Tag: Avro Lancaster

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Groundbreaking Ceremony Held For Full-Scale Avro Lancaster Monument [Video]

Earlier today a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a full-scale Avro Lancaster monument that will be placed at Brills Farm adjacent to the A46 on the Lincolnshire / Nottinghamshire border.

As previously reported, the 98-foot-tall steel monument, dubbed “On Freedom’s Wings,” was unanimously approved by the North Kesteven District Council last month. The installation will consist of a steel frame mounted on a slim steel support structure to give the impression of flight, and will depict Lancaster R5689 (pictured above) heading home toward the former RAF base at Swinderby Airfield. It is intended “to remind visitors of Lincolnshire’s inextricable link to the RAF and to act as a catalyst for people to visit the many attractions in the county.”

Today’s event was reportedly attended by WW2 Bomber Command veterans, including Dambuster George “Johnny” Johnson, who assisted in the process. Click below to check out video of the groundbreaking as well as photos of a scale model depicting the monument’s proposed design.

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New Photos Provide Detailed Look at HK Models’ Upcoming 1/32 Avro Lancaster

After the release of an initial series of tooling photos last week, Merit International, LLC has provided a new series of images showing details of Hong Kong Models’ upcoming 1/32 Avro Lancaster model kit.

The new images reportedly show the model at the Shizuoka Hobby Show and reveal detail of the fuselage interior and nose turret. Although the company states that it’s “getting closer,” further refinements are still on the way.

When complete, the model will reportedly represent the Mk 1 and include markings for R5868 “S-Sugar” of 467 Squadron RAAF, which became the first bomber to complete 100 missions.

Click below to check out some of the new images.

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Hong Kong Models Reveals Tooling Samples for Upcoming 1/32 Avro Lancaster

Hong Kong Models has released photos of the tooling samples for their highly anticipated 1/32 Avro Lancaster.

As the Lancaster has “a very complicated shape” and “tons of exterior and internal detail,” the project has been underway for some time and seen continual CAD modifications. The tooling design and fabrication is also said to be extremely complicated, although the results are now beginning to emerge.

The company states that surface details have not yet been added, as the tooling process will continue until June or July. When complete, the model will reportedly represent the Mk 1 and include markings for R5868 “S-Sugar” of 467 Squadron RAAF, which became the first bomber to complete 100 missions.

Click below to check out additional images.

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BBMF Announces Lancaster Tour to Commemorate Dambusters Anniversary

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) has announced that it will take its Avro Lancaster aloft for a commemorative tour to mark 75th anniversary of the Dambusters raid and the 100th anniversary of the RAF.

The event, currently scheduled for May 16, will reportedly see Lancaster PA474 fly over the Dambusters’ original base at RAF Scampton before proceeding down the Derwent Valley to the Rolls Royce Factory at Derby and finally Eyebrook Reservoir. The aircraft will reportedly perform two passes of the valley over the Derwent Dam starting at 12:05pm.

Known as “Operation Chastise,” the Dambusters raid saw 19 Lancasters of 617 Squadron attack a number of German dams, resulting in severe flooding that destroyed or damaged power stations, factories and mines. The dams of the Derwent Valley and Eyebrook Reservoir were among the practice sites used in preparation for the raid.

The routes that will be used to witness the flight are expected to be congested and information has been released here and here to aid those wishing to attend.

(via BBMF Photo: Mark Harkin via Wikimedia Commons)

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Full-Scale Avro Lancaster Monument Receives Unanimous Approval, Groundbreaking Scheduled

Yesterday, the North Kesteven District Council unanimously approved the planning application for the installation of a full-scale Avro Lancaster monument at Brills Farm adjacent to the A46 on the Lincolnshire / Nottinghamshire border.

The 98-foot-tall steel monument “is intended to remind visitors of Lincolnshire’s inextricable link to the RAF and to act as a catalyst for people to visit the many attractions in the county.” It will be built on high ground in order to depict Lancaster R5689 (pictured above) in flight, heading home toward the former RAF base at Swinderby Airfield.

The Bomber County Gateway Trust reports that WW2 Bomber Command veterans, including Dambuster George “Johnny” Johnson, will break ground at the site during a special ceremony on May 15. When complete, its proposed name will be “On Freedom’s Wings”.

Click below to check out a proposed design for the structure.

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Proposed Full-Scale Avro Lancaster Monument Recommended for Approval

The Bomber County Gateway Trust’s effort to erect a monument to Bomber Command in Lincolnshire featuring a full-scale representation of the Avro Lancaster is closer to becoming a reality after North Kesteven District Council’s Planning Sub-Committee reportedly received a recommendation to approve proposals for the project.

As previously reported, the monument would represent R5689 (pictured above), which is believed to be the most photographed Lancaster of the war, likely because it was used in literature to train pilots to identify the type. R5689 served with 50 Squadron RAF and crash landed at Thurlby Top Wood while limping home to RAF Swinderby after a mission on September 18, 1942 – an incident that claimed the life of RCAF crew member Sgt. J.R. Gibbons. Continue reading Proposed Full-Scale Avro Lancaster Monument Recommended for Approval

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Lancaster FM104’s Future Could Be Determined By Friday Meeting [Video]

The future of Avro Lancaster FM104 could be determined by a meeting held today.

The bomber was built by Victory Aircraft of Malton, Ontario in 1944 and installed along Toronto’s waterfront following its retirement from the RCAF in 1964. In 1999, it was moved to a museum in Downsview Park, where a restoration effort began. However, it was relocated once again when the museum closed in 2011 and has since been stored at the Edenvale Aerodrome west of Barrie. The aircraft is now said to be in need of extensive restoration.

The future of FM104 has become the focus of significant debate. The city of Toronto is said to lacks the funds, resources and space to properly maintain and display the machine and would like to donate it to the British Columbia Aviation Museum near Victoria, as it is said to be well equipped for its long-term care. However, the group FM104EVER is against the proposal, viewing the Lancaster as an important part of the local community. The team is working to keep the aircraft in the city and has reportedly assembled a team of experts to restore the aircraft while also identifying potential sites for display.

The city’s Economic Development Committee met today to consider the proposals. Click below to watch.

Continue reading Lancaster FM104’s Future Could Be Determined By Friday Meeting [Video]

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Aeroplane Heaven Releases First Trailer For Upcoming FSX, P3D Avro Lancaster [Video]

Flight simulation developer Aeroplane Heaven has released the first trailer for their upcoming Avro Lancaster B Mk 1 for FSX, FSX Steam and P3D V3 and V4.

As previously reported, the new Lancaster is touted as incorporating their latest tech and techniques to “bring you what will be your chance to experience just what it was like to fly and crew this legendary machine in the skies of the latest simulators.” Its exterior will reportedly boast “a massive amount of authentic detail” along with many unique animations and a highly detailed virtual cockpit that will include the front turret and bomber’s compartment, engineer and nav station and radio operator’s positions.

The video shows a beta test flight in the aircraft, including startup procedures, gun tests, and a bombing run, while showcasing the model’s many features and exquisite attention to detail. Click below to check it out.

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Hefty Tax Bill Could Lead to Destruction of Restored Avro Lancaster Nose Section

A painstakingly restored Avro Lancaster cockpit section is in danger of being scrapped due to a hefty inheritance tax.

The aircraft was relegated to a field in Lincolnshire following WW2, where its remains were discovered by Jeremy Hall in the 1970s. He spent 20 years restoring the nose section and it has since been widely exhibited for educational purposes and as a tribute to Bomber Command.

However, Hall’s descendants are reportedly facing an unaffordable tax bill of roughly $60,000 on the machine – a prospect that could result in it being destroyed upon or before his passing.

The cockpit recently arrived at Royal Albert Hall to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the day the green light was given for Operation Chastise. Conducted in May 1943, 19 Lancasters of 617 Squadron attacked a number of German dams, resulting in severe flooding that destroyed or damaged power stations, factories and mines.

Click below to learn more about the display.

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Aeroplane Heaven Releases First Screenshots of Upcoming Avro Lancaster for FSX, P3D

Flight simulation developer Aeroplane Heaven has released the first “in development” screenshots of their updated Avro Lancaster for FSX, FSX S/E and P3DV3+.

As previously reported, Aeroplane Heaven’s new Lancaster is touted as incorporating their latest tech and techniques to “bring you what will be your chance to experience just what it was like to fly and crew this legendary machine in the skies of the latest simulators.” Its exterior will reportedly boast “a massive amount of authentic detail” along with many unique animations and a highly detailed virtual cockpit that will include the front turret and bomber’s compartment, engineer and nav station and radio operator’s positions.

The newly released images show “the front offices” and “a flying exterior with all detail done except for a few bits and bobs. Also a new technique for achieving the pillowing on the metal panels.” Click below to see more.

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