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The MDU (Mobile Display Unit) is sponsored by Sainsbury Active Kids and is currently being transported around the country by Eddie Stobart Ltd. It is a big, eye catching 15 metre resource centre on wheels, which can travel from one end of the country to the other. It is a self-contained unit and comes fully equipped with display material and promotional leaflets. It is designed to promote Scouting to non-Members and is a good way to attract interest to the Movement.

Click here for a diagram of how the unit looks

• Identify where in your locality you could use the MDU e.g. regional shopping venues, county shows etc. Your County/District/Area will be responsible for negotiating with local venues for the use of pitch and associated costs to help run the MDU while it is at the site.

• Complete the bid form, which is available from the Information Centre, indicating the dates and location where you would like the MDU by the beginning of January. The bid form is no longer available as a download from our website. All bookings will be confirmed four months prior to the event.

• The fee for the MDU is £250. This fee includes:-

  • The unit being delivered and collected from you by the haulage company.

  • Training day for 2 people at Gilwell Park to familiarise them in the set-up & break down of the unit and to make full use of the MDU. These normally take place in January/June from 10.00-16.00 hrs.

  • Promotional material (extra material can be purchased at cost)

If you want more information on the use and operation of the Mobile Display Unit please contact the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818 or send an e-mail to info.centre@scout.org.uk

What criteria will be used to select to which events the MDU will attend?

The decision on which event/location the MDU will attend is not based on who submits their bid form first. It is based on a combination of the following factors:

• The number of people attending the event. The greater the capacity to promote Scouting the more appeal the bid will have.
• Preference will be given to those events who have not booked the MDU before. This stops the unit going to the same large events each year and spreads the resource around the UK

Is there a manual to help set up the MDU?

There is a manual on the MDU which gives full information about the operation of the MDU. This can be downloaded prior to receiving the MDU.

How easy is it to set up the MDU?

It takes approximately 2 people 90 minutes to set up the MDU. Many operations on the unit are operated hydraulically to make life as easy as possible. Due to Health and Safety issues it is essential that you attend the training day at Gilwell Park for the operation of the MDU.

Will the Driver who delivers the MDU help us set it up?

The driver of the MDU will only deliver the unit. Only those who have attended the relevant training can set up the MDU. Once the MDU is in location the tractor unit will depart.

Can we get any help in setting-up the MDU even though we have attended the training course?

We do now offer support from HQ at your venue/event on set-up, please contact the Information Centre on 0845 3001818 for further details.

How big is the MDU when fully deployed?

The combined tractor/unit measure approximately 17 metres long, 3 metres wide and 3.9 metres high when set up ready to travel on the road. When deployed the unit measures approximately 15 metres long, 6 metres wide and 4 metres high. The bouldering wall on the back of the unit is 5 metres wide when fully extended (please ensure that you allow sufficient space at the rear of the unit for the back doors to be opened fully). The unit comes with two 5 metre flagpoles; at each end. You may need to book additional space around the unit to erect tents/games and for crowds to form around the bouldering wall.

What is the turning circle of the MDU?

The turning circle of the MDU is about 25 metres.

Do we need power/electricity to power the MDU?

The unit has an internal power unit for independent operation. It can also take an external feed if you have arranged this with the site venue.

The MDU has a power cable that is 25 metre long and 63 amps to attach to the electricity mains. The total electrical load without any additional external appliances connected is 20 amps.

Does the unit need fuel and how much does the generator hold?

The fuel tank supplying the generator will be full on arrival. You will need to refill the fuel tank during your use and you will be responsible for this and any associated fuel costs (not applicable if you are using a mains feed). The fuel tank must be FULL when the unit departs from your site.

The generator tank holds about 94 litres of unleaded fuel. On a full tank it will be able to run for 48 hours without refuelling, which is likely to be 3 to 5 days display. For Health and Safety reason fuel cannot be stored on the MDU. No fuel containers will be provided to ensure that fuel is not put on board but we do supply a large funnel for you to refuel the unit.

Is there any extra equipment supplied with the MDU?

The unit comes with two giant Jenga towers and Giant Connect.

Is there space to display local material?

Yes, you can produce your own powerpoint presentation that contains local information and can be screened via the audio visual equipment on the MDU.

Are there any Catering Facilities?

The unit has a small kitchen area that allows those operating to make drinks. You will need to supply your own tea/coffee and kettle. The unit has no onboard toilet facilities.

How should we leave the Unit overnight?

The unit should must be secured at the end of each day by closing and locking the display area. The venue must have overnight site security supplied either by the venue, or where there is no venue security by scouting personnel.

What happens when we finish with the MDU?

At the time agreed on your booking form the haulage company will collect the MDU. The Unit should be ready to take to the road with all doors and equipment secure. The unit should be CLEANED internally for the next user. Cleaning equipment, such as mops, buckets and broom are provided.

The MDU was built for us by Vipex Ltd. This company is a world leader in the construction of mobile display units. They took a standard low frame trailer unit donated to us by Exel Ltd and converted it to our specifications.