"Just Jane" was built by Austin
Motors at Longbridge near Birmingham, in April 1945 and given
the serial number NX611, she was destined as part of the RAF's
Tiger Force in the Far East. However, Japan's early surrender
meant these aircraft were suddenly surplus to requirements
and, instead of seeing service, NX611 ended up in storage at
Llandow. There she stayed until 1952. From then on, a
chequered career followed including time in a maritime patrol
role in France.
Eventually, Fred and Harold Panton had decided to purchase a
Second World War Bomber to commemorate their brother,
Christopher, who was killed in action for Bomber Command
during the 2nd world war.
The first
moves towards restoring one of her four engines were made in
1993. Two ex RAF engineers were brought in to do the job. They
began work on No3 engine. Although it had been idle for 22
years, they were confident they could bring it back to life.
After about seven hundred man hours and at a cost of £7000 the
engine was finally ready. This work was then completed for all
four engines and they now at a fully operational taxiing
standard.
There are
now plans to slowly return the bomber to flight, although work
can only take place during the off-season when the Lancaster
is not required to perform for the public at East Kirkby. This
image was taken on an evening photography session, where the
aircraft performs regular taxi runs. This is the only place in
the World where a Lancaster Bomber can be seen on an original
bomber command airfield. Please see
https://www.lincsaviation.co.uk/ for details. |
