POWER PROVIDES PROTECTION
All BaMMOT vehicles undercover once the Power Hall is complete.
The Heritage Lottery Fund application was intended to get all the Trust's bus collection under cover. We promised ourselves, however, two improvements upon the opening of the Power Hall. Firstly, the workshop area would be eased by two buses to increase working space. Secondly, one line of buses (except in the back row) in the Scania Hall would be removed to ensure wheelchair access and improved circulation throughout. Theoretically this worsens the situation by three buses (only two in the summer due to Kevin's painting space) but, by introducing 36 footers to the side row, you get the equivalent of more than one bus back again.
As principal funder of the Power Hall, the HLF influenced its content. The HLF continually pressed for the amount of circulating space to be increased - this was always strongly resisted but a little compromise was necessary. The HLF was interested in increasing variety so two battery-electric vehicles are to be contained in The Power Hall.
We have now calculated the effects of the opening of the Power Hall on the vehicle collections whilst meeting all the above aspirations. Happily we can confirm all the Trust's own bus stock will go under cover. Two battery-electric vehicles can come inside to replace the two going into the Power Hall while space for a third is made available by demolition of the redundant lobby to the Scania Hall. Two service vehicles will definitely have to remain outside, unfortunately. It is likely that a third will have to do so too as perfect use of space is often not achieved due to the differing length of buses requiring maintenance.
It may be possible in the closed (winter) season to squeeze exhibits up and allow extra vehicles into the Power Hall and the Scania Hall. Nevertheless, accommodation remains an absorbing challenge with service and battery-electric exhibits still outside, and owners wishing their buses could become part of the inside displays - not least anything that might be offered to the Trust.
Malcolm Keeley
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
