This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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Tue Dec 14, 2004 6:06 pm

But it isnt in any way nasty, in fact someone quite nicely points out the previous debates we've had on the subject.

There is a big difference in a healthy debate (like that going on over on Flypast) and something turning nasty. Or am I missing the point and you believe that things are turning nasty when there is a difference of opinion?

Tue Dec 14, 2004 6:21 pm

Manonthefence wrote:But it isnt in any way nasty, in fact someone quite nicely points out the previous debates we've had on the subject.

There is a big difference in a healthy debate (like that going on over on Flypast) and something turning nasty. Or am I missing the point and you believe that things are turning nasty when there is a difference of opinion?


You sound a bit defensive..I don't take offense when someone disagrees, nor would I assume anyone else would.
Perhaps "testy" "short" "bothered" or "annoyed"would have been a better word for me to use. One reason I like this board is it's seems to be treated as less of a "private club" by some members.

Re: Weeks' Lanc

Tue Dec 14, 2004 10:16 pm

JBoyle wrote:Any chance of Kermit's Lanc becoming flyable?


Sorry my not too subtle poke at the other board caused such a stir...but to return to my first question...
Could Week's Lanc be made flyable?

Wed Dec 15, 2004 2:29 am

JBoyle

If you dont get involved over on FP then you will always think its part of an exclusive club, it isnt and you are more than welcome. I think you need to read the posts again beacause its nothing like you describe but there are some very firmly held views on the subject of JJ.

Rob, apologies for going OT but we are a friendly bunch over there (just like you guys and gals are here). I am getting a bit weary of poeple visiting the board and, rather than contribute, just walking away saying its a private club. I'll grant you that there are a few members who post a lot, but we are a really friendly bunch and I have made some very good friends via that board just as I hope to here. But at the end of the day, its just a BB and not world diplomacy.

As for the CWH Lanc,, you havent heard from anyone at the Candian end but the informed opinion is probably no, we have heard from the British end and its a "maybe" so nothing really positive or negative either way. I have however gone on record as saying I will eat a vegetarian meal if it does happen , those who know me will realise that this is a BIG deal :lol:

Lets just wait and see shall we.

Wed Dec 15, 2004 2:32 am

Could Week's Lanc be made flyable?


Its a very big job (understatement) but given enough money , yes it could. I think that is the long term plan.

Whether the british CAA would allow it to fly in the UK is another matter but as that isn't the intention the point is moot.

Wed Dec 15, 2004 5:36 am

If I may...

Having travelled to Hamilton to see the CWH Lanc fly, I'm very aware that the CWH have moved mountains to get her flying and keep her so. It would be wonderful if the Canadian Lanc was to tour the UK with PA474.

However, either way, the CWH need our support to keep their Lanc flying, wherever that may be. There are other Lancs that could be made fliers; but wouldn't it be better to cherish what we've got rather than hoping for long term and unlikely scenarios?

JB - I think the issue with the 'fly JJ' question is that it's effectively a FAQ on the Flypast message board. As I was the person who pointed up the previous discussions this time, I was very careful to preface it with 'Fair Question' - may I take mild offence at your reaction? Nah, life's too short for both of us!

As I've been posting here for quite a while (on and off!) I don't regard WIX or FP as 'better' or on one side of the pond or the other, just different and equally valuable.

For what it's worth, Lancs in order of activeness & potential, off the top of my head:
PA474 City of Lincoln - flyable, memorial, 90% authentic fit
CWH Lanc - flyable, memorial, can do rides(yay!) good but mixed fitout.
NX611 - Just Jane - taxiable. Unlikely to fly. Theoretically possible. Memorial, mixed authentic fit
RAAFA WA Lanc - one engine running on electrics. Memorial.
MOTAT Lanc - dunno - possible runner (in theory)
French Lanc - under rebuild to static. Flying is possible, in theory, won't happen.
Lancs in Hendon, Australian War Memorial, and Canadian Aviation Museum all could be made to fly but won't because of their museum status and historic nature.
And others!
(It's a ragged list, but I thought it might be fun!

Cheers

Wed Dec 15, 2004 8:42 am

Wasn't there someone who said that the Fredericton Lanc was the only one that could be brought back to flying condition?

:roll: :?:

Why Mister Tweed I am shocked...

Wed Dec 15, 2004 9:34 am

You need to edit your post there mate as our lanc(FM159) should be right under NX611 as ground runner or it will be next year..!

Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:27 am

Hi Peter,
Good luck, and I certainly hope your Lanc moves up that list too! It's a ragged list as I said, and halfway through I thought of the Warbird Registery, a better place for the data - it was just a quick thought...

Apart from $$$? Well, there'll be a lot of $$$ needed. And of course, money=time. So apart from a LOT of $$$, it's easy. Off you go. ;)
Cheers

cwh lancaster

Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:59 am

There is no Lancaster in Fredricton, you must be thinking of the one in edmuston 4 hrs north.

edmunston Lancaster KB882

Wed Dec 15, 2004 11:28 am

This lancaster albeit being fairly complete would neat a lot of work to even be ground run. There was serious water damage in the centre section from the escape hatck leaking and the main fuse panel was removed amongst other parts. There are hopes of her being placed in a building but she still sits outside.....

Wed Dec 15, 2004 11:33 am

Fredericton, Edmunston...

Who cares, it's in the same Province!

Anyways, that's the one I ws thinking about. In a Navajo, they are not that far away!

8)

Wed Dec 15, 2004 2:26 pm

"MOTAT Lanc - dunno - possible runner (in theory)"

As with Lancs at Hendon etc. this a/c is in a museum (the building was built with it in place), she aint going nowhere. The main spar was time expired when it arrived in N.Z, which is why the French got rid of them. The guys at MOTAT used to run it up while it was outside and I heard (rumour) that they siezed at least one engine, also it probably has corrosion issues because of its long period outside in Aucklands salt-laden humid air (it was only about 1/2Km from the sea).

Wed Dec 15, 2004 2:40 pm

The Motat Lancaster has been very skillfully backdated to a virtually complete wartime status, Mk III I believe, by the New Zealand Bomber Command Association. It has also been lovingly restored by the same volunteers (with help from the RNZAF) and looks absolutely stunning these days. A far cry from when it sat outside looking worse for wear.

Its main spar was cut to transport the aircraft along a motorway to where it now resides. They used to do engine runs as hairy says, but this hasn't happened for many years since it was housed indoors.

You can see some photos here, though they are a few years old now.
http://www.kiwiaircraftimages.com/aviation.html

When I went there in Feb 2004 the Lanc looked even better, nice and shiny and new looking

Thu Dec 16, 2004 7:49 am

I'd vaguely recalled the engine runs on the MoTAT Lanc - thanks for the clarifications chaps.
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