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.
Avro Lancaster B.VII NX611 Just Jane is undergoing restoration to airworthy condition with the Lincoln Aviation Heritage Center at the former RAF East Kirkby in Lincolnshire, England. The team has made remarkable progress, even during the challenges of the pandemic. As the project enters another winter servicing period, the next phase of NX611’s restoration is underway.
During the first week of this phase, the restoration team began by removing engine cowlings and thoroughly cleaning the engines. This cleaning is essential to inspect the engines during their final runs and identify any potential oil leaks. On Wednesday, team members Brad and Sticky successfully ran the aircraft, marking the conclusion of another productive season.
The primary focus this week has been on the port wing. The team removed the leading edge and front spar assembly from the wing and placed it onto specially designed trolleys. These trolleys provide mobility, create workspaces underneath and around the assembly, and double as workbenches when not in use. The removal process involved using a teleporter and forklift in tandem to lift and reposition the assembly, which extended between rib 5 and rib 22. Supported by trestle beams, the assembly was secured with two large bolts and a row of rivets. The removal required simultaneous lifting and inboard movement to clear attachment points. As the assembly was lifted, it naturally separated from rib 22 as the bolts withdrew.
With the front spar assembly now secured on its trolleys, Keith will begin disassembly, removing ribs and stringers. Initial inspections reveal that the leading edge has sustained more damage than other parts of the wing, likely due to exposure to exhaust contaminants. Meanwhile, John and Jacob will focus on removing rib 5 from the wing jig, continuing with the disassembly of the rear spar and stripping the wing ribs for final inspection. The team expects to transition soon from disassembly to repairs and corrective actions on the wing components, marking progress into the second stage of the wing restoration. Next week, the restoration is set to advance further with work on the wing ribs, rear spar, and rear fuselage skins of NX611.
Additionally, the project will soon place an order for new wing spar booms, an expense expected to exceed six figures. To help cover these costs, the team is continuing its fundraising efforts through the “Wings Fund” on GoFundMe. Contributions directly support the expenses for the wing restoration. The Gofundme Wings Campaign has raised over £66,615 of the £500,000 goal! Thanks to everyone who has contributed, as your support has helped fund the jigs and aluminum. If you’d like to donate to the Wings Fund and receive a special Wings Fund badge, please click HERE (badges are sent for donations over £50).
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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.
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