Following its long-awaited refurbishment, iconic 1948 AEC Regal III Bus 80 is now on display undercover for the first time in its 72-year life at the Queensland Transport Museum at Gatton. Its restoration was made possible by a $19,000 Queensland Government Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant, combined with the generosity of Coachworks at Acacia Ridge who performed the works.
On Sunday 12 July 2020, Bus 80 was relocated by Barnes Auto Co to Gatton where it stayed overnight in the Gatton Bus Service depot, courtesy of owner Jim Hill. It was then driven by club members the following day to the Queensland Transport Museum where it will remain until at least July 2021.
“Having one of our heritage bus fleet on public display for the first time is an important milestone for our organisation, as we are actively working to establish our own museum in Brisbane, which will be known as the Brisbane Transport Museum,” said QOCS President Nick Wilson.
“We currently have our eye on a World War II aircraft hangar at Eagle Farm, known as Hangar 7, which is owned by the Brisbane City Council and currently undergoing refurbishment for use as a museum. We believe this is the ideal location to establish a transport museum, as it is a large undercover area with vast historical significance to Brisbane,” he said.
Aside from the Brisbane Tramway Museum at Ferny Grove, there is currently no dedicated transport museum in Brisbane to celebrate and recognise the Brisbane City Council’s 95-year involvement with the city’s transportation needs, Wilson explains.
QOCS is seeking to fill this void and is hoping that Council’s Hangar 7 premises will eventually be home to the Brisbane Transport Museum.
Where can you see Bus 80?
The Queensland Transport Museum is open 7 days a week between 9.00am and 4.00pm and is located at 34 Lake Apex Drive, Gatton.
Admission costs are $8.00 for Adults, $6.00 for Concession holders, and $3.00 for Children aged 6 to 15 years.