The Avro Lancaster continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts worldwide, particularly the Lancaster B.VII NX611 Just Jane, which is undergoing a full restoration to airworthy condition at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre (LAHC) in East Kirkby, Lincolnshire, England. The LAHC restoration team has achieved significant milestones, and a recent update from project leader Andrew Patton provides a detailed overview of their progress.
The most recent efforts have focused on the aircraft’s structural components, with the rear fuselage now completing its primary structural work—a major milestone for the restoration. This section marks the first significant fuselage assembly produced since the 1940s. Following the completion of the main structural riveting, the rear fuselage was removed from its jig for final internal assembly. Components such as ammunition tracking for the rear turret, draft doors, and small fittings including fire axes and oxygen bottle holders will now be installed, bringing this section closer to full reintegration with the aircraft.
The rear fuselage’s removal also allows the team to prepare the jig for the rear-mid fuselage of NX664, the French Lancaster, with new structures supplied by Timmins Engineering. This transformation will extend the jig and facilitate work to return NX664 to a taxiable condition.
Work on NX611’s tailplanes has also progressed. Team members Keith, Chris, Jodie, and Josh have carefully removed skins, stringers, and ribs from the tailplane structures. Front spars were temporarily supported on the jig prior to removal, enabling detailed inspection and paint stripping of the components. While some ribs sustained damage from exposure at RAF Scampton, the majority of fittings remain reusable. New build ribs are being trimmed to match the originals, preparing them for assembly into the restored tailplanes.
The mid-upper turret cupola also required attention after damage to its Perspex. Thanks to foresight in acquiring another FN150 turret project 15 years ago, a restored cupola from that project has been temporarily installed on NX611 while the original is repaired. Progress has also been made on engine bearers and the aircraft’s flap tubes, which are being produced in a £160,000 project at Retro Track and Air. The complex assembly includes steel tubes with cast parts riveted internally and is expected to be completed by January 2026, providing airworthy flap tubes for NX611’s wings and center section.
Additionally, the B-25 project has advanced, with the cockpit interior receiving its green paint in preparation for installation of seats, controls, and other components over the coming months. The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre continues to document and share the painstaking restoration of NX611 Just Jane, ensuring that future generations can experience one of history’s most iconic bombers in flying condition.
Wings Fund Campaign Update
The Centre’s GoFundMe Wings Fund has so far raised £83,000 of the £500,000 goal. These funds have already supported the acquisition of key tooling and aluminium needed for wing reconstruction. Supporters donating more than £50 will receive a special Wings Fund badge as a token of appreciation. Contributions can be made through the official campaign page. Every milestone brings NX611 Just Jane closer to taking to the skies once more—a testament to the dedication of the restoration team and the generosity of supporters worldwide. For more information about the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, visit www.lincsaviation.co.uk
