It has been documented that the tail was indeed lifted by a COLES crane as you suggest.
Differing reports indicate either the use of a sling passed around the rear fuselage, or, an eyebolt fitted to the top of the fuselage somewhere between the tail fins.
A modified RAF Type B bomb trolley was used with the bomb/mine/weapon carried at 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis.
Images of the actual ‘bombing up’ process are as scarce as rocking horse manure, so I wish you luck in your quest!

I have a couple of pictures of a COMPLETE Lancaster being lifted by two cranes – the rear lift arrangement shows the fuselage eyebolt being used together with a sling around the rear fuselage. Not sure if the ‘tail only’ lift would use this arrangement. I have seen another picture where the eyebolt is used to lift the tail end of a rear fuselage section, so this may have a weight limitation on its use. PM me your email address and i’ll send you the slinging pictures.

Aforementioned A,G,D:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRUSyADlDDg

Well done – great pictures confirm exactly what CD said. I need new specs!:)

Likewise, Joey. Let’s go to Specsavers together (if we can find them):cool:

Excellent photos!:)
Thanks for posting.

A man who clearly has too much time on his hands! :p

He does ‘work’ in IT!:D

Thankfully we won’t be seeing him in ‘cattle class’!

There was an aerial company where I used to live in Blackpool with a similar slogan

Martin

I worked in a large office that contained an ‘Erection Section’ – leaving its ‘members’ as the recipients of many ribald remarks.

Their leader held the title of ‘Erections Manager’.

He received many memos that enquired whether “You could manage one for me!”:rolleyes:

Quite embarrasing for his daughter, who also worked in the main office.