As most of our readers will know, Avro Lancaster B.VII NX611 Just Jane is under restoration to airworthy condition with the Lincoln Aviation Heritage Center at former RAF East Kirkby in Lincolnshire, England. The group has made magnificent progress, even during the pandemic, and we thought that our readers might like to see a recent (edited) restoration update, reproduced here with permission… By Andrew Patton
The Number 3 engine on NX611 has had a progressively worsening problem that has finally required attention. The reduction gear bearings in the redrive on the front of the engine have developed excessive play due to wear and tear. This engine is one of the originals that NX611 flew with, having not been replaced or had the crankcase removed from the aircraft. It will now receive a well-earned rest as it has been swapped with one of the spares, enabling the crankcase and reduction gears to be sent to Eye Tech Engineering for inspection and repair.
Chris has continued working on the nose of NX611, removing more skins, paint stripping, and inspecting. One of the skins removed is located forward of the bomb aimer’s hatch but aft of the blister, featuring two patch repairs that will need replacement. The two curved skins behind the front turret have been removed for inspection. These compound curves would be difficult to reproduce, but upon inspection, they appear suitable for airworthy use and will be cleaned and prepped for repainting. Chris has been methodically removing and then pinning back skins to maintain the nose’s shape. Some removed parts have been restored and painted and are ready for the final fit-out, including the angled mounts for the Rebecca aerials, which are now restored and ready for fitting. Earlier in the season, noise from NX611’s tail oleo when the grass was wet prompted the disassembly of the last spare tail oleo to obtain a serviceable spare for both airworthy and taxiing purposes. The oleo was sent to a local engineering firm for disassembly and has returned in its main component parts.
Ade and Andy have made progress on restoring the FN5 front turret for NX611. The cupola structure has been completely disassembled, paint stripped, cleaned, primed, and reassembled. Two parts of the cupola that create the shroud on either side of the starboard gun need reproduction due to corrosion and damage. The structure will be sent to a company to produce the molds and Perspex, ready for final fitting once the rest of the turret is reassembled. It was discovered that the three main rings for NX611’s FN5 turret were too corroded for flight use. Fortunately, a turret purchased from Canada provided donor rings for NX611’s turret.
Jacob has completed work on the static wing tip as part of his apprenticeship training and is now set to move on to NX611’s port wing restoration alongside Keith. Jacob will receive thorough training over the next few months. This month, Gavin, the local blacksmith, visited and worked on the jig with John. The jig was prepared for the wing to be lifted into position, requiring the use of two forklifts borrowed from AE Lenton’s. After the wing was lifted into the jig, it had to be suspended and metal box sections placed underneath each wing rib to support the wing’s weight. Gavin then welded these box sections to the jig to ensure it bore the weight through the wing ribs, preventing any sagging in the spars during the wing’s construction in the jig. John began fixing ‘rib 5’ to the end of the jig, a task involving drilling and bolting angle iron to both rib 5 and the jig’s vertical legs. The inboard end of the jig was adapted to take the weight of the spars on top arms, and bolted through to prevent movement, requiring the wing to be in position for proper alignment.
Dave and Norm have been progressing on the rear fuselage of NX611. The cleats are nearly complete, and the finger brackets for the stringers are riveted in place. Norm is nearing the end of his work on the stringers, and the team will soon move on to riveting around the strengthened fuselage formers fore and aft of the tailplane. Phil has advanced the door framework to the point of producing fish plates, with the doorway structure potentially ready for riveting next month.
The GoFundMe wings campaign has reached over £65,740 of the £500,000 required. Thanks to everyone’s contributions, the funds have helped pay for the jigs and aluminum. Donations over £50 receive a special Wings Fund badge.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
I visited and boarded this aircraft back in the 70s when it was homed at Squires Gate airport Blackpool. My abiding memory was the cramped conditions on such a large aircraft and to find a toilet is installed. Hope to see her fling one day. If you do a tour when she flies remember her old home here in our seaside resort for a visit. Warmest regards and good luck Ray L.
Without that revenue coming in, that this Lancaster brings to the museum, the aviation history museum would close.
There’s also a mossie and B25 B25 may receive the same treatment eventually you never know. Yes not as famous but still a pull. I’m sure they are considering this at the museum.
Without that revenue coming in, that this Lancaster brings to the museum, the aviation history museum would close. So therefore it will never fly
Thank you for your negativity. If you have nothing positive to say about the efforts of the hard working enthusiasts at East Kirkby, perhaps you would do better to keep quiet.
Have worked on the Lanc in Canada I know the hard work that is needed to get the it in the air . Good on ya and good luck with rest of your journey.
I had the honour of a taxi run in Just Jane last year, because of stories told by a relative who served as ground crew during WW2 my trip was as rear gunner.
Thanks and God bless to all the brave service personnel who served.
Only one comment the word Centre was spelt wrong – ie Center not Centre.
Look at the Oxford English Dictionary.
Centre is correct.
My late Mother-in-law used to work on/in the fuel tanks at the Avro factory near Yeadon at the back end of the now Leeds and Bradford International Airport.
Her Maiden name was Christine Scott.
I took my dad to see her last month as a birthday treat. He was one of the last to service Lancasters in RAF in 1956 when they were used for coastal command navigation training school. A fantastic day out, and the sound of the four engines revving close up will stay forever. We’ll done to all participating in her full restoration.
Thanks for sharing such helpful insights! I’ve bookmarked your blog and look forward to visiting again for more great tips.
Thank You for sharing such helpful insights! I’ve bookmarked your blog and look forward to visiting again for more great tips.
I first boarded Just Jane at the Biggin Hill air display in May 1965 with my Dad Bill Ford – ex 97 squadron ground crew.Great to experience a taxi run in July a present from my wife Ann and children. Keep up the good work
Fantastic,We have a lanc at motat in Auckland,not flying but wonderful to go and visit.A huge thanks to all who work and support the restoration.Regards,Brian Hutchinson
I remember my father and I being given a tour of the inside of her by Jock Maitland at Biggin Hill back in the 60s. Jock and my father were good friends and my father was a member of the 600 club syndicate that operated a Chipmunk at Biggin. The Chippy was looked after by Cobby for those that remember him.
I cannot praise the efforts to put this fantastic machine back in the air enough. She will be a treasure to the nation for many years to come.
I have memories of NX611 (G-SSSX) when it arrived at Biggin Hill. Later I saw the Lanc when parked in Lavenham.
I have all hope to see it take to the air again.
I first saw NX611 (G-SSSX) on its arrival at the Biggen Hill Air Show .
I next saw it at Lavenham and had a good close up look. A grand sight.
I look so forward to it getting airborne again. Keep up the good work.
Good luck.