WYTHALL WORKS
The closure of the Museum to the public for the winter has allowed a number of jobs to be done which could not be done with the public present. These have included temporarily dragging the Daimler CVD6 chassis and the SON chassis out from the sides of the Shire Hall. This is all part of the plan to clear the one side and to tidy up the other. As well as moving the chassis, several engines have been moved and rubbish removed. Several axles are to be stored on the CVD6 chassis and Bob Walker has been welding a framework so more can be fitted on.
Bob's welding skills have also been used in the Blueline stores where brackets have been made to hang the various ladders, previously stored on the floor, out of the way. Also in the Blueline, new volunteer Eddie Bond has made start on sorting out some of the spares and documenting what we have! This is a long term project but rationalising storage and making things easier to find can only be good. Still in the Blueline, Pete Murphy has managed to squeeze a few of the engines and gearboxes previously stored outside in to the building.
Another job started since closing to the public is revising the layout of the room in the Power Hall where the video film is shown. The screen in its previous position could be difficult to see when the sun shone through the door, so the screen is to be moved to the far corner. It is planned to build a further display case where the screen was, to house, amongst other things the superb Birmingham tram model recently acquired. Also expected to go in this room is a Midland Red shop window display recently refurbished by Mike Jordan. Mike has also been recently refurbishing and painting several Midland Red radiator grilles which, since the buses to which they fit no longer exist, will be mounted on the walls of the Power Hall in due course. As our showpiece hall, it is important the Power Hall is kept clean and thanks are due to Alan Shadforth who has regularly swept it out and cleaned exhibits as necessary.
Those who don't visit the Museum during the winter months won't realise just how cold and damp it gets at Wythall (or perhaps you do and that's why we don't see you!) but one of the November jobs is clearing the book stocks from the shop so they can be stored in better conditions. Malcolm Keeley and Dave Potts transferred most of the stock to the Power Hall store room where, even if not warm, the storage conditions are better. The water in the café also has to be drained.
Other miscellaneous jobs round the site have included changing and then painting doors on the Scania Hall, providing a new gutter over the door on the mess room and putting some of the detail on to 'AA' box.
Phil Ireland
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
