mark_pilkingtonDETAILS OF LINCOLN SERVICE IN THE RAAF
As per the RAAF Museum website entry:A73 – GAF Lincoln
The Avro Lincoln was a long-range, high altitude version of the successful Avro Lancaster four-engined bomber. The first RAF Lincoln BI flew on June 9, 1944, and operational squadrons were preparing to join Tiger force in the war against Japan, when V-J Day was declared. Although the Lincoln did not take part in World War II, one Lincoln (RF345) was shot down by Russian MIG-15 jet fighters while on a training flight near East Germany in 1957. RAF Lincolns also operated against the terrorists in Malaya and the Mau-Mau in Kenya. Lincolns were phased out of service in the late 1950s, and were the last piston-engined bombers of the RAF.
In 1943 plans were under way in Australia for the Beaufort Division of DAP to build the Lancaster Mk III. On May 11 1943, Lancaster “Q” for “Queenie” (A66-1, ex ED930) arrived in Australia as a pattern aircraft but, in the event, the Lancaster Mk IV (or GAF Lincoln B Mk 30 as it became known) was built because of the long-range requirements in the Pacific area. Orders were placed for 85 Lincolns, but only 73 were built. The first five Lincolns, A73-1/5, were constructed from British supplied components and A73-1 made its first flight on March 17 1946. The first Australian built Lincoln, A73-6 was delivered in November 1946. The Lincolns were phased into No 82 Bomber Wing at RAAF Amberley to replace the Liberators of Nos 12, 21 and 23 Sqns. In February 1948, these units were renumbered Nos 1, 2 and 6 Sqns. respectively, and a fourth Lincoln squadron came into being when No 10 Sqn re-formed on March 17 1949 at RAAF Townsville as a general reconnaissance element. The Lincoln B30 originally had four Merlin 85 engines, but was later equipped with a combination of two Merlin 66s in the outboard positions and two inboard Merlin 85s. Eventually, four Merlin 102s were installed and this version became the GAF Lincoln B Mk 30A.
In 1949, 14 Lincolns, A73-31/34, 36/37, 38 (prototype) 39/40 and 42/46 were modified as long range navigation (LRN) aircraft for special duties. The modifications included the fitment of radio/radar equipment instrumentation, and an extra crew station aft of the mid-upper turret. Another major modification occurred when A73-48 became the prototype for the so-called “long-nose Lincoln”. A 6ft 6in extension to the forward fuselage was inserted between the cockpit and the front turret to house radar equipment and operators for No 10 Sqn’s maritime reconnaissance commitments. This version became the GAF Lincoln MR31, and although 19 other “long-nose Lincolns” were produced (A73-28, 55/57, 59/73) only 10 were equipped fully for the MR role: A73-28, 55, 57, 60/62, 65/68. The last Lincoln A73-73 was delivered from GAF on September 23 1953.
Other revamped Lincolns included the two VIP transports, A73-14 and 18, with fuselage windows and seats, and A73-15 the Air Navigational School’s long range trainer with faired-in gun turrets. Lincolns used on special tasks included A73-2, Wg Cdr D.R. Cuming’s ‘NYHUAN” (Pathfinder) which surveyed the Woomera range site and carried out flights far into the Antarctic: A73-34 which Wg Cdr G.H. Shields flew with Cosmic ray recording equipment for scientific purposes during the International Geophysical Year; and A73-29, the experimental rain-making Lincoln flown by Sqn Ldr N. Nichol, who also flew an Australian Lincoln to the UK for service with the RAF in exchange for a Lincoln B2 which operated with No 82 Wing.
At least nine different RAF Lincolns operated with the RAAF in various armament and engine trials, including the Python/Merlin engined Lincoln, RF403, which carried out high altitude bombing trials at Woomera and was scrapped at RAAF Tocumwal in 1958.
Most Lincoln B30/30As operated at one time or another with No 1 Sqn in Malaya. This squadron arrived in Singapore on July 17 1950, and remained eight years, during which time over 3,000 sorties were carried out against the Communist terrorists. By the late 1950s the Canberra jet bomber had replaced the Lincoln B30/30As, although No 10 Sqn continued to operate Lincoln MR31s until the last flight was made by A73-65 in June 1961.
In fifteen years, from 1946 to 1961, 11 Lincolns were written off in accidents (A73-11, 16, 31, 35, 39, 40, 44, 46, 51, 63 and 69) but the remainder gave good service and were eventually sold as scrap or used for fire-fighting practice. As the largest aircraft to be built in Australia, the Lincoln goes down in history as a credit to the local aircraft industry, and it also marked the passing in RAAF annals of the era of the multi-engined, heavy bomber, with its large complement of aircrew members.
TECHNICAL DATA:
(GAF Avro Lincoln B.30)
DESCRIPTION: Long-range bomber with 7 crew. All metal, stressed-skin construction.
POWER PLANT: Four 1750 hp Rolls Royce Merlin 85’s.
DIMENSIONS: Span, 120 ft; length, 78 ft 31/2 in; height 17 ft. 31/2 in.
WEIGHTS: Empty, 43,400 lb; loaded, 75,000 lb.
PERFORMANCE: Max speed, 305 mph at 19,000 ft. Cruising speed, 215 mph. Climb, 800 ft/min. Range, 1470 miles with max. bomb load and 2930 miles with max. fuel. Service ceiling 30,500 ft.
ARMAMENT: Twin 0.50 guns in each of nose and tail turrets. Twin 20 mm guns in dorsal turret. Max. bomb load 14,000 lb.
regards
Mark P
mark_pilkingtonConsul,
Our focus is to utilise RF342 to create a complete but static display of a GAF lincoln as built in Australia and flown in service with the RAAF, therefore our intention is to display the aircraft in either mark 30 or mark 31 cockpit configuration, we have a number of cockpit options to explore, and at this stage are investigating suggestions a long nose cockpit still remains in Australia.
However the need for us to negotiate/explore cockpit outcomes does not exist if we dont successfully acquire the dis-assembled components of RF342.
(below is as per a recent wix post)
Our group is primarily a fundraising and acquisition entity, we do not intend to provide the manpower for restoration and display, nor does this group intend to establish its own new museum.
Two existing museums are intended to be the recipients of these parts, the Association will continue to fundraise etc to support the further acquisition of parts etc, further details regarding those plans will be forthcoming later.
But at this stage I can confirm our Association has been receiving support form the Australian National Aviation Museum at Moorabbin and if we are successful our intentions are the Lincoln will be offered to that organisation for restoration and static display, our objective being to provide ongoing support to gather parts/funding to achieve a complete static restoration.
This Museum was chosen given its focus on preserving Australia’s aviation manufacturing heritage and existing collection policy, and collection of DAP/GAF aircraft suits the Lincoln addition, and arrangements between both parties have been explored.
WEBSITE
http://aarg.com.au/Avro_group.htm
We have the objective of the Lancaster cockpit and fuselage forming an interesting fuslage display, but at this stage are not committing to a full Lancaster static outcome as two already exist in the National Collection in Australia, it is our intention that the Lancaster parts will be offered for preservation and display at Point Cook.
We are very interested in suggestions for overseas donation and agree paypal is an excellent process, and will investigate that over the next day.
We will establish newletter processes, as you will note an MSN Group which allows for broadcast emails etc is already set up.
MESSAGE BOARD
http://groups.msn.com/AvroBomberPreservationAssociation/_whatsnew.msnw
However our primary focus at the moment has to be achieving our target fundraising level for end of September, and until that is met details of some of the terms and conditions of our purchase offer are considered commercial in confidence due to competing offers and intentions.
regards
Mark Pilkington
mark_pilkingtonAVRO LINCOLN TO AUSTRALIA
AVRO LINCOLN TO AUSTRALIA
A website and Message Board has now been created for this project.
WEBSITE
http://aarg.com.au/Avro_group.htm
MESSAGE BOARD
http://groups.msn.com/AvroBomberPreservationAssociation/_whatsnew.msnw
regards
Mark P
mark_pilkingtonBruce/Dave,
the wooden fuse without canopy in the background of the second picture (wife with tigermoth) looks Comet? like to me?
regards
Mark P
mark_pilkingtonDavid,
I suspect we have differing views and hopes on the outcome here, but I think we both share a common view that all of these parts are worth more than to be left rotting away for the last 20 years?
From our point of view, both the Lincoln and the Lancaster parts are considered important heritage items that will hold a valued place in our ‘National Collection”, and a rare opportunity that is well worth the effort and cost we are committing.
regards
Mark P
mark_pilkingtonTo all of those who do support this project,
Thankyou all for your support and wishes of luck,
but I have used up my need for “luck” getting it this far.
What I really need at the moment is cheques, or cash to
reach my target fundraising, including first non-refundable deposit
by end of September 2005.
All assistance is greatly appreciated, but this will not happen if
everyone doesnt help me raise the funds, this outcome isnt just for
my benefit alone, its to replace something we didnt keep, and this
will be our only chance to fix that mistake?
We are a registered Charitable Institution, that has studied and
approached this project in a slow and considered manner for the last
10 months, we have already raised funds without going public, but
always intended this to reply on fellow enthusiast support.
Please cut and paste details this to friends etc, we are urgently
seeking funding support, ideally through @30 to 100 people donating
between $50 to $500 dollars to cover our substantial holding
deposit, we already have an existing amount raised, but we now have
a short time to secure the option to purchase through a non-
refundable deposit, we will then move into a logner term fundraising
where $2-$10 amounts will be sought from the General Public etc, but
this is an urgent call to Australia’s Aviation Enthusiasts to really
pull together for a good cause!
The B-24 proves it can be done, and where else at any time in the
future will an Avro Lincoln be available?
The objective is to see a static restored Avro Lincoln exist in Australia,
and there is a significant portion of authentic Lancaster/cockpit fuselage coming along for the ride,
which is intended for preservation and display as well.
Both are earmarked for donation to bonefide Museums.
postal address for donations:
Avro Bomber Preservation Association Inc
PO Box 176
LARA 3212
Victoria AUSTRALIA
Please provide details of name and address for donation receipting.
A website will “go live” later this weekend.
This is a serious/planned project, not just “hype’
enquiries to assist/donate via email to [email]mark_pilkington@hotmail.com[/email]
or by phone to myself
AH 61 3 5282 1847
regards
Mark P
mark_pilkingtonDavid
there have been many groups expressing interest in these items, with plans of various outcomes, however none of those have yet delivered so I guess its all hype.
yes I am that group you have knowledge of, and yes we already had the money for that cheque amount back then, and still have those funds, we didnt proceed at that time due to issues at the UK end, a written agreement was in place ready to go, we have a legal and registered “Charitable Institution” in place, Export Matters have been explored with UK customs etc
I am aware there are bidders in England who wish to acquire these items as well, are you connected with one of them?
You may also recall I was the person who purchased a significant amount of Lancaster cockpit replica items last year on ebay for significant cost as well, with the support of the RAAF Lancaster Squadron veterans, those parts are now here in Melbourne, and destined for a major Australian Museum, as intended.
Our group is fundraising, but are confident we can achieve this purchase under the terms of our offer made.
The public announcement here is to rally my fellow Australian Enthusiasts to assist in fund raising, that was always intended.
It may seem hype to some, but I would not be involved in this if I didnt believe I it can be done and that I can access to resources to deliver it.
I have had reasonable success in other projects I have been involved in and that have been considered unviable by others.
regards
Mark P
mark_pilkingtonFirebird
from this far away
“they all look the same to me”
, smiles, thankyou for the correction, it is Sandtoft not Sandhurst.
This first notice is being rushed out ASAP and some minor typo’s were bound to slip in. (although If there is one at Sandhurst we might be interested in it as well, smiles)
regards
Mark P
mark_pilkingtonLINCOLN TO AUSTRALIA
I have been negotiating for the last 10 months for the for the purchase of the dis-assembled Avro Lincoln RF342, and remains of Cockpit etc of Avro Lancaster KB976/994 Ex-Sandhurst, and am now able to publically confirm an organisation exists, and project is underway to acquire those items and recover them to Australia for Static Display purposes.
I am the Chairman of the
Avro Bomber Preservation Association Incorporated
Australian Business Number 53 043 131 472
The existance of this organisation can be confirmed at http://www.abr.business.gov.au
Entering the ABN number above into the website above will confirm both the registration of this not for profit association as a “Charitable Institution”, and the tax deductable Gift Recipient status has also been achieved. A copy of that website display is shown below.
I would ask all Australian Aviation Enthusiasts interested in supporting such an outcome to “cut & past” this information and email it to your friends etc so that anyone interested in supporting such an outcome can assist us in our urgent need to complete fundraising of our 1st installment of a non-refundable deposit.
Enquiries on how to assist via email to: [email]Mark_Pilkington@hotmail.com[/email]
Regards
Mark Pilkington
AH 61 3 52821847
BH 61 3 9683 4913
Fax 61 3 9683 4178
Mobile 0418 174 957
[email]Mark_Pilkington@hotmail.com[/email]
Last modified on: 01 Apr 2005 ABN:
53 043 131 472 view history << OLE Object: Picture (Metafile) >> abnDetails.aspx?History=True&abn=53043131472&ResultListURL=
ABN Status: Active from 15 Dec 2004 Entity Name: AVRO BOMBER PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED Entity Type: Other Incorporated Entity Main Business Location State: VIC Postcode: 3149 Trading Name(s)
AVRO BOMBER PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED
Other Registrations GST Status: Not currently registered for GST Tax Concession Status: AVRO BOMBER PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED, a Charitable Institution, is endorsed to access the following tax concessions:
Tax Concession From
GST Concession 01 Jul 2005
FBT Rebate 01 Jul 2005
Income Tax Exemption 01 Apr 2005
Deductible Gift Recipient: AVRO BOMBER PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient from 01 Apr 2005.
Important: Please read Deductible gift recipient (DGR) information before making a gift.
PURPOSE
To promote the role of the Avro Lancaster and Avro Lincoln in Australia’s Aviation Heritage.
To preserve and educate on Australian’s involvement with the Avro Lancaster in RAF Bomber Command in Europe in World War 2, and Australian’s involvement in the construction and operation of the Avro Lincoln in Australasia post World War 2.
To raise funds for, and to support the collection and restoration of parts and artefacts of the Avro Lancaster and Avro Lincoln Bomber aircraft for eventual display in a recognised National Aviation Museum.
To specifically support the acquisition, donation and display of:
An Avro Lancaster Cockpit and fuselage
An Avro Lincoln Aircraft
mark_pilkingtonHere is the 1914-1918 Memorial at RAAF Point Cook erected and dedicated in the 1920’s to the members of the AFC, RFC and RNAS who partook in WW1,
regards
Mark P
mark_pilkingtonJohn,
They also carried airmail which was handed over at each stopover point which people may still have. I would really appreciate any assistance that you could give me with regard to this.
there are the rare PG Taylor Frigate Bird Flight Covers coming up on ebay, as well as an even rarer PG Taylor GUBA pre war flight cover that have been sale recently that his daughter may be interested in, (I have missed out on both of these items, I think?? in recent bidding on ebay or elsewhere during a rapid building of an Australain pioneer flights air mail collection I have been “investing” in, if Gai is interested in that type of thing please ask her to email or ring me.
As far as I am aware – away from my books – it is an Ex RAAF flying boat not an amphib.
Kindest regards
John P
I’m near my books buts its too late to find my best reference, so this is from the Warbirds Directory 3rd Ed. and memory
This is an EX RAAF A/c, a Boeing PB2B I think which is the tall fin Black Cat long range flying boat, (not amphibian) effectively the last version before the Navy Factory PBY-6?
BU44248 A24-385 VH-AGB/ASA
It is one of 5 “complete” Cats in Australia and 7 in the region,
HARS A/C flying in Aust is a recent import (Ex Canso/PBV??)
RAAFM Restored/static ex post war civil import VH-EXG (Canso/PBV)
PBY Association Memorial WA – recent import/restored Static ex USN PBY-5A?
Lake Boga Museum – composite PBY-5 wearing A24-30 id – ex RAAF PBY-5(‘s)
PBY Association NZ flying import ex USN PBY-5A
RNZAF PBY-5A, EX-TAA PBY-5A (modified to “Boat” by TAA for PNG ops) now being restored to static as PBY-5A with gear re-instated?
An 8th? A24-46 PBY-5 “Boat” departed Australia recently sold at WhaleWorld
There are two “hulks” in the region,
The unrestored ex-RAAF A24-88 at the Australian National Aviation Museum at Moorabbin
This aircraft is quite rare as a RAAF PBY-5A modified in RAAF service into a “Boat” by removal of the undercarriage and skinning over of the wheel wells to reverse engineer a PBY-5 and save 500LB of weight for additional bomb load or range becoming a rare PBY-5(M).
and half a PBY? imported into NZ as spares for the flying a/c?
Of these Frigate bird is the best original ex-RAAF CAT surviving but is displayed to record its more famous civil history, the Boga aircraft is displayed as, and sourced from original RAAF aircraft but the providence of the serial to all or any parts is uncertain?, while the PBY-5(M) at Moorabbin will probably only remain a restored/conserved fuselage but reflects the probably the most important RAAF Catalina providance remaining due to the hulls known operational service with 42 Squadron.
I think some ex-RAAF Cats went civil in the USA but I am not sure any still survive?
and Mark C.
Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum (where I work) has a small but interesting collection of suspended aircraft. Not shown here are the Museum’s DHA Drover and Heath Parasol.
A modest understatement, the Powerhouse Museum has an extensive collection for what is a “State” Museum, holding a number of unique and important airframes of the National Collection, including the rare and important Bleriot XI from the important 1912 first Melbourne to Sydney airmail flight by Muarice Gaulleax (ok I “winged” the spelling!!).
And along with the “State” Museums in Brisbane and Melbourne played an important role in preserving important items for the National Collection such as the Duigan Biplane, the Hinkler aircraft and the Millicer Airtourer prototype, long before the AWM decided to pull its finger out and add to its WW2 “acquired” aviation hall collection, and Defence Service museums collected and saved military heritage examples by purchase or remote recovery.
Often these State Museum collections are “forgotten”, but without them, and the efforts of contempory pioneers like private collectors such as Marshall and Thomas or the early volunteer collections of RAAFA at Bull Creek or the AARG at Moorabbin air Museum, our remaining Aviation Heritage would have all left the country in the 1960’s or been burnt by DCA or rotted away in paddocks.
All of these State and volunteer museums have been filling the void of the ‘promised” National Aviation Museum in Australia, first proposed by Air Marshall Dickie Williams in @1957!! and still yet to arrive from Federal Government promises since 1975?
(While I am handing out badges of merit for protecting Aviation Heritage through early restoration/preservation efforts) I personally think the work of Ron Lee, Dick Hourigan in the Wirraway/Boomerang area (and other peoples projects) is pioneering and critical to what exists today, the work of Malcolm Long in lanuching the “warbird” movement in Australia with BFF and the Hudson’s, and finally the efforts of private collections of Joe Drage and Pearce Dunn (of the Mildura Warbirds Museum) all played an important role in safekeeping a Mosquito, Beaufort, and many vintage aircraft until their worth was appreciated by the rest of us.
Thanks to ALL OF THE ABOVE for your efforts so far, and thanks to MurrayG, Col, Easty, Trappo, Oscar Duck, MattD, RalphC etc for picking up and running with the role as the next generation, I get to enjoy it all without having to step out of the country!!
I have some old friends who helped me get into this field and I havent mentioned by name, but they know I appreciate thier efforts already, and dont need to read it here (IW, MA)
regards
Mark P
mark_pilkingtonJohn,
no drugs or drink, just a “big mouth” firmly full of “Tongue in Cheek!”
regards
Mark P
mark_pilkingtonRon,
are you guy’s getting one of “honest OD’s” low mileage Ardvarks and cutting the nose off to hang on the wall?? :rolleyes:
This could be a way to solve the camera angles, lighting and crampness at the American Hangar at Duxford, just hack off the cockpits and scrap the rest of the B52, B29, B24, smiles.
If the large museums can adopt this strategy we amatuers can follow, and the best way for us volunteer museums to survive on the smell of an oily wrag and lack of corporate and government support like the big guys, can be to smelt down everthing aft of the canopy, and sell it off as re-cast souvenir spoons, who says you cant make museums profitable – smiles.
Our Beaufort project instantly becomes finished thanks to Ralphs good work and we ingot the rest via Sims metals for recycling.
(or perhaps bring out a range of aviation based “retro” furniture for the home, Beaufighter Bars, Halifax Hat Stands, Corsair Couches)
Heritage, environmentally friendly and cost effective!! a triple bottom line outcome!
(Children – please dont try this at home, I am only jokin!)
regards
Mark P
mark_pilkingtonDave & All,
Yes it was a fortunate sitatuation to add some further stir to OD and Setter with, the Avengers are @1/2 scale size poor facsimiles of the real thing and are intended to represent the 5 lost in the Bermuda Triangle, they are part of the Bermuda ride where eventually the caven of Aliens are encoutered deep inside the “volcano”.
They are located at Seaworld on the Gold Coast in Qld.
Interestingly there appears to be at least 1 real aircraft tailplane in the Avenger photo’s (see attached) most likely a T6 or if locally sourced (I hate the thought ) Wirraway, Ceres or dare I say it Boomerang??
I guess that will be sufficient motivation for someone to take a few rides through, and try and guess?? or identify it??
regards
Mark P
mark_pilkingtonEbay Items of Interest???
and while there is heaps of interesting stuff on ebay,
heres two others that caught my eye but not my dollar,
replica B17 Control Wheel
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7346565696&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
F15??? Jet column top/grip
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4571807609&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT
these are not of interest to me but others may be interested??
and the “one that got away”
Canadian “Lancaster” pilots seat sold at $1200AUD (not to me!)
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6554540845&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
regards
Mark P
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