BBMF Lancaster is it starting to show its age?

And has it always been there? Like I said before, it’s the first time I’ve noticed it!

Yes, its a bung. Taken out each winter as part of our servicing. Nowt to do with poppy drops.

And has it always been there? Like I said before, it’s the first time I’ve noticed it!

Its the mount for the dorsal turret and H2S.

Maybe used for the Poppy Drop when in Remembrance mode ?

…dont think so, IIRC they use the bomb bays lined with wire mesh.
I’d be suprised if they did such a big change to the airframe, even for the poppy drops…..

Maybe used for the Poppy Drop when in Remembrance mode ?

What’s this on the belly? ( see attached ) Blanking plate over radome location? In 40 years of seeing the Lanc, it’s the first time I’ve noticed it.

Steve

Yes, you can see the part on the photo (which is indeed superb) if you look closely, none of the aforementioned items though.
It’s our own little contribution to PA474, and we always make sure it’s kept clear when we are around her……… not glass/perspex……………

There’s a jet engine inside?:eek::p

Yes, you can see the part on the photo (which is indeed superb) if you look closely, none of the aforementioned items though.
It’s our own little contribution to PA474, and we always make sure it’s kept clear when we are around her……… not glass/perspex……………

She has an easy to recognise (external) part that was actually taken off one of our JP’s, anyone with inside information know what it is?

Paul
XS186 CREW

Oh come on Paul, give us a clue ? does this part show on my earlier photo ?

John Cooper. Thank you for your nice comment on my photo, that is her landing at Norwich following her display at Lowestoft.

Keith.

She has an easy to recognise (external) part that was actually taken off one of our JP’s, anyone with inside information know what it is?

Paul
XS186 CREW

My guess would be the rotating beacon…..

Keith N

That is a cracking photo, I was there today too, regarding the question her showing her age she looked and sounded perfect and whilst the Fighter Duo were ‘strutting ther stuff’ the Lanc was flying over a builtup area [Lowestoft/Oulton Broad] and not the sea, so someone has confidence in her airworthyness.

She is a little younger than me and better looking! :p

She has an easy to recognise (external) part that was actually taken off one of our JP’s, anyone with inside information know what it is?

Paul
XS186 CREW

Aerial?

Cheers but it doesn’t take me 30mins to get off the Lanc!!
Yes PS915 had a brake problem but I was already off the Lanc, and as it was then confirmed that PS had a big air leak so 2 of us stayed behind as the Spit pilot jumped on the Lanc and they went home. I later confirmed it was a brake bag change, which after a drive back to Coningsby to fetch spares we finished yesterday afternoon. PS is now OK and will return to home tomorrow via Cottesmore.
Stormin’

Ah sorry mate, I heard your name mentioned on the radio (something about listening to the brakes) then I saw a (ahem) not entirely athletic looking chap get out of the Lanc. I put two and two together.
I Didnt realise you were already on the case. I presume it was your batman with your Smoking Jacket just in case you made the survivors dinner 😀

A thing of beauty and makes you proud to be british.

Enough said i think.

curlyboy

She has an easy to recognise (external) part that was actually taken off one of our JP’s, anyone with inside information know what it is?

Paul
XS186 CREW

We had her stripped back to bare metal and split in half at Coventry – certainly better than the majority of airliners I’ve seen. We removed some minor surface corrosion at the back of the bomb doors where there had been a steel exhaust plate fitted during its test days. Aside from that, almost everything has been NDT’d in the last few years. New undercarriage legs (overhauled), engine mounts and subframes stripped and NDT’d.

I would say that with the exception of a few minor fixtures and fittings, PA474 is positively immaculate. I would GUESS that the unservicability issues this year are no worse than what has befel Sally B or any other warbird over time. Mechanical items do go wrong and sometimes what seems to be the logical ‘fix’ at the time does not cure any underlying problems. Its had a bad year. Unlucky.

I challenge you to find a boeing 737-200 (half the Lancs age) in as good condition….

Well she looked and sounded fine 3 hours ago as she returned to Norwich from Lowestoft airshow, she has less wrinkles than me ! although she is possibly younger ??

Keith.

It didnt have a problem with brakes at Fairford on Monday, the PR Spitfire did. Stormin was on the Lanc and they had to get him off to tend to the Spit, hence the delay.

Cheers but it doesn’t take me 30mins to get off the Lanc!!
Yes PS915 had a brake problem but I was already off the Lanc, and as it was then confirmed that PS had a big air leak so 2 of us stayed behind as the Spit pilot jumped on the Lanc and they went home. I later confirmed it was a brake bag change, which after a drive back to Coningsby to fetch spares we finished yesterday afternoon. PS is now OK and will return to home tomorrow via Cottesmore.
Stormin’

🙂 thanks for the clarification Manonthefence

Lancman no insult was intended….hope shes out to get me now, i could get some awsome pics:D

‘Showing it’s age’ indeed! That’s almost insulting!