Title: Just Jane: Progress on Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Bomber Restoration Project Edges Towards Completion
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In the receding heart of Lincolnshire, a dedicated squadron of volunteers affiliated with engineers from the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre in East Kirkby stand now, amid the crucial phase of an audacious project. Their task is the restoration of the iconic World War Two aircraft, the Lancaster Bomber named ‘Just Jane’, to a state fit for flight. This endeavour lies with one of the mere 17 bombers left from the 7,377 manufactured during the war, an endeavor of not just historical significance but immense personal value to the Panton lineage, who own the aircraft, and the centre.
The Panton family’s bond with Just Jane stems from a deeply ingrained desire to pay homage to their kin, Christopher Panton, who sacrificed his life during Bomber Command operations. Andrew Panton, who inherited this project from his forefathers Fred and Harold, dreams of actualising their vision of a flying tribute. The project’s symbolic magnitude is not lost on him. “It’s deeply stirring for me and every other person involved,” Andrew admits while brooding on the project’s import.
The restoration of Just Jane sprang to life in 2009. The endeavour of procuring engines and parts proving arduous. “There’s not a single part of the Lancaster that you can readily purchase,” reveals Andrew. Amid the crew of approximately 30, 20 of which are volunteers, each member is committing themselves to distinct segments of the aircraft, with elements procured from the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Among these volunteers is Rob Harvey from Bourne, an ex-RAF engineer engaged with the project over the past four years. His weekly visit to East Kirkby represents a commitment fueled by affinity, as he regards Just Jane as one of his beloved sanctuaries. In a similar vein, Jodie Elcock, owing to her time served at RAF Coningsby, finds personal satisfaction in continuing her lifelong dedication to aviation.
The project has also managed to secure the endorsement from television personality and motorcycle enthusiast Guy Martin, who has featured the aircraft in his own series of programmes. “I’m contributing to the cause,” declares Guy, lending a hand to steer the project’s intricacies.
Upon completion, Just Jane is set to become part of a select triumvirate of airworthy Lancasters on a global scale, joining a group led by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight stationed at RAF Coningsby. The projected day when Just Jane soars again will indeed signal a noteworthy episode for not just Lincolnshire but aviation devotees everywhere.
This article was rewritten by The Lincoln Post and derives from the original report by www.bbc.com.
