The restoration of Avro Lancaster B.VII NX611 Just Jane at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre continues to move forward at a steady pace, with recent work focusing on structural components, undercarriage assemblies, and ongoing airframe repairs. Updates republished with permission from Restoration Update 259 highlight progress across several major areas of the project, while work also continues on companion airframe NX664.
;Following the recent arrival of the Lancaster’s main spar boom extrusions from the United States, the restoration team developed a new storage solution designed to protect the components from moisture and contamination. To house the lengthy extrusions, LAHC approached local manufacturer Polypipe regarding the use of its Rigidrain drainage tubes, couplers, and end caps. In a generous gesture of support, Polypipe supplied all of the required materials free of charge, allowing the team to store the components in airtight containers fitted with silica bags.
Elsewhere in the hangar, preparations are underway for the construction of a new mezzanine level, which will provide additional storage and workspace for the engineering team. The area has recently been cleared in anticipation of the work beginning next month. The Centre has also contracted Classic Aero Machining Services of New Zealand to begin manufacturing components needed for NX611’s undercarriage overhaul as part of the aircraft’s long-term return-to-flight effort. Among the first items being produced is the “fescalised” section of the oleo assembly — the chromed lower tube of the undercarriage unit. The steel tube has already arrived at the workshop, and the specialist honing tool required for the job is now in place.
Although recent holidays and illness have temporarily slowed some activities, restoration work continues across multiple projects. The nose section of NX611 has now received nearly all of its new skin panels, with only the complex curved sections between the front turret and bomb aimer’s blister still to be fabricated. Work has also continued on the Lancaster’s port wing, where Josh has been assembling fuel tank ribs in preparation for riveting and final assembly once the spar booms return from machining. On companion airframe NX664, Jodie has continued repairs to the rear-mid fuselage, including riveting former repairs and removing damaged flooring sections for replacement inserts.
Additional work has been carried out on one of the Lancaster’s engine cowlings, where Spav completed repairs to damaged skin previously concealed beneath fiberglass filler. The cowling is now awaiting paint before being reinstalled ahead of the aircraft’s pre-season engine runs. The main wheels for NX611 have also been repainted, rebuilt, and refitted, allowing the aircraft to be lowered back onto the hangar floor after being supported on jacks. With the operating season approaching, activity around Just Jane is beginning to increase once again.
Attention has additionally turned to the Centre’s North American B-25 Mitchell project. Following removal of the wings for inspection, the attachment angles were stripped of paint to assess their condition. Corrosion was discovered on all of the fittings — an unsurprising finding given the aircraft’s age — and replacements will now be required before the aircraft can return to flight. Replacement parts are available from the United States, and quotations have already been requested.
Meanwhile, the Centre’s GoFundMe Wings Campaign has now surpassed £103,700 toward its £500,000 goal. Contributions from supporters have already helped fund part of the new spar booms, marking another important step in the ongoing restoration effort.
