Looking for Some Avro Lancaster Information

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

I watched a TV program the other night chronicling the last flight of Avro Lancaster ME669. The plane was shot down over Germany but not without an amazing act of courage by Sergeant Norman Jackson who climbed onto the wing to try to fight a fire in a fuel tank while under attack from a German fighter at 22,000 feet. Jackson won the VC for that.

However, pilot Fred Mifflin stayed with the plane until the end in order to ensure his crewed bailed out safely. Sadly, Mifflin did not survive the crash and is the uncle of a co-worker.

I want to build a Lancaster for my co-worker in memory of his war hero uncle but do not know what variant the bomber was. Serial number was ME669. Anybody happen to know where I can look up the serial to determine the variant?

Thanks,

RODC

2

According to this page, it was a B.I

3

I can’t help you but good luck with that project!

4

Thanks Eric…I’ll post some pics.

I know the plane was a bit on the largish size so does anyone out there know offhand how big a finished 1/72 would be? I am contemplating 1/144 but not sure how toy-like it might look. Comments welcome.

RODC

5

1/72 is a good size and not too expensive, if you go for 1/48 there is only one choice and its the Tamiya one and it will cost you a lot. 1/72 will be about 12" long from memory

Phil

6

I have the Hasegawa B Mk1 in 72nd at home. Will be more than happy to pull it out and get a rough measurement this afternoon if you wish.

7

If you could that would be great Eric. Once built, the kit will need to be shipped to my co-worker (he works in Toronto, I’m in Newfoundland and so need something not too big to ship…

Thanks,

RODC

8

Approx. Length 12 inches, wingspan 17 inches.

9

And there you have it!

10

Thanks guys. After some more research, I settled on the Revell Germany 1/72 B1/BIII version and managed to get a great deal on two kits from evilBay. Next question…does anyone know where I can decals of a generic nature where all the letters of the alphabet are included along with the roundels? I could buy several different sets to get the letters I need but too me, that seems a little wasteful.

RODC

11

Hmm, I know Xtradecals makes codes in quarter scale but not sure about 72nd.

12

Check out the following:

www.hannants.co.uk/…/MD082

www.hannants.co.uk/…/KW72028

www.hannants.co.uk/…/KW72028

www.hannants.co.uk/…/X72126

13

Roll Models has some Xtradecal sets for Lancs in 1/72. Maybe you could assemble what you need from some of them. You could also use frisket paper or tape, make some stencils and paint the markings yourself.

14

The other option is masking and painting… shop.maketar.com/…/aircraft-insignia-markings-172

15

You’ve probably found it already, but in case you haven’t, this particular aircraft’s call letters were ZN-O.

16

Guys thanks for the pointers regarding the decals. Phil, thanks for the call letters. I have the serial number but does anyone have any photos of ZN-O or know if the plane was named by the crew?

17

If you still need markings…try CanMilAir.com Contact him and he may be convinced to make the exact set you need.