We have a similar problem in our public building - as we have to move vehicles,
artillery, aircraft, etc., to and from our three floors above ground level. We
can't afford a large freight elevator, nor could we dedicate the considerable
space one would require. Our solution is to have very large loading doors on
each level, vertically aligned, at the rear of the building. Each level is
equipped with a heavy capacity electric winch which can lift most objects up to
the desired level; the winch can then move the object back along an I-beam into
the gallery. Where the object is beyond the capacity of the winch or is of such
a size and shape that handling is tricky (as in the case of a Kiowa helicopter
we recently moved onto our top floor), we place it on a platform and use a
crane to lift it.

It's not fancy, but it works. We have decided to maintain the system when the
building addition, for which we are now raising funds, is built.

Harry Needham
Canadian War Museum