The Avro Lancaster B.VII NX611, widely known as “Just Jane,” continues its steady progress toward airworthy restoration at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre (LAHC) in East Kirkby. Under the leadership of project manager Andrew Patton, the restoration team has released its 250th official update, which has been republished with permission. Alongside aircraft restoration work, the Centre has recently completed the move into its newly refurbished NAAFI and shop, a major undertaking described by the team as second only in scale to the Lancaster restoration itself. The NAAFI is open to the public free of charge, allowing visitors to use the café and shop without purchasing an admission ticket. The space also features historical displays and hosts a variety of events, with proceeds supporting the preservation of the original building and the ongoing aircraft restoration programme.
Following the conclusion of the flying season, NX611 was removed from the hangar with its engine cowlings removed to conduct post-season engine runs. These runs are carried out to identify any fluid leaks that may have developed during operations and to record engine temperature and pressure readings. To facilitate inspection, the engines are thoroughly cleaned to remove residual fluids from the crankcases and components, making leaks easier to detect. Once testing is complete, the aircraft is returned to the hangar to begin its winter servicing programme.
Winter maintenance begins with detailed inspections of the engines and propellers, which can generate a list of defects requiring rectification in addition to scheduled servicing tasks. One issue identified this winter involves worn Metalastic bushes associated with the coolant and oil coolers. These components now require replacement, and the team is currently seeking manufacturers capable of producing the necessary bushes and housings.
Significant progress is also being made on the airframe. Work on NX611’s rear fuselage, currently mounted on a trolley, is being led by Norm and awaits the installation of several internal components, the rear turret wind deflector, and exterior paint. Attention is currently focused on the refurbishment of the wind deflector, which was removed in 2019. Inspection revealed that most of the ribs can be reused following cleaning and corrosion treatment, while the skins will be replaced due to corrosion, damaged rivet holes, and potential misalignment with the newly skinned fuselage. A thin-walled tubular stiffener at the aft end of the deflector, heavily perforated by rivet holes, will be reproduced by Revival Motorsport. The wind deflector fitted to NX611 is aluminium, unlike the fabric-covered wooden deflectors used on earlier Lancasters and the Canadian-built Mk.10, a change believed to have been driven by the Mk.VII’s intended operations in the humid Far East.
Work continues on the rear-mid fuselage of Lancaster NX664, which was transported from France to be restored to taxying condition. Once completed, this section will be temporarily fitted to NX611, allowing NX611’s original fuselage section to be removed and restored to airworthy standard. NX664’s fuselage section has required extensive repair, particularly to damaged rear formers. The H2S radar mounting ring was found to be beyond use and will be replaced with new formers to close the opening. This approach preserves the correct external appearance while allowing interior components to be fitted for display purposes, even though a functional scanner cannot be installed without re-cutting the aperture.
Corrosion and damage to the aft intercostals in NX664’s rear-mid fuselage have necessitated extensive replacement. Salvageable components have been cleaned, treated, repaired, and painted. This work has been led by Jodie, who is nearing completion, while she and Dave have been collaborating on pinning and riveting the floor structure. With this phase nearing completion, attention will soon shift to the aft skins and forward structure, marking the beginning of work on the bomb bay floor and ceiling.
Phil has been focusing on the bomb bay bulkhead, which had been modified and damaged over time. The bulkhead has been removed and dismantled in preparation for the manufacture of a new skin, restoring it to standard Mk.VII configuration. Tailplane restoration is progressing under the direction of Keith and Dennis, who have been preparing ribs for the arrival of new spars from the United States. New rib webs have been manufactured using formers produced by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, with original fittings and strengtheners reused where possible. Replacement has been necessary due to damage caused by blind rivets during the original construction. The aim is to complete the tailplane assemblies in advance so that final construction can proceed quickly once the new spars are machined.
Production of extrusions and spar booms in the United States has now been completed and is awaiting shipment. At a cost of approximately $220,000, these are among the most expensive components of the entire restoration. A GoFundMe campaign remains active to help offset the cost and maintain project momentum. Meanwhile, new flap actuating rods being produced by Retro Track and Air are approximately 50 percent complete and are expected to be delivered by the end of February, with £80,000 remaining to be paid prior to delivery.
Progress continues at the nose of NX611, where Chris has completed the final former and begun manufacturing and fitting new cleats that attach the formers to the stringers. Once these are in place, replacement of the remaining stringers will begin. The complex geometry of the Lancaster’s nose, with its multiple curves and tapers, has presented particular challenges.
The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre has also announced dates for public engagement events, including a Winter Restoration Tour scheduled for 17 January 2026 (Tickets available HERE), followed by a restoration progress talk on 31 January 2026 (Tickets available HERE). Finally, the Centre reports that its Wings Fund GoFundMe campaign has now raised more than £89,860 toward a £500,000 target, directly supporting the manufacture of the Lancaster’s spar booms. Contributions of £50 or more are eligible to receive a commemorative Wings Fund badge, with all donations helping to advance the long-term goal of returning NX611 to the skies. For more information about the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, visit www.lincsaviation.co.uk
