Thread: The Lancaster bomber

https://youtu.be/MF5_hvE4WEA

Ive always loved the lancaster bomber. I used to draw them as a kid in school. All over my work, my books, every bit of paper that had a spot on it. I used to love buying the old war picture books especially the ones with planes in them. Loved them.

Cheers Rod

Like Rod I have always admired the Lancaster, and admired it more when I read of its design history (designed as a twin engined Manchester bomber it became four engined when the planned engine flopped). Unlike most aircraft of the time it was designed for easy manufacture and repair, which is a large part of its success.

One of the features that always fascinated me about it is that it was built for single pilot (plus F/E) operation, even at that time unusual for a four engined aircraft.

(Although Qantas' first international aircraft, the DH86 is another example - Qantas had their cockpits redesigned for two pilot operation, a lead followed by most customers.)

John

Yes, I was wondering about the single pilot. Seems odd. But it must have worked.

I used to go to the Biggin Hill air show as a kid. You could sit on a patch of land outside the airport right at the end of the runway. Having the Lanc take off not far above your head with those 4 Merlins running was a hell of a thing.
Cheers,
D

Originally Posted by Dark61

I used to go to the Biggin Hill air show as a kid. You could sit on a patch of land outside the airport right at the end of the runway. Having the Lanc take off not far above your head with those 4 Merlins running was a hell of a thing.
Cheers,
D

There aren't many things in this world that beat the sound of a Merlin. 4 Merlins is one of them.

Cheers,
Jon

I also loved these as a kid. Managed to talk parents into getting me a bigger scale Airfix model which I made and had hanging from my ceiling for years.

Might have to go to a hobby shop and buy another for my son (at least that is what I will tell the wife)!

My Grandfather was a rear gunner in a Lanc having transfered from ground crew towards the end of the war - brave fello!! Wish I had spent more time talking to him about his experiences....