Operation Lancaster: The ultimate build - no glue, just amazing engineering.

The 10-year restoration of a Lancaster bomber at the Lincolnshire Aviation Centre took a dive over the winter due to a drastic effect on fundraising of Covid-19 restrictions.

Having spent £170,000 on the previous winter's renovation of the Lancaster's wing tips, it had seemed unlikely the next part of the project - the fuselage section - would go ahead.

However, the rear fuselage of the aircraft - fondly known as 'Just Jane' - has been stripped down and all of the parts laid out for checking.

"When it was photographed from above it looked like an Airfix kit would in the packet," said centre manager Andrew Panton.

"The Lancaster is a sectional aircraft, so it does come apart in its major component pieces and bolts back together again in a similar way you'd glue an Airfix kit together.

"I made many models of Lancs as a boy, but this is the ultimate build.

"We have original RAF manuals and thousands of original drawings to work from.

"The design was cutting edge in its time.

"It really puts it into perspective about the work that went into building them when you see it put together."

Just Jane is one of only 17 surviving and intact Lancaster bombers from the Second World War. Lincolnshire Aviation Centre is the only place in the country to see a Lancaster Bomber on an original wartime airfield.

If the 10-year restoration project is successful, the aircraft will become only the third flying Lancaster bomber in the world.

Another Lancaster is based at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in Coningsby, while the other is in Canada.

The rebuild of the fuselage was made possible as a result of a crowdfunding campaign which has raised more than £9,500.

This has enabled them to pay for a jib and lifting equipment for the aircraft parts.

"Normally we would spend £200,000 over a winter on the restoration but unfortunately we have lost a year in our plan," said Andrew. "We were only able to open to the public from mid-July to the end of October, which severely impacted our fundraising.

"However, we needed to do this work on the flying control surface at the back of the aircraft so all was not lost."

Five engineers have been employed to do the work during the Covid-19 restrictions.

It is hoped to have the aircraft back together by mid-March, ready for some pre-season runs.

Before the pandemic, thousands of people visited 'Bomber County' every year to see the Lancaster at the Lincolnshire Aviation Centre and experience the other exhibits.

Enthusiasts could hear the roar of the Lancaster engines on the former air base at East Kirkby from May 17, according to the latest government guidelines outlining the roadmap out of lockdown.

"We can't wait to re-open and welcome visitors back," said Andrew. "Last year we opened a new museum and we are hoping to have two more exhibition areas ready when we re-open.

"The whole purpose of the centre has been to share it with the public, to educate them about the servicemen and women who fought for their country, so we can be free and live our lives."

HISTORY OF LICOLNSHIRE AVIATION CENTRE

Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre is a privately owned and run museum, set up by two farming brothers, Fred and Harold Panton.

It is a memorial to Bomber Command and was built primarily as a tribute to their eldest brother Christopher Whitton Panton, who was shot down and killed on a bombing raid over Nuremberg on 30/31 March 1944.

The centre was opened in 1988 and is one of the biggest independent museums receiving no funding or Lottery grants.

Work is now underway to prepare for re-opening in May. Lincolnshire Aviation Centre at East Kirkby spreads over five acres with plenty of opportunity for social distancing.

Donations for the restoration can be made on the Lincolnshire Aviation Centre website at www.lincsaviation.co.uk/. Details of the Rivet Club, where for a fee members will be emailed regular updates, are also available.