyn, which I have spent volunteering in the Loco, Traffic, Outdoor and Cafe departments. It has been a fantastic experience, which I last did when I was blessed with lengthy school holidays. For those younger readers, cherish these visits while you can! In the next edition I hope to include an article about the Graham Guilford scheme, which offered some financial assistance to make my visit more affordable and enjoyable and is open to young members. It has been featured in the Talyllyn

simner’sscribblingsEdition 183 - Summer 2013

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News and mentioned in previous editions of The Volunteer, but applications have been few and far between.

I am sad that I won’t be seeing you all over the summer months, however I am working for another volunteer organisation I am involved with at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. My thanks are due to Christina Ellwood for stepping in and becoming psuedo-Editor for this edition while I have been helping to convert a church into a four stage fringe venue.

Since the last edition of this magazine I have also been appointed as a member of the Talyllyn Training Team, and my initial responsibility is to develop video and online training material. In my last editorial I alluded to this and asked for your thoughts about the way you are trained, and if anyone has any further thoughts please do get in touch. My experiences in Edinburgh have introduced me to an online training tool, and I am investigating how we could implement this on the Talyllyn. My idea is that material relevant to each grade in the Traffic department (initially?) will be freely available online to act as a refresher or as material to prepare for a training event. The material could also be accompanied by quizzes to test our understanding. Please do get in touch with me, using the details on the back cover.

I hope you enjoy this magazine, and enjoy your summer holidays wherever they are spent!

Photo: J. Evans

andrew simner

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TRAFFIC PROMOTIONSLottie Atkinson - Trainee to Assistant GuardRoger Brent - PAG to GuardJim Chugg - Trainee to Wharf Platform Steve Edwards - Wharf PlatformFiona Evans - Trainee to Station MasterCharles Fleming - Working Volunteer to TraineeRuth Goode - Trainee to Assistant GuardAlan Harrison - PAG to GuardChristine Homer - Working Volunteer to TraineeIan Palmer - Working Volunteer to TraineeMarc Smith - Trainee to ControllerJoe Target - Working Volunteer to TraineeJuliet Tyndall - Assistant Guard to PAGWilliam Venton - Working Volunteer to Trainee

new volunteersA warm welcome to the following people who have volunteered at the Talyllyn for the first time since the last edition.

LocoS. CoulsonA. WhiteE. CoeA. CoeP. Edwards

TrafficG. TaylorT. VentonJ. TargetM. Herok

DofE volunteers:J. ComerfordA. Ballans

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Photos Background: B. Fuller, j: Talyllyn Website, k: A. Simner,

pre-new year dinnerIf you are interested in attending the pre-New Year dinner please can you email Juliet Tyndall (jctyndall@ymail.com) or tell Sarah Freeman in Tywyn by the end of August so that they can confirm there are sufficient numbers and make the bookings. Price will probably be around £20.

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TRAFFIC PROMOTIONS

gift aid go-liveOn the 8th of July the Talyllyn introduced new style electronic tickets with the capability of allowing gift aid to be reclaimed. For more see the article by John Simner on pages 26 - 29.

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Photos l: J. Simner, m: NGRM Website, n: A. Simner

museum volunteersThe museum holds regular working parties on the first Saturday of each month and most Thursday mornings - everybody is welcome to help, and if anyone is interested in volunteering as a museum attendant, please contact Robin Phipps (robin_phipps@hotmail.com).

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return of no.6July saw the return to the Talyllyn’s rails of loco no.6, Douglas. For more information see pages 16 & 17.

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new loco inspectorsThe Talyllyn now has five loco inspectors, following the appointment of Gareth Jones and Martin Lester to the position. For all their thoughts, check out the loco inspectors feature on pages 14 & 15.

beer festival BAR HELPChris Palmer is looking for people to help out at the upcoming beer festival (9th and 10th of August). If you would like to help run the bar for this exciting event, please contact Chris: 07979 830595

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Traffic figures seem to be improving, although the comparison is with last year, which was not a particularly good one. As I write, public bookings are 0.7% up, whilst revenue is up by 5.5%, helped by the fare increase. The shop sales were badly down a few weeks ago, but some better weeks trading have helped things along and sales are now 4.6% down on 2012, public catering sales are on a par with 2012, but a fall in volunteer spending of nearly 40% at Wharf has left the total sales for both outlets down around 5%, again when compared with 2012. Total Railway revenue is just slightly up after the above figures are inputted, but in the present economic situation even holding our own is encouraging.

This week saw the long awaited introduction of Gift Aid on ticket sales from Wharf. I do not need to go into details [see pages 26-29], but public take up has been encouraging, with an average 62% of our passengers taking up the Gift Aid option and a further 17% giving the extra donation, even though they were not able to gift aid their fares; these are figures which exceeded our expectations. Of the “thank you” cash back vouchers handed out 88% have been redeemed so far; interestingly, on the Friday more were redeemed than were given out, so we may have tempted someone into making a second visit and spending money with us. Booking clerks have

Photo: S. Bowers

from thehot seat14th July 2013 - dave scotson; ceo@talyllyn.co.uk

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got the hang of the new system very quickly; although a little daunting at first, once the first train of the day has gone everyone has been surprised by how quickly they got the hang of the system and we have even had one non-booking clerk, who was tempted to have a go and was quickly able to process ticket sales as if they had been doing the job for years. There are one or two items to sort out; including the absence of an intercom system on the old window and a real bottleneck caused by the card handling machine, both of which should be fixed by the time you read this report. We have also realised that some form of screen is needed between the booking clerks, so that they do not overhear one another’s conversations and the engineers have been asked to attend to this as soon as possible. The week’s guards were initially worried, but also found the new system easy to understand and some said that the new tickets were easier to work with than the old ones. Even the tickets themselves have produced some favourable comments from passengers; all in all a very satisfactory start and we look forward to the boost in income that this is going to bring us.

Last issue I promised you an Operating notice relating to alterations to the SMS but I am afraid I will have to ask you to be patient as it has not been finalised yet. In the meantime notice ON02/12 has been issued to those locations it concerns, detailing the procedure to be adopted on Victorian Train days, when two trains need to be at Wharf at the same time, a consequence of altering the planned Thursday timetable to run four trains, but continuing to run the Victorian Train on this day for commercial reasons. Otherwise the new timetable seems to be working well and going down well with the public, but it will be closely reviewed, as I have said before, when the time comes to decide on next year’s service.

I have been looking around in the café at Wharf and have noticed the “tabs” book which records food ordered by various people and the amounts they owe. Entries are deleted once the bill has been paid, but we have quite a few still outstanding, some of which date from June last year, far too long ago for anyone to remember what happened. I suspect we will be contacting anyone who we believe still owes the Railway money and trusting to their honesty, so we can clear all these up one way or another, but it would be much better if these could be settled up later on the same day, or at least by the end of the week. Talking about the café reminds me that I was approached earlier in the year on behalf of the Abergynolwyn café staff, who have been having problems reading the train crew orders, getting things wrong and upsetting the crews. They are reluctant to say that they couldn’t read your scrawl, but I am afraid this is the case. There will always be the occasional problems, particularly at busy times, but if you want the correct refreshments and you want them on time, you can improve your chances if your note is neatly written and the items on your order are clearly stated, preferably with the various names alongside as this speeds up payment at the till.

In my last report I wished for some decent weather and it finally seems to have arrived; it makes a pleasant change to see lots of people around the town and good loadings on the train; long may it continue.

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The Committee was pleased to note that since it had last met:• An Operating Notice had been issued to reflect the changes at Quarry Siding resulting from completion of The Guest House;• Travelling Station Assistants had been rostered successfully;• New wheelchair ramps were in use and proving satisfactory. Andrew Simner had made a training video. Martin Turner would be ordering a lockable holder for the ramp at Wharf. If successful additional holders may be obtained for Abergynolwyn and Dolgoch;• John Simner had produced a training handout on Guard’s Journals;• Two applications were being considered under the Subsidised Volunteer Scheme (Graham Guilford bequest) and there was a potential third application.• Revised wording on the assessment of inspectors for the Traffic Inspectors Terms of Reference had been agreed.• The Traffic Handbook is awaiting an update before being issued to take account of revised procedures following the introduction of gift aid on fares.

Abergynolwyn Blockpost:At the March meeting the possibility had been hinted at of Dolgellau College helping with the refurbishment of Abergynolwyn Blockpost. Mr Turner had met Dolgellau College about two weeks previously and they were extremely keen. They saw benefits both in terms of training for their pupils and in publicity through involvement with the local community. Other possible projects included making a new front door for Llechfan and new windows (replicating the original style but non-opening) for Pendre loco shed and works. The only costs to us should be materials and installation of the Pendre windows.

The College was also interested in:• internal building work especially projects without a hard and fast time scale;• projects the College’s Engineering Department could do in-house;• blockwork (completion of the wall on the south boundary of Pendre was suggested although we would need to complete the digging out and foundations first);• lime mortar pointing (the road approach embankments at Ty Mawr bridge and Wharf edge were suggested);• the TR becoming part of their course work.

Lawrence Garvey would act as project manager for Abergynolwyn BP, on which work might start in September with a request for any further ideas to be passed to Mr M. Turner by the end of July. Because it might be difficult to include an engineering store on the operating floor of the blockpost, it was suggested that either the space underneath might be utilised or a hut provided

t&ocminutes15th june 2013 - Philip sayers

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at the east end of the platform.

Health and Safety: Regrettably there had been two reportable incidents since the previous meeting:• a two year old had broken her ankle on the slide at Abergynolwyn – the parents had suggested that the slide be closed in wet weather but this would be very difficult to police;• a train had overshot the Brynglas down stop board by a few feet – it was suggested that in the circumstance that a stop board was in place but the blockman was not showing a flag signal the fireman instead of saying nothing should say to the driver “Stop Board, no signal”.

Concern was expressed about the number of visitors wandering across the tracks at Wharf and it was suggested there should be signs warning visitors not to cross without asking. It was pointed out that some volunteers did not set a good example.

Operating Documents:Revisions to the Safety Management System had been approved by the Board.

Training:2013:The Assistant Guards and Cleaners and the Traffic Trainees events had both been very successful. The Blockman’s Seminar was much appreciated by those who attended. However, there was concern about the significant number who had booked for it but dropped out shortly before it was held, especially given the cost of putting it on. The possibility of using the refurbished Neuadd Pendre would be considered, but would blockmen be willing to come to Tywyn for an event of this kind?

MICs would be held during the summer and, apart from those on shunting, would comprise class room sessions at Wharf. Mr Wear hoped to arrange for simple cooked food to make it easier for volunteers to attend after their duties. Also the Members’ Bar would be open.

Unfortunately the Diesel Driver Training Weekend had had to be postponed from Easter to early September.

It was pointed out that other railways had compulsory requirements for volunteers to undertake a minimum number of turns in their chosen grades each year and for attendance at training sessions. Recognising the particular circumstances of the TR, it was suggested that operating volunteers might be required to attend at least one training session every three years. Dates would need to be published well in advance. The meeting agreed that this possibility should be investigated further.

Miss K Willans would be undertaking EKT Training for Cleaners each week in peak.Andrew Simner was developing training pages for TROPS.

2014:Planned are:• a Guards’ Seminar in Birmingham (Virgin Trains offices) on Saturday 5 April;• an event for Traffic Trainees and Tracksiders in SBH week;

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• a major incident exercise at Forestry Crossing.

Concern was expressed that the Loco Department was falling behind other parts of the Railway, although a suggestion had been made for a more formal training weekend.

Appointment & Qualification of Officers in Charge:Recently a Deputy Officer in Charge (OIC) had been rostered when the Chief Executive was not available and it had been suggested that the arrangements needed to be formalised. A paper had therefore been circulated to the Committee. There were specific jobs allocated to the OIC by the Incident Control Plan. Otherwise the OIC was available to assist the Controller on request at busy times or if a problem occurred. It was suggested that an OIC Manual was needed on the lines of the Controllers Manual along with an identification card. People would be invited to consider taking on the role by the Board and Management Team.

Grading of Station Staff:A paper had been circulated to the Committee. The meeting agreed that:• the title for the duty of being in charge of Rhydyronen or Nant Gwernol station be changed from “Person in Charge” to “Station Master” to bring it into line with Dolgoch and Abergynolwyn;• the grade shown on TROPS for a trainee station person should be changed from “Station Assistant” to “Station Trainee”.

Proposal on Timetabling:A paper from Mr Fieldhouse had been circulated to the Committee last autumn. Mr J Simner circulated tables at the meeting showing the times taken by up trains between Pendre and Brynglas and the frequency of request stops by station and halt. These showed that the only significant problem was with the first train of the day. It was suggested that this be allowed a little additional time, possibly in the form of recovery time at Dolgoch. A suggestion was also made that the public departure time for down trains at Dolgoch be set as 15 rather than 14

Photo: A. Young

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minutes after that for Abergynolwyn to reduce the likelihood of reverse crossings at Brynglas if a train leaves Dolgoch on public time. This would be referred to the Timetables Officer.

Earlier in the meeting it had been proposed that the Thursday Victorian train formed the 1545 departure when it arrived back, in order to ease operating at Wharf. However this might upset passengers who had paid a premium fare to travel on the Victorian train.

T&OC Elections:To encourage volunteers to stand it was agreed that the Committee needed to be “talked up” and made to appear exciting. Posters had been put up and Mr Wear agreed to put reminders about the election on Talyllyn Announce and TROPS.

Correspondence:Brynglas Loop:Following e-mails from Gordon Rhodes, Dave Scotson and Bill Heynes, the meeting agreed with Mr Scotson’s proposed solution of providing a padlock on the siding point lever (lever 3) and a clip on the points. However, the meeting still considered that the ideal long term solution would be to provide the siding points with an FPL worked from the same lever (lever 2) as the FPL for the west end points, which would need to be altered to lock in both positions. This should not increase maintenance requirements.

Email from Lawrence Garvey:1. The meeting agreed that wheelchocks be provided at each blockpost for use when vehicles are detached or stabled in emergency and to assist the shunting of engineering trains. Mr Turner agreed to progress.2. Blockman to be asked to check point clips worked satisfactorily – for Signalling Inspectors to pursue.3. Clearing of mess room (Guards’ Room) at Wharf. Little more could be done, the only stored item being a failed dishwasher which was a source of spares (now removed!).4. Provision of a light in Brynglas Blockpost. Agreed this was desirable. Mr Turner would speak to Mr Ian Sheppard.5. Guards Van buckets are still filling up with old rags and window cleaning cloths. To be followed up by the Traffic Inspectors. Please do your bit.6. Review of Rule Book and General Appendix and7. Reducing number of STN’s produced. Mr Wear agreed to speak to Mr Whitehouse.

Email from Diana Awdry: Andrew Simner doubted whether paper covers for the Talyllyn Volunteer would produce a significant saving. Diana had also suggested that a copy of the loco roster should be provided to Pendre BP. However the meeting thought it desirable for the Pendre blockman to be encouraged to visit the shed when taking up duty, so it was agreed no action should be taken.

Other BusinessBrynglas Toilet:The toilet at the cottage at Brynglas was not currently available so Martin Turner agreed to move the toilet from The Guest House at Quarry Siding (now done – it is at the east end of Brynglas station).

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Refresher Training for Railway Incident Officers:It was suggested this should be covered as part of the Major Incident Exercise next year, making use of the expertise of Alan Cooksey.

Use of Open Coaches:It was suggested that:• the open coaches should be included in the train formations which should be possible once carriage 21 enters service; • carriage 17 (the Corris) should be run at the west (Wharf) end of one of the sets;• sets should comprise the equivalent of at least four bogie coaches;• first class should be abolished as being little used.

Mr Scotson pointed out that the short sets in use at the time of the meeting (equivalent to three or three and a half bogie coaches) resulted in minimal coal consumption.

Umbrella at Abergynolwyn:A red and white striped “Walls” umbrella on Abergynolwyn platform was thought a little out of place but it was pointed out that visitors enjoyed sitting under it.

Stabling of Trains in West Carriage Shed:A suggestion was made that the first set out should be berthed in the north road so that the engineers had earlier access to the pit.

Compulsory Stop for Certain Down Trains at Brynglas:The need for this was queried and T&OC would consider this before the 2014 WTT was finalised.

Carriage No.1:Mr Turner was satisfied this was adequately supported at eight points. He intended to ask an outside contractor whether they would be willing to complete the work since he did not have the staff time available to do so.

Provision of Flasks for Blockmen Working up the Line:Mr Scotson agreed to look into concerns over the difficulty of obtaining hot water to fill these and the quality of the flasks themselves. He agreed to obtain new flasks.

Traffic Trainee Vacancies on TROPS:There was currently no limit on the number of Trainees who can book and this had caused problems in Spring Bank Holiday week when there were more Trainees than could be found worthwhile duties. The meeting agreed to the introduction of a limit.

Date of Next Meeting The next meeting will be on Saturday 7th September at 19:30 hours at Wharf.

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At the time of writing, carriage 21 is virtually complete and ready for trials before entering service. The brake gear and the electrics have been fitted. The seats have been fitted in the saloon, and the saloon has also been carpeted. Many thanks are due to everyone who has helped with getting this carriage ready, it looks really smart. At the same time as No. 21 was fitted with carpet, No. 15 (Glyn Valley) was also carpeted. Once No. 21 is in service then it should allow saloons No. 7 and No. 20 to be released to have new carpets fitted. Working weekends:28th/29th September, 12th/13th October,16th/17th November, 30th November/1st December.

bodger’supdatejohn burton

Photo: N. Scott

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Recently your Editor suggested that the Locomotive Inspectors have a regular item in this publication, in a similar manner to other departments. Therefore, as an attempt to provide better communication and information the Locomotive Department will be aiming to offer a regular and extended ‘Loco Dept Notice Board’ item. This will incorporate relevant matters from the Chief Executive, Chief Engineer, Locomotive Running Foreman, Locomotive Inspectors and the Locomotive Roster Clerk.

Locomotive Department Operating MattersApproaching a Stop Board when no signal is displayed:At present loco crews call, and confirm with each other, signals displayed to them. Following a recent minor operating incident all footplate crews are requested to ensure that they also confirm with each other when they are approaching a Stop Board, and no signal is being displayed by the Blockman. Whilst most crews probably already do this, please ensure it becomes standard practice.

the locoinspectorsgraham thomas

Photo: A. Young

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Leaving the Locomotive at Wharf:All crews are reminded that when leaving the locomotive at Wharf to wash, get tea etc. at least one member of the footplate crew should, preferably, remain with the loco, or at least within eyesight and easy access of it. This is to mitigate any problems that might arise in the event of gauge glass failure or similar.

Loco No. 6:This locomotive will shortly be returning to traffic. If you are not familiar with it, ask for advice on suitable ‘hand holds’ when cleaning it. This loco only has ‘angle iron’ as running plates, so look carefully where you stand – and not on the valve gear!

Firemen should note that this locomotive is now fitted with a manifold shut off located on top of the firebox. At present, under engineering testing, this valve has been kept open. Please check carefully so that you do not damage the valve trying to open it when it is in fact already open! Once the loco is released to traffic the Engineering Dept. will advise as to whether this valve will need to be closed as part of the normal disposal process.

The new mechanical lubricator now feeds the regulator as well as the valve chests/cylinders. Note this lubricator has two chambers, each with their own sight glass and filling aperture. Please remember to top up both chambers.

There are a number of additional greasing points, principally on the brake gear. At present it is not anticipated that these will require daily greasing, but please familiarize yourselves with them, and check with the Engineering Dept. when you are rostered on the loco.

Locomotive Department Online Assessments:Drivers and Passed Firemen are advised that the facility to input their assessments on-line via TROPS is now under test and will hopefully be released shortly. An email will be sent out when this has ‘gone live’.

From the Engineering DepartmentLoco No. 2 Valve Spindles – Greasing:Would all those responsible for the preparation of this loco please note that the valve spindles should be greased each day the loco is in service.

Mechanical Lubricators – Filling:Some of the locomotive mechanical lubricators are provided with a gauze filter in the filling aperture. They are there to prevent dirt and foreign bodies entering and damaging the lubricator. On no account are these filters to be removed in order to expedite the refilling process.

Locomotive Boiler Water Treatment:When adding loco water treatment please try to add it to a full, or nearly full tank, as it is hoped this will allow a more even mix with the water.

Particularly with the saddle tank locos, if the treatment is added to a low tank water level, it may settle on one side of the tank. Later, when filling the tank, if the fresh water gets fed primarily to the opposite side, proper mixing may not occur. This is evidenced by the bright red feed water sometimes seen when the valve is opened to test the injector.

16 Photos Background: A Young, j: B. Fuller

Well done and thank you to all the volunteers and staff who have worked on the overhaul of No. 6, Douglas. The last few months have seen the locomotive take shape and venture up the valley; as light engine, on Duncan day and also double heading service and special trains.

On Monday the 15th of July the engine was rostered on the 12:15 service train and this marks the hard work and effort that many people have contributed towards its return. There will also be a special train on the 10th of August for those people who have donated to the overhaul fund. This means the Talyllyn presently has 5 serviceable steam engines, with only No. 3, Sir Haydn, out of service and touring the UK whilst awaiting repair. For details of how to contribute towards Sir Haydn’s overhaul please check out the TR website: www.talyllyn.co.uk/loco-3-appeal

The returnof No.6

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17Photos k: K. Theobald, ‘Brass’ plate: K. Jones

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Summer Outdoor WeekA very successful week helped along by an excellent turnout and very good weather. During the week 30 people gave 132 days of hard work to the railway.

The following tasks were completed:Install Pandrol Gauge Lock fixings on the milepost 7 re-sleepering job.Box up curve at Wharf with slate waste.Tidy area by old JCB.Tamping on Extension.Dress ballasting on the extension.Strimming all stations, loops and around mileposts.Strimming long lengths of the lineside.Sleeper stocktake.Supplying rails for Duncan Milner.Reconditioning nuts and bolts.Wharf South Side work.

The following tasks were progressed:Line Inspection.PW work identified by inspection.Complete drains alongside winters re-sleepering.Revetment wall along the North side of the Quarry Siding up whistleboard re-sleepering.Trackworks sleepers to Quarry Siding.Good Jarrah sleepers to Wharf (for disposal).Tamping.Sign painting.

Plus all the tasks I have temporarily forgotten about.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank very much all those who helped in any way, your time and efforts are much appreciated.

outdoorspotkeith theobald

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Health and Safety1) Don’t take risks.2) Keep walkways clear.3) Use the correct tools and equipment for the task in hand.4) Put things away properly, don’t leave them lying about for others to trip over.5) Always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).6) Make sure you report all accidents and near misses.

Friday Evening Steam-Hauled Works TrainsIt’s our intention to run the Friday evening steam-hauled works trains again this year. Over the years they have continued to achieved a great deal and have become a very important part of the everyday operation of the railway.

The trains will run on the following dates:19th, 26th July 2nd, 9th, 16th August 2013Departure time 18:30 from Pendre, All welcome.

Grass CuttingHaving all the grass neat and tidy at stations and loops shows off the railway at its best, however it’s been a struggle with the available labour resource to achieve this, so would you be able and willing to commit some time to help with this task. The 1st cut for the 2013 season was carried out at the beginning of May and 2 further cuts have been made since and others will be due on the following dates: 3/4 Aug, 7/8 Sept. Please let me know if you can help and certainly check before travelling so you can be sure that the local weather is going to be suitable.

Your strimmer awaits!

Upcoming EventsThe objective of the upcoming events (dates below) are as follows:

Fishplate Oiling:Abergynolwyn to Dolgoch is the target length.

Autumn Outdoor Week: Resleepering between 4 1/4 and 4 1/2 mileposts.Tamping.Sleeper drilling.

Future Working Party Dates (all dates inclusive)2013Fishplate Oiling Friday 23rd - Monday 26th AugustAutumn Outdoor Week Saturday 9th - Sunday 17th November

2014Spring Outdoor Week Saturday 22nd February - Sunday 2nd MarchTidy the Railway Friday 18th April - Monday 21st April

20 All Photos p20 and p21: K. Theobald, except j: S. Bowers

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Observation, Observation, Observation!Following on my last article in the April edition of The Volunteer, the Traffic Inspectors want to reinforce again the message of observation of trains. As I’m sure everyone knows by now, we are really trying to hammer home the important message that this must be given top priority by everyone in the Traffic Department, as the consequence of ignoring it, could (in a worst case scenario), be fatal. It is now on all assessment forms, but please don’t observe your train just when you are being assessed – it must happen all the time!

Those of us who were trained by John Cox (and I’m talking about 30 years or so ago, when John was a very well-respected Guard), will remember his insistence on watching the train at all times, whatever the weather and how ever many of you there were training in the van. As the lowest of the low and as Trainee No. 3 in the van, this must have seemed overkill to some, but I have never forgotten this. Our heads were out of the window constantly and nothing was missed. John was a Primary School teacher at the time and I remember being ‘told off’ in “Primary School teacher-speak” in the down direction, when I was looking at the track ahead to see where I was going, rather than watching the train behind that was following. These sorts of habits become very deeply embedded in your system - so much so that I still feel uncomfortable if my head isn’t stuck out of a window!!

As has been mentioned on many occasions, it is imperative that everyone observes trains going in and out of stations, through loops, and through bridges. Some Guards have a habit of disappearing into the van at vital moments including coming into Wharf at the end of the day.

One Traffic Inspector was sitting at a picnic bench at Wharf and counted the number of seconds the Guard was not watching their train as it departed: 16 in total. A lot can happen

YOU’VE GOT MAIL!Email thevolunteer@talyllyn.co.uk to request a copy of the next volunteer straight to your inbox

TRAFFICinspectorlis mann

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in sixteen seconds… It is also very easy to become distracted and lose concentration or to rush unnecessarily and make a mistake - or nearly make one, so please be vigilant at all times.

On another matter entirely, a new Station Master grade card will be issued to anybody holding an existing Station Assistant grade card. This will be rolled out from 13th July onwards. The Station Assistant grade card will be phased out and a Traffic Trainee grade card will be issued to anybody training to be a Station Master. It has always seemed to be odd for someone in charge of a Station to be called an Assistant and this change gets rid of the anomaly.

Finally – and going back to the matter of observation, I have just been reading a Kindle edition of Railway Adventure (it’s great having it to hand wherever I go and I would thoroughly recommend it), and as I was getting towards the end, I read this paragraph which I felt was very timely. Tom Rolt was talking about the role of Guard-cum-Booking Clerk on a train:

...for the job they undertook was a difficult and harassing one, particularly in the height of the season. For these amateur railwaymen had not only to play the part of guard but of booking clerk as well, and though the volume of booking on the van might be infinitesimal compared with that done at Wharf, it must be done under peculiarly awkward and distracting conditions. The roles of a booking clerk required to closet himself in that dark little cupboard of an office with its bewildering array of ticket racks, and a guard who must remain a constant vigilant watch upon his train were constantly in conflict. But on this problem of divided duty there was never any doubt in my own mind. The safe and efficient running of the train was of far greater importance than any clerical punctilio and the volunteer must remain first and foremost a guard, ever ready to assist the engine crew in any emergency, and constantly on the lookout for such potential dangers as children leaning against coach doors which had no safety catches. …..a train loaded with anything up to one hundred passengers running along a narrow mountain track is no mere toy but a heavy responsibility which it would be fatal to under-estimate.

Things really don’t change….

Both Photos: T. Goode

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I am writing this in anticipation of a really busy peak season – well, why not?

With the Traffic Rosters in particular in mind, there is an obvious shortage most of the season and there just aren’t enough of us locals to fill all the gaps, let alone get some rest! Just consider the average age of so many of us!

So, we need more young blood in the traffic department.

“But I can’t afford to spend more time in Tywyn, much as I would like to.” I hear you saying. Well.... perhaps you might like to remind yourself of the Graham Guilford Bequest [see Jane Garvey’s article in the March 2012 News]. At the late Graham’s request, Council agreed to attempt to encourage younger members to come to Tywyn to work on the Railway by offering contributions towards accommodation, subsistence and travel.

These days so many young people are finding it extremely difficult to find decent jobs, we know. So if you are one of these, or for any reason come to that, why not consider applying to the Graham Guilford Fund Managers for financial support, and have a fantastic and highly rewarding time, gaining much experience in life by volunteering on the railway. This applies equally to already well qualified volunteers as to new ones, so don’t be put off from applying whatever might be your experience. It may be that this scheme can enable existing volunteers to extend their working visits to the TR to the benefit of us all. I’m sure that the word ‘young’ will be interpreted flexibly!

Opt out of the printed Volunteer at www.trops.co.uk

DId you know you can also view the Volunteer in glossy HD by using the link on the front cover?

GO GREEN!

pleasevolunteerjohn smallwood

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Surprisingly there has been very little uptake of this offer so far. Please take advantage of Graham’s generosity – that’s what it’s for. Jane Garvey or Chris Price (contact details at the back of the News) will be so happy to hear from you. Or you can ask any of the regular local volunteers or staff and your interest will be pointed in the right direction.

We Need Your Help!

As an example of the shortage of traffic volunteers – in the peak (pink timetable days 29th July - 30th August), without any additional trains we need, every day, 1 controller, 5 blockmen, 3 guards, 3 assistant or trainee guards, 3 station masters, 1 booking clerk, and 1 control assistant.

A total of 17 competent volunteers as a minimum every day.

As at 22nd June, what do we actually have?On only one day in this period do we have 15.On nine days we have between 14 and 10 volunteers On the remaining seventeen days we have between 9 and 4 volunteers. Plus of course a few local volunteersNowhere near enough to cover our requirements, let alone training for new volunteers.

YOUR RAILWAY NEEDS YOU!

If you don’t help, I really don’t know how there can be a railway at all.

sorry,no trainstoday!

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trainingcornermatt wear

Firstly, thank you to those of you who are currently reading this magazine in a blockpost, guards van or station building and have come to volunteer on the Talyllyn this summer. Your help in running our railway is extremely important so thank you! If you are reading this elsewhere, please do consider coming and helping out the traffic department if you can. John Smallwood has written about the shortage of traffic volunteers [pages 24-25] and I can only echo that further. On a training front, there is plenty to read about in this edition. The past couple of months has seen the TR introduce a new electronic ticketing system and information for guards is reproduced in this article. Additionally, John Simner has completed his analysis of Guards’ Journals and has some feedback of which we should all take note. The diesel driver training event planned for earlier this year has been rescheduled for early september - please check out the advert [page 31] and contact me ASAP if you are interested (training@talyllyn.co.uk). I would finally like to mention that we will be offering a full programme of MICs over the summer, please check out the noticeboards and TROPs announcements and try and attend when you can.

new electronic tickets & gift aidFrom 8th July 2013, all passengers booking their journeys from Wharf will be issued with a computer-issued ticket. This article details the new ticket from the Guards perspective.

The ticket states: • The date and time of travel,• The journey details,• The type and number of passengers, • Any supplements (optional)

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A single ticket is usually issued to a group of passengers travelling together.

In addition, all passengers will be issued with a souvenir Edmondson ticket; yellow for intermediate destinations and pink for all other destinations.

These tickets have no authority for travel. There is no need to inspect or clip these tickets though you may clip them if they are presented; the UP & DN boxes on the computer-issued ticket align with the Edmondson ticket clipping position.

The electronic ticket must be inspected in the usual manner and clipped in the UP and DN boxes. The A and B boxes are not clipped except where detailed in a working instruction. Please check the date and train time; normal single or return tickets are valid on any train on the day of issue (as previously), special event tickets are only valid on the specified date/time.

The computer-issued ticket may include a discount voucher. The discount voucher cannot be used for travel; they are valid only in the Shop and Café at Wharf and Abergynolwyn.

In addition to Guards selling 1st class supplements in the normal manner, the Booking Clerk may also sell them. The computer-issued ticket details the total number and direction of single journey supplements.

Furthermore, new style tickets are also issued for special event trains (e.g. Victorian Train, Fish and Chips) or any train booked in advance and can be issued for journeys from intermediate stations - therefore please do not assume that because it is an electronic ticket the journal can only have commenced from Wharf.

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If the group has indicated to the Booking Clerk there is the possibility of them returning on different trains, they will have been issued with separate tickets.

If a group has a single ticket and subsequently decides to split up and return on different trains, two separate paper tickets should be issued; one for each sub-group. The paper tickets have no monetary value. They should detail the number of passengers in the sub-group and refer to the original ticket. The Guard retains the computer-issued ticket, marks it as “Split Ticket Issued”, and puts it in the paper ticket book.

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Over the last six months, I [John Simner] have been analysing the Guards Journals for 2012 and 2013. I started the analysis to determine the actual Wharf departure times and the section times from Pendre to Brynglas for a T&OC discussion. Having worked through all of the Guards’ Journals, I was surprised to see so many errors. I started to produce a table of the different types of errors and how many times they occurred.

I soon realised that most Guards, like me, rely upon their Trainee or Assistant to fill in the correct information in the appropriate boxes on the Guard’s Journal. Sometimes, the information is missing or in the wrong place. Typical mistakes are; no weather, no loco, no loco crew, carriage numbers reversed, and trains never arriving at their destination.

All of these could have been easily rectified by the Guard checking the Guard’s Journal before it is handed in at Wharf Booking Office. T&OC decided one way of ensuring the check takes place is for the Guard to sign the Journal at the end of the day. This request has been communicated in the Weekly Notice yet there are some Guards’ Journals with no signatures. Please remember to read Weekly Notices and sign the Guards’ Journal at the end of the day.

When Guards’ Journals for the same day are compared against each other there are some amusing errors like the same loco managed to do all of the journeys in one day. I wish I had taken a photo of the two trains crossing with the same engine. The same thing has happened with Guard’s Van; two different Guards guarded their trains from the same van all day long. Even though I have treated these errors light heartedly, there is a serious concern; please ensure the accuracy of the information on the Guard’s Journal.

Some Guards’ Journals have shown their trains crossing in stations or not at all rather than in the designated crossing places. Please make sure watches are synchronised with Wharf time to avoid any timing embarrassments should an incident ever occur and the Guards’ Journals are used in evidence.

T&OC have reviewed how crossings are recorded on the Guard’s Journal. The train which stops at the fouling board should have different arrival and departure times. The other train that passes by should have either; two identical times for arrival and departure, one time written on the dividing line between arrival and departure, or a single time with a “p”.

The Railway has a duty of care to its passengers. This is demonstrated, on a daily basis, by checking the door catches and performing a brake function test. The proof these tests have been carried out and there were no problems are the rostered Guard’s initials in the appropriate fields on the Guard’s Journal. There are a number of Guards’ Journals with no initials; does this mean the test were not carried out or they were carried out and there were problems or the tests were carried out with no problems and the Guard forgot to initial the Journal. If there is ever an incident with a door handle and there are no initials on the Guard’s Journal, the Railway will have great difficulty in demonstrating its duty of care.

The Railway operates in a claim culture society and knows from experience it may receive a claim for injuries resulting from an accident that may or may not have happened on the Railway. The only evidence the Railway has is the toilet checks and station/halt stops. Hence, it is important

guard’s journal analysis

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that toilet checks are carried out and recorded. If the box is left blank, the Railway would have difficulty in explaining what it means. Please remember at the end of the day when closing the Dolgoch (or Abergynolwyn) toilets to check them and note their state on the Guard’s Journal.

On most Guards’ Journals in 2012, there is one consistent mistake; no times for Quarry Siding when there is no crossing. There is a requirement to record when trains enter or leave a section. At Pendre and Brynglas, if there is no crossing, the time can be obtained from the station time. As Quarry Siding does not have a station time, the Blockpost times MUST always be entered. This is the reason why Guard’s Journal clearly distinguishes between Quarry Siding and the other crossing places with an “X”.

Having pointed out the importance of the Guard’s Journal, I must stress the most important aspect of Guarding is the safety of the passengers which means the train must be observed into and out of stations, through bridges, and over facing points. Completing the Guard’s Journal must not be done in preference to or the detriment of train observations.

There is no requirement to record a minute by minute account of the journey only the times at stations, block posts, train formation changes, and any unusual occurrences like picking up passengers at halts, farmers leaving gates open, and the occasional sheep on the line.

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Letters tothe editorAndrew simner

Re; Ministry of Useless InformationThe information published on page 40 of the last edition of The Volunteer is in many ways quite worrying. Accepting that I have taken ‘an educated guess’ about one or two people’s ages, the statistics show that last year about 57% of the blocking turns were performed by volunteers aged 60 and over and, within that number, about 30% of the blocking turns were performed by local volunteers aged 60 and over.

In addition, it was quite common last year for the local volunteers - of whatever grade - to be totally covering the operation of the Railway. This has also been the case so far this year up to May 29th and that could well continue out of the peak season. In fact, about 42% of the total 761 blocking turns shown on page 40 were covered by locals.

Unless we have more younger visiting volunteers the decision about what the timetable should be in future years could well be governed by volunteer availability as well as the factors currently taken into account.

We should also remember that we have an increasing number of Traffic volunteers who are over the age of 70 (including me!) and they will not go on for ever as we were recently so sadly reminded when Ed Lund died.

Nigel AdamsJune 5th 2013

“

“

Photo: A. Simner

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photographsSend your funniest photographs to the Editor! If you can think of any famous look-a-likes then send them in for the next edition.

(Photo A. Simner)

(Photo S. Bowers)

Ginger Garfield comes on shed(Photo M. Dawson)

(Photo R. Van Der Molen)

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(Photo M. Davies)

(Photo D. Sharpe)

The Younger Mann attempts to disguise any vaseline related rumours in the last ‘It’

(Photo A. Simner)

No caption needed...(Photo M. Lotarew)

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pendre puzzles

Across:1 Record breaking duck (7)7 Soon-to-be-restored Fes loco (5-4)9 Kent & East Sussex station (6)11 For inspection or ash (3)12 An engine’s identification (6)14 Type of special brake-blocks used on Somerset & Dorset 7Fs (6)15 Type of person who vandalises coaches with graffiti (3)16 Rail’s main rival (3)18 90mph A4 (7)20 Elevation of a rail on a corner (4)23 Type of brake (3)24 Future location of the roof from 2 down (11)25 Stroudley tank engine (7)27 Type of geared loco recently restored by the Puffing Billy (6)29 Haydn, Nigel Gresley etc (3)30 ______ Steam Railway at Preston docks (7)31 ______ Valley Railway, preserved line in Cumbria (4)

Down: 1 Summit of the Somerset & Dorset, currently subject of a fundraising appeal (7)2 Is falling down in 24 across (6-6)3 Guards’, mess etc (4)4 Express (5)5 Welsh for bridge (4)6 Measurement car (11)8 Type of wagon, usually used for minerals (6)10 Blue Irish compound (6)13 ______ Lane Junction (4)14 Sir William McAlpine’s private railway (6-4)17 Recently restored Jubilee (7)19 Less common nickname for 25 across (7)21 Shade of blue for 1 across (6)22 ______ Valley Railway, running from Chepstow to Monmouth (3)26 Brakes will if they’re not off properly (3)28 ______ Norfolk Railway (3)

Crossword: A. Robinson

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Together with our parents

Emily Grace Amelia Heywood &

Neil James Mort

are proud to announce the occasion of our marriage

Saturday 30th August 2014 The Parish Church of St Peter, Bolton-le-Moors.

More details to follow on a celebration at the Railway in due course.

The above may be the official and traditional announcement but an honourable mention must go to our railway little brother and Neil’s best man Jim Mann for his introduction of Emily to Bob Hay:

“This is the woman who is trying to make an honest man out of a Mort”

weddingbells

Photo: E. Heywood

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quotes boardheard in the tred: we are alcoholics with a train problem

dofe girl amber to simner: i bloody love trains!

marty to chris price: you should try liz garveys brownie!

chris price whilst doing ten pound driver experiences: many things which cant be printed

panda to debs: put coins in to get balls outdebs to panda: youve gotta pay for it you know!

alex to jim: yours is bigger than mine

Chris Palmer to Matt wear after going to the circus: after that i will be pinning you up against the wall!

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Some say this is the first column he’s written without mentioning the Lioness, and that he is the only Welshman ever to have won Wimbledon. All we know is, he’s called It from the Pit!

Well, this has been a very confusing time for me. All our burning of fossil fuels seems to have warmed the climate enough for Tywyn to have a summer! I can’t remember the last time I saw a rain cloud, which is bad news when you’re an amphibian. Luckily my oily home remains flooded, so I haven’t been distracted on my tireless search for gossip. The heat of the weather seems to be reflected in the deeds of some of the TR membership as well!

Balcony Scene and Santa are becoming quite an item; it seems her Eastertide date to the Riverside has not discouraged her. She decided to stay on land though, as Father Christmas took to the water with various other TR folk. Who can blame her? It’s a miracle there wasn’t a Titanic re-enactment.

Moving from the galleys of boats to those of the Railway: in the absence of Nigella, the Scribbler has appeared to turn his attentions to another café lass. Our dear editor appeared to be taking a shine to Pinny Girl during a members’ bar, and tell reached my oily ears that he didn’t return to Llechfan until long after the other residents had retired to sleep off their beer. However, the escapade appears to have been shortlived, perhaps the bright lights of London have distracted him away from the café, for now.

More excitement emerged in the café with the arrival of the Catering Consultant as part of the Prince Philip Prize scheme, and her presence predictably sparked the interests of several volunteers. The Nuisance’s attentions were ill received, as were the Younger Mann’s advances, despite his attempts at broadening her horizons by giving definitions for various terms that one cannot find in the Oxford English Dictionary. Despite the best efforts of the assembled male volunteers, the Catering Consultant was overheard describing her experience of the attention as ‘a good balance of fear and fondness’ and even promised to return in the future along with the other DofE Girl.

Further afield, the Tropical Bird seems to have found himself an Evita! As he hasn’t flown south for the winter, Ms Peron keeps up with events via the webcam. The delights of modern technology! It’s too much for a Victorian like me.

The summer season is just beginning, so whatever the weather has in store for August, hopefully the gossip is just beginning! Keep misbehaving folks!

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The comments and views expressed within or via the Facebook/Twitter accounts may not be those of the editorial team. No part of the Talyllyn Volunteer (including online content) may be reproduced in any form without prior permission of the Editor.

The Editor is always grateful for contributions received for publication; if you would like to contribute to a future edition, please contact the Editor using the details below:

Editor: Andrew Simner 8 Dorchester Gardens West Bridgford Nottingham NG2 7AW

Telephone: 07722156556Email: thevolunteer@talyllyn.co.uk

Cover: Becky Sharpe and Matt DawsonDesign & Graphics: Christina EllwoodProofreaders: Joshua Green, Jacinta Kal & Matthew Wear

Closing date for the next Volunteer - Friday 4th October 2013

Clipping: M. Turner