The New Era.

  Various bodies showed an interest in buying the aircraft, with Fred and Harold Panton being among the contenders. It was on 1st September 1983 that the Pantons finally succeeded in purchasing NX 611 from Lord Lilford, the previous owner who had loaned it to the RAF for 10 years.

  The future of NX 611 was thereby resolved, and she was to remain at Scampton for another 5 years. This was whilst Fred and Harold prepared the site for her at East Kirkby, a former Lancaster base for 57 and 630 squadrons during the war. It took 13 weeks to dismantle, transport and rebuild her at East Kirkby, a task undertaken by the RAF's Aircraft Salvage & Transportation Flight based at Abingdon.

  The Lancaster is now the centrepiece of the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, an aircraft museum based at an actual Second World War bomber airfield, whose displays include the original control tower which has been carefully restored, and has to be seen.

  The official dedication was performed on July 8th 1989 by no less a person than Marshall of the R.A.F., Sir Michael Beetham, GCB, CBE, DFC, AFC, CAS, who did a full operational tour on Lancasters with 50 Squadron, and who had also flew the first R.A.F. Lincolns on trials from East Kirkby in 1945.

  In its first year the Heritage Centre attracted several thousand visitors.

  What of NX 611? I hear you ask. A survey in 1990 revealed her to be in basically excellent condition, both airframe and engines, a tribute to those that have looked after her since 1973/74. Whilst it WILL cost a large sum, well into 6 figures perhaps even more, to get her up and running again, this remains the hope of all concerned.

  Fred and Harold Panton had an elder brother called Christopher, he was a Flight Engineer in a Halifax that was shot down on the Nuremberg raid in March 1944. Christopher was one of those who failed to return. "We have always had close links with the Royal Air Force since the death of our brother Christopher, flying in a Halifax bomber on the Nuremberg Raid in 1944. It gave us great pleasure to be able to buy NX 611 when she came up for sale in 1983 and we are happy to have her on display at The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby in memory of our brother and as a tribute to the Royal Air Force, and the aircraft and men of Bomber Command who contributed so much to victory in the Second World War." Fred & Harold Panton (1991) The idea with the Lancaster was to do something positive to the memory of their brother, and all the other airmen who died in the cause of freedom. But the story doesn't finish here, I have visited the airfield several times and looked in awe at the site of the Lancaster really close up, and I always thought wouldn't it be really good if it could be brought back to life. One day I asked someone if they planned to restore her to flying condition, he wasn't sure, as a lot of money and time would be needed to do such a project.

For a while I hadn't been to see the Lancaster, so couldn't see what was going on. But I found out, and one cold, wet and windy day I went and watched as NX 611 taxied around with 3 engines running.

The Mighty Merlin Roars Again.

  Fred & Harold contacted two Ex-R.A.F. engineers, Ian Hickling (engineer) & Roy Jarman (Airframe fitter). They were to examine the No.1 engine to see what state the it was in. This was stripped down and restored, along with other items needed to start an engine. Two electricians, John Butler & Peter Dickson were given the job of giving her a complete re-wire, a job that took 10 days to complete.

  Eventually, after some 728 man hours of work and, having been silent for the last 22 years, a private viewing was had to see the engine start up. It started on the first attempt, a sign of the skill of all involved in the restoration work. The next night members of the public were invited along to see the engine run again, amongst them was PA 474 Lancaster Pilot, Squadron Leader Andy Tomalin OC B.B.M.F.

  Four months later the No.2 engine was ready to be run, and later still No.3 was ready, at a cost of £7000 each engine this was not a cheap job. A public debut was arranged, to see her move under her own power for the first time in 22 years. I didn't feel the cold or rain until afterwards, it was such an emotional time, the cheers that went up as the props came to rest afterwards said it all. Now all four engines run and regular start-ups and taxi runs are done, even night engine runs so you can see her in the dark.

  A lot of time, work and money has already been spent on this splendid aircraft. I haven't been lately, but plan to visit her year several times. The sound of four Merlin engines running on the airfield brings it back to life. Fred and Harold are really keen to get her airworthy again, who knows one day they just might do it, and I for one, hope that they do.

  Watch this space, to be continued.......

  If you want to go, it is at East Kirkby near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, and is really worth a visit. There are many photographs and items to see from the past, even recovered aircraft and parts of aircraft, all painstakingly restored and put on display, and who knows you may even hear them start her up .(This is a large file)

  Additional Lancaster Pictures , including some of NX 611. Some Aircraft related links for you to peruse.