CWHM 's Lancaster is on her way to the motherland.

[Warbird Kid]

This thread should now renamed to something like: "BBMF & CWHM Lancaster Together" or something like that

[RobertM]

Does anyone know when the last time two Lancs flew together?

According to a CBC story on the Lanc's Atlantic crossing:

The last time Lancasters flew together was 50 years ago over Toronto, at RCAF Station Downsview. The RCAF flew a special formation of three of the bombers in April 1964 to mark their retirement from service.

I wonder if FM213 was part of that formation.

Yes. 1 May 1964 a ceremony at RCAF Downsview marked the full retirement of the Lancaster from service with a fly past of the last 3: KB796, FM104 & FM213.

KB796 has changed hands several times and suffered damage during a hangar collapse in 1987. It is now in the hands of Kermit Weeks' Planes of Fame with intention of restoration to flight along with parts from other survivors.

FM104 was bought by the City of Toronto, repainted in camouflage and set on a pedestal in Coronation Park, Toronto. After 36 years of neglect, bird invasion and vandalism, it was removed and is currently being restores for static display by the Canadian Air and Space Museum. Sadly, the single pedestal display mount proved a bad idea as structural damage was considerable.

FM213 was bought by the Royal Canadian Legion and set on display in Goderich, Ontario. Bought by CWHM in 1977, restored and flying since 1988.

[Firebird]

Nice film clip of Thumper & Vera together in the air here .....

http://planestv.com/video/263

[goshikisen]

Does anyone know when the last time two Lancs flew together?

According to a CBC story on the Lanc's Atlantic crossing:

The last time Lancasters flew together was 50 years ago over Toronto, at RCAF Station Downsview. The RCAF flew a special formation of three of the bombers in April 1964 to mark their retirement from service.

I wonder if FM213 was part of that formation.

Yes. 1 May 1964 a ceremony at RCAF Downsview marked the full retirement of the Lancaster from service with a fly past of the last 3: KB796, FM104 & FM213.

Interesting and significant that FM213 is a participant at both ends of the 50 years.

[Pat Carry]

This picture sums it all up.....

Not sure about everyone else, but this photo gives me goosebumps.

[HPDCapt]

Yep, gives them to me too!!!!

[BK]

Air-to-air in echelon with fighter escort http://youtu.be/lEc0bX91XUw

[C VEICH]

Air-to-air in echelon with fighter escort http://youtu.be/lEc0bX91XUw

Spectacular! Be nice to see the same with some early Spits and maybe a Hurricane or two next time.

[Dave Hadfield]

You know what's weird for them? Flying in the "wing" position, or in trail, as number 2.

They never do that!

I've been on the wing of the CWH Lanc many times. But they are ALWAYS "Lead".

I'll bet Leon and the boys are having a blast!

Dave

[JohnTerrell]

I love that air-to-air footage!

They did do some position work flying wing and trail with the CWHM's B-25 and Chuck Gardner in the Cavanaugh P-51, on at least this one occasion: http://www.airic.ca/html/has2012b29.html

I'm quick to mention this, as it has been the subject of my desktop wallpaper since last December, courtesy of Doug Fisher and WarbirdDepot: http://www.warbirddepot.com/images/wall ... 1920dx.jpg

[Fleet16b]

You know what's weird for them? Flying in the "wing" position, or in trail, as number 2.

They never do that!

I've been on the wing of the CWH Lanc many times. But they are ALWAYS "Lead".

I'll bet Leon and the boys are having a blast!

Dave

I am quite sure thiis happening due to it being an RAF rule since normally the BBMF does not fly with civilian groups
In order to be issued a PDA = Public Display Authority. They fly the routine in front of the AOC (Air Officer Commanding) who either approves (hopefully) or rejects it as being safe to perform at public events. The BBMF (along with all other RAF display assets, such as the Typhoon and Red Arrows) have to do this at the start of each season. The BBMF would have to repeat this due to the second Lancaster being added in to their routine.
This formation is also most likely more manageable and also affords for better chances for the public to photograph both aircraft in flight without one partially blocking the other

[Elliott Marsh - GAR]

http://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2014/08/19/aviation-feature-bill-ramsey-on-leading-the-vulcan-and-lancaster-formation/

On Thursday, the Vulcan will lead the two Lancasters for a unique formation - the Vulcan pilot, Bill Ramsey (who is in the enviable position of having flown both Lancaster and Vulcan!), gives his take on the occasion in the article linked above.

EDIT - link edited!

[Grikka]

All being well, I am heading to RAF Waddington Thursday to check out the "3 sisters" taking off...trying to get a mate with a decent camera to join me to capture some photos. Fingers crossed!

[M.P.]

I had a visit to Coningsby on August 13th and 14th to watch some of the training flights. Here my pictures.

[Grikka]

Made it to RAF Waddington today for the "3 sisters" event. 2 lancasters, 1 vulcan....and one very special occasion

bbc news link here

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-li ... e-28873614

well done VTTS, CWHM and BBMF

apart from the planes had the pleasure of meeting a Canadian veteran...flew over specially to see both lancs together. 35 missions mid upper gunner out of skellingthorpe station on lancs in the war. One hell of a nice gentleman and a joy to make his acquaintance ...thankyou sir, you absolutely made my day.

Clive