Lifesize Lancaster Bomber sculpture unveiled next to road in the UK

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cre5zxv0p14o

Me again, this was the Duxford "Big Wing" just before lift off. I absolutely love seeing the scorch marks from the on the side of "Pegs" the Hawker Hurricane here, she's been busy.

Someone posted a nice shot of them all in the air here: https://www.reddit.com/r/WWIIplanes/s/4EAYJpPwRd

"In his Spitfire Mk IX BS 120 (code; YO-S), he engaged a Dornier 17 into which he fired all of his ammunition in return the bomber's gunner replied punching bullets through his rudder, both wings, shattering the Perspex canopy and smashing the gunsight. Despite wounds to his head and a splinter of glass in his eye …”.

He made it.

It's the only flying example of this type, what a sight, and beautifully restored. I've just read that it flew night missions early in the war, I guess that's why it has the dark underbelly?

Bonus pic at the end: "Sally B" with a cheeky photo bomb (pun intended)

Another from the Battle of Britain show at Duxford, the pilots put on an amazing simulated dogfight

Hey Ladies and Gents

Thought I'd post through some close ups of the DH98 T43 Mosquito, NZ2308 (and a wild me working in the bomb bay) while I was in Chino assembling it with the other guys.

Was a very very fun time the month we were there, great bunch of people at Planes Of Fame and the museum goers getting right up as close as they could. Sure do miss the ol' girl (and the warm weather, its cold in New Zealand!) but happy she's being loved by Rod Lewis and his crew!

One of the first attempts to improve the Yakovlev Yak-7’s performance was the installation of a Shvetsov M-82 14-cylander air-cooled radial engine in place of the fighter’s usual Klimov M-105 liquid-cooled inline engine. The resulting aircraft, known as the Yak-7 M-82, was built primarily for research purposes, unlike Lavochkin’s aircraft, which switched from liquid-cooled to air-cooled engines purely to increase performance. The Yak-7 M-82 was projected to have a top speed of 615 km/h (382 mph), and was expected to reach an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) in 5 ½ minutes. However, when flight tests began in early 1942, it became clear that the aircraft would not meet these projections, in part due to the fact that the M-82s that Yakovlev received were early production models that were riddled with malfunctions. By May 1942, the Yakovlev OKB had determined that the M-82 could not be successfully installed on the Yak-7 without significant design changes to the airframe. Consequently, the project was cancelled.

On Freedom's Wings": The Lancaster Bomber Sculpture Takes Flight in Newark

A new and striking landmark is set to grace the landscape near Newark, paying tribute to the area's deep connection to RAF Bomber Command and the sacrifices of its crews during World War II. The Bomber County Gateway Trust, a registered charity, is behind the project, which will see a full-sized, steel sculpture of an Avro Lancaster bomber erected next to the A46. Known as "On Freedom's Wings," the installation is not only a memorial but also an ambitious piece of art designed to welcome visitors to Lincolnshire.

It's heading to it's final home, this weekend!

The sculpture will be located at Norton Disney, on the border of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, a location chosen for its proximity to numerous former RAF airfields, including RAF Swinderby. The design is based on the famous Lancaster R5689 (VN-N), a bomber that crashed nearby while returning from a mission in 1942. Its wreckage site is just 3km from the sculpture's planned location. By using this specific aircraft as its inspiration, the project creates a tangible link to a local tragedy and the wider history of Bomber Command.

The completed sculpture will be a colossal sight. At 26 meters long and with a 31-meter wingspan, it is designed to be larger than the iconic Angel of the North in Tyne & Wear, which stands 20 meters tall. The mild-steel frame will be elevated approximately 15 meters above the ground on a slim steel support structure, creating the illusion of a plane in flight. Over time, the steel will take on a reddish, rusted patina, mimicking the authentic colors and worn appearance of a real Lancaster. The Bomber County Gateway Trust estimates that the landmark will be seen by more than 35,000 drivers daily, making it a prominent and powerful reminder of the area's heritage.

The project has been a long time in the making. The Bomber County Gateway Trust was formed with the express purpose of creating this landmark, and they have been fundraising for years to bring the vision to life. A significant portion of this success can be attributed to the dedication of individuals like Laurence Goff, a former Newark Town Mayor. He has been a passionate supporter and volunteer fundraiser for the trust, single-handedly raising over £11,000 for "On Freedom's Wings" through various efforts, including a charity tandem skydive. The trust has publicly acknowledged his fundraising and support, crediting his work with helping the project progress and gain exposure within the community.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place in May 2018, and since then, the project has garnered support from a number of local firms and individuals. The final construction and installation of the sculpture's main components are a major milestone for the team, bringing their ambitious tribute to fruition. In a conscious effort to preserve the local environment, no lighting, power, or other services will be installed at the site, ensuring the delicate ecosystem and the naturally dark surroundings are protected

You can find more info here

www.newarkguide.co.uk

https://www.bombergatewaytrust.co.uk/

Pics from the website above

At the Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow yesterday, 8 Hawker Hurricanes took to the air together for what is believed to be the first time since the 1950's when Portugal retired their fleet! 85 years after the end of the Battle of Britain, this is quite the feat.

The sound was something else too!

https://youtu.be/OhFyIZ08j-E?si=FDDPtExQ5osorzPy for a short video of the take off!

The American Heritage Museum's (Hudson, MA) Grumman-Eastern TBM-3E Avenger dorsal turret. Currently the TBM is in the storage hangar at the museum and is only on display for select special event weekends through the summer months. See more at http://www.americanheritagemuseum.org