Edmundston needs a home for it's Lancaster

[Hanno Spoelstra]

"Australian man wants to rescue Edmundston's Lancaster bomber - Exemption sought from Canadian Heritage law that requires significant cultural items to remain in Canada"

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-br...669533?cmp=rss

[Ed Storey]

A storied Canadian aircraft type with 11 sorties over Germany in WWII, you would think the preservation of this aircraft in Canada would be a 'no brainer'. Of course with a museum community firmly fixated on placing large artifacts outside to the mercy of the elements and a population who is woefully uniformed about the cultural significance of these large items; perhaps the answer is to let someone purchase this Lancaster and restore it to the glory it deserves.

If this was in Europe, that Lancaster would be in a warehouse with a team of dedicated people working to restore it because they understand historical significance and the stark reality that these machines are rare items worthy of saving. The Canadian answer appears to be to vacillate until there is nothing left to save.

Step up and do something or export it.

[Gordon Yeo]

If the Edmundston Lancaster's fate is to rot away and no one in Canada wants to step up and preserve it, for heavens sake give it to the Aussies. They help fly them in Bomber Command and wouldn't that be fabulous heritage preservation to have three flying, one each in the U.K , Canada and Australia.

The last Canadian Canso amphibian with war time record and the name of David Hornell V.C. in the log book was for sale and the Canadian Heritage people didn't think it was worth keeping in Canada. Surely a tired old Lancaster will not have any particular importance or be of any interest to them.

[Marc Montgomery]

http://www.rcinet.ca/en/2016/07/08/k...s-war-veteran/


You will note that in the CBC story, and in an earlier CBC story, the reporter said 882 took part in the DAmbusters raid.
unfortunately not true. That was 43, and 882 arrived in England in early 45.
also 12 missions (the 12th however was turned back over Europe due to weather, bombs dropped in the Channel)

[Brian Gough]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-br...seum-1.3854570

Edmundston's Lancaster bomber getting new home in Trenton, Ont.

National Air Force Museum will make airplane centrepiece of its celebration of 100th anniversary of RCAF

CBC News Posted: Nov 16, 2016 9:36 PM AT
This Lancaster bomber was purchased by the City of Edmundston in 1964, but is in need of restoration, which the city cannot afford. (Edmundston society for the Preservation of the Lancaster/Facebook)

Aussie aircraft buff takes aim at Edmundston's Lancaster bomber

• Lancaster bomber grounded on East Coast after campaign for Edmonton restoration fails

A Second World War military aircraft that has been a landmark at the New Brunswick-Quebec border for more than 50 years has finally found a new home.
The Lancaster bomber is badly in need of restoration work, and it seemed no one could afford to do it.
The City of Edmundston couldn't, so it searched for an institution willing to take on the project.

• Rare Lancaster bomber grounded in New Brunswick after Edmonton restoration plans fall flat

The Alberta Aviation Museum submitted the winning bid for the airplane, but then backed out in June when it realized it didn't have the money needed.
Now, another bidder has come forward, and on Tuesday night, it was announced that the Lancaster is headed for The National Air Force Museum of Canada in Trenton, Ontario.
"I guess wow is the best word, knowing how important this aircraft is to Canada," said Chris Colton, executive director of the museum, of his reaction to hearing that his bid was accepted.
"Knowing what a tremendous story it can tell, the bravery of the crews flying it in World War II, and the after-war, post-war, Cold War timeframe when it flew some very interesting, shall we say, missions in the electronic intelligence gathering role."
The Lancaster bomber, KB-822, is one of the last of its kind in the world and will be taken apart and shipped to Trenton, Ont. for permanent display at the National Airforce Museum of Canada. (City of Edmundston)

Colton knows all about the history of that very Lancaster, one of just four still intact that served in the skies over occupied Europe.

Cold War, WW II service

"It was reconfigured into what's called an area reconnaissance configuration," he said, "which then allowed it to provide services to the RCAF for mapping and charting, for photographic work, and to do some sniffing, shall we call it, some electronic intelligence gathering during the Cold War. In fact, this aircraft flew missions against Russian trawlers during the Cuban Missile Crisis."
The City of Edmundston bought the Ontario-built Lancaster in 1964, paying $1,600.
Over the years, sitting outside, it has deteriorated, with rust setting in, and even had birds nesting in it.
"I have watched this aircraft over the last 10 years in hopes that someone would eventually grab on to the restoration project to save it," said Colton. "It's a very special, iconic aircraft for Canada. This year when we determined that the Edmonton museum was unable to go forward with their plan, I did approach the City of Edmundston and offered our help."

Major plans for airplane

The Trenton museum had finished second in the initial bidding for the airplane, and was thrilled to have a second chance. It has big plans for the Lancaster.
"I would guess it's going to cost at least $250,000 over the next seven years to work on it and get the aircraft fully restored to a display status," said Colton. "We're confident we have the funding available to do that, so right now, it's just a question of time. We are targeting Apr. 01, 2024 to have it unveiled to the public, which is the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force."
The Lancaster will join the museum's other pride and joy, a fully restored Halifax Mk. VII bomber, which coincidentally took to the skies on two different missions in 1945 above Germany at the same time as the Lancaster.
It will be the only museum in the world to feature both restored airplanes, helping tell the important history of the war and post-war years for future generations of Canadians.
Museum volunteers and trained RCAF recovery specialists will visit the Edmundston site and hope to begin the disassembly of the aircraft in March or April of 2017, which will take about three months.
Then it will be shipped to Trenton, for the long process of restoration. "We have a wonderful force of about 25 volunteers who just can't wait to have their hands on it and start the process," said Colton.


Brian

[Ed Storey]

This is good news and am I reading the report correctly that the aircraft will be on indoor display?

[Darrell Zinck]

Hi

This is good news indeed! Thanks Brian; you couldn't pay me to read CBC.

NAFMC has an announcement:

http://airforcemuseum.ca/en/news/lan...renton-on.html

"... Her appearance along with our Halifax Mk. VII bomber will be unique in the world as the only museum having both in a fully restored condition...."

She'll look great beside NA 337.

Now to recover/restore a Stirling!! None were saved but perhaps Scandinavian lakes can assist?

regards
Darrell

[Brian Gough]

more from the Museum's website:
http://airforcemuseum.ca/en/lancaster-kb882-faqs


Lancaster KB882 FAQs



When will the aircraft arrive in Trenton?
An NAFMC restoration team will make a site visit to Edmundston in the spring of 2017. At that time they will evaluate what is needed to move the aircraft and prepare her for transport. The NAFMC anticipates the arrival of KB882 in Trenton to be early summer of 2017.

How will the aircraft get to Trenton?
The NAFMC will work in conjunction with RCAF aircraft recovery specialist to move KB882 in the safest manner possible for the aircraft. This will be dependent on what conditions are found during the site visit.

Where will the aircraft go when it arrives?
When the aircraft arrives in Trenton it will go directly into the Museum Restoration shop.
Once restored, KB882 will be proudly displayed to the public in the NAFMC as its premier exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of the RCAF (1st of April, 2024).

How will the aircraft be restored?
KB882 will be restored to her post war Mark 10 AR (Area Reconnaissance) configuration.

How long will it take?
Restoration is anticipated to take between 5 and 7 years.

Will the aircraft be able to fly?
KB882 will be restored for display status.

What will the restoration cost?
Costs are expected to be about $25,000 per year.

How can I donate/help?
If you would like to make a donation to the Lancaster project, or would like to assist in its restoration, please contact the Executive Director at 613-965-2208 or director@airforcemuseum.ca


Brian