Just to clarify, the parachute packs that you’ve seen adorning the inside PA474 are fake. They are blocks of foam packaged to look like the real deal. The crew and ground crew have NO parachutes, and it is highly unlikely that the aircraft would ever be put in a position where one would need to abandon her.
I also remembered that the toilet is fitted but not serviced or used, similarly the flare chute is functional, and has been used to scatter ashes of at least one veteran.
The hatches are removed to keep the air flowing in the rear fuselage and the groundcrew cool, it also has draws warm air, in the forward end of the aircraft, aft, keeping the aircrew cool. Please try to remember the crews are giving up their time to operate the aircraft at shows and don’t begrudge them some comfort in their task. Most have seen active duty in the defence of our nation after all….
Oh, and Bluebird Mike is correct, she was manufactured with ‘Lincoln’ fins. If you want her to to look more correct, please fund the manufacture of a proper Lancaster tailwheel and tyres….
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