Full-Scale Replica Of A Lancaster Bomber To Be Built
On Freedom’s Wings is an ambitious project to build a full-scale replica sculpture of the iconic Lancaster bomber, between Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
Lancaster Bomber's are very large, they are 26m long and have a 31m wingspan.
This will make the installation taller than the Angel of the North, which stands 20m tall.
The ambitious sculpture will be mounted on a steel frame to give the impression it is in flight, just off the A46 near Norton Disney.
The support structure elevates the Lancaster approximately 15m above ground level - this ensures that the plane appears to be flying above the horizon against the sky when viewed from road level.
The landmark is expected to be viewed by an estimated 34,000 drivers daily as they travel along the busy A46.
This major route ensures that the sculpture will become a prominent and highly visible feature for both commuters and visitors passing through the area.
Lincolnshire is inextricably linked to aviation and in particular its home to the RAF in the Second World War.
More than 125,000 men served as aircrew in Bomber Command during World War Two.
The site is particularly fitting, not only because of its perfect vantage point, but also because a number of aircraft, including Lancaster's, crashed nearby during the Second World War.
Although intended to be a reminder of all Bomber Command crews, one such aircraft, Lancaster R5689 (VN-N) crashed on 18 September 1942 as it limped home from a mission over the Baltic Sea.
Unfortunately, five members of its crew perished.
Because that crash site is so close, and the fact that VN-N was also the most photographed Lancaster of the war, it has been chosen as the basis of this landmark to serve as a permanent reminder of Lincolnshire’s link to war-time aviation.
Steel support beams have already been erected at the site near Norton Disney.
Meanwhile, Timmins Engineering & Construction Ltd is making significant progress in constructing the wings.
The dedicated Timmins team and their incredible volunteers have worked tirelessly over the past few months.
Their efforts in fabricating the wings are crucial for preparing the substructure's full build-up.
Writing on Facebook in September 2024, the team said that they're determined to maintain this momentum as they work to bring this iconic tribute to life.
Meanwhile, on Saturday 28 September 2024, ‘On Freedom’s Wings’ held an open day, offering a unique opportunity for supporters to witness the progress on their ambitious project.
The event drew a crowd of around 400 people, who gathered to admire the monumental structure under construction and take part in the fundraising efforts to support its completion.
The day was made even more special by a real Lancaster bomber flyover, evoking powerful emotions as it soared above the people below.
The team proudly unveiled the completion of the structural frame, which was assembled for the first time ahead of the event.
In a heartfelt Facebook post following the event, On Freedom’s Wings said: "We're very pleased to say that another major milestone has been reached with the completion of the structural frame.
”This was assembled for the first time yesterday, and our partners Timmins Engineering & Construction Ltd held a viewing day where all those involved in the project so far could bring their families to inspect this monumental piece of work.”
The project continues to gain support from the community, with fundraising events like the open day playing a crucial role in bringing the dream of a lasting memorial to life.
Check out some of the latest photos below, taken from their Facebook page:
Furthermore, Scunthorpe-based Barrett Steel Limited also contributed to the project.
They gave the project the first batch of steel for the front fuselage section completely free and then cut, processed and supplied the rest at net cost, with no charges for managing the process.
Writing on Facebook, On Freedom’s Wings said that it's “another local firm stepping up to make the project a reality.”
The timescale for the project depends on how quickly the final funds can be raised, as well as finding more firms who would like to support creating the sculpture.
However, we understand the sculpture will be up before Christmas this year (2024).
The Avro Lancaster is a British four-engine heavy bomber used by the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth air forces during World War II.
Of the 7,377 aircraft built, 3,736 were lost during the War (3,249 in action and 487 in ground accidents).
Today, 17 remain in complete form: two are airworthy, and two others are in taxable condition with working engines.
“Other counties have their own landmarks. Lincolnshire doesn’t,” said Ken Sadler, Chairman of Bomber County Gateway Trust.
Reacting to the project online, lots of people are backing the campaign and say that it’s a fantastic idea.
One Facebook comment, which had more than 100 likes, said: “That's Going to be Spectacular.... Excellent Tribute and perfect for all the Men and women who Gave their Lives.”
Another person added: “If my Dad was alive he would have loved that, he loved the Lancaster and had many metal models and books on it.”
Another popular comments said: “How absolutely stunning and what an amazing tribute to those who gave their lives for us to have the lives we have today.”
If you’d like to leave your own comment, please visit our Facebook page, or scroll to the bottom of this article.
You can find out more and donate to the project HERE.
Recently, the former Mayor of Newark, Laurence Goff, did a skydive and raised an incredible £16,000 towards the project.
The Mighty Avro Lancaster
Conceived and developed by the British aircraft manufacturer Avro, the Lancaster made its maiden flight in January 1941.
Boasting a sleek design and powered by four Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, it quickly proved itself to be a formidable war machine.
With its impressive payload capacity and long-range capabilities, the Lancaster became the backbone of the Royal Air Force's (RAF) Bomber Command.
The Lancaster's primary mission was clear: to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany's war machine through relentless aerial bombardment.
Flying under the cover of darkness, Lancasters would embark on perilous missions deep into enemy territory, targeting industrial centres, military installations, and infrastructure vital to the German war effort.
One of the Lancaster's most famous operations was the daring Dambusters Raid of May 1943.
Led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, specially modified Lancasters of No. 617 Squadron unleashed bouncing bombs designed by engineer Barnes Wallis to breach key dams in the Ruhr Valley, disrupting enemy industry and hydroelectric power.
The Lancasters' success owed much to the bravery and skill of their crews.
Each aircraft typically carried a crew of seven, including a pilot, flight engineer, navigator, bomb aimer, wireless operator, and two gunners.
These men faced perilous conditions, enduring flak barrages and attacks from enemy fighters as they pressed home their attacks with unwavering resolve.
The Lancaster's impact on the outcome of World War II cannot be overstated.
Its strategic bombing campaigns exacted a heavy toll on Germany's industrial capacity and morale, contributing significantly to the eventual Allied victory.
Moreover, the Lancasters served as a symbol of British resilience and determination in the face of adversity, inspiring both those who flew them and those who awaited their return on the ground.
Although the war ended in 1945, the Lancaster's legacy endured.
Some Lancasters continued to serve in various roles, including maritime patrol and aerial reconnaissance, while others found new homes around the world.
As previously mentioned, you can find out more and donate to the ‘On Freedoms Wings’ project HERE.
You can also stay updated via our Facebook page, Exploring GB.
If you enjoyed this blog post, please follow Exploring GB on Facebook for daily travel content and inspiration.
Don't forget to check out our latest blog posts below.
Thank you for supporting Exploring GB.
