Lancaster at East Kirkby

[superian]

A visit to this old WW2 RAF base was a pleasant day out in glorious sunshine. There were two taxy runs scheduled for the day, the 1st at 1100 and the 2nd at 1330. The day started with a visit around the museum hangar where there is a Dakota stored. This is also used for taxy runs but not on the day we were there. Also in the hangar is a display of model set-ups and vehicles from the war era. The Lincolnshire Aviation Recovery Group have also displayed a collection of artifacts that have been recovered from around the area. At 1100 the tanoy announced the 1st of the taxy runs beginning. The sound as the four RR Merlin’s were fired up was amazing. The taxy lasted about 10mins and the ‘plane was halted and then ran up to 40% power….beautiful!! Then off for a spot of lunch in the NAAFI canteen. After a quick pit stop we looked at the rest of the museum. Outside of the hangar there is a variety of outbuildings that contain various displays and short film clips. The control tower has also been recreated. At 1330 the 2nd run began and, just like the first, the sound was tremendous. All in all, a worthy visit, especially if the Lanc is being fired up.

Avro Lancaster “JUST JANE” at RAF East Kirkby, Lincolnshire
























Douglas DC3 Dakota N473DC in the museum hangar






the control tower





various vehicles on show




this 1940’s unit took people on a guided tour of the airfield round the perimeter and onto the old concrete runway

[superian]

Credit goes to my Wife for taking these movie clips of the Lancaster “Just Jane’s” Merlin’s being fired up and rolled out for a taxy.
Ian.

[viscount]

Thats not just any old Dakota, but the C-47A "Drag em 'Oout" that was brought to the uk via Liverpool and was based here for quite a while a few years back.

[RICEY]

beat me to it brian. glad she is somewere safe and under cover

[vickersfour]

Ian.

I think that Lanc wants to go flying!

Its obviously kept in really good condition.

Cheers

Shaun

[Deleted]

Great shots. Do they still allow fare paying passengers to ride in the Lanc as she taxi's? Would love to have a go at that.

Is the Dak still flying or has she been permanently retired to the museum?

Here's a shot of her on finals for 27 when she was LJLA based.

[superian]

Hi ste-t, yes they do still allow paying passengers in the Lanc' here's an item taken from the East Kirkby website......

"The VIP Day
We offer special VIP days which are usually held on a Wednesday and are a whole day experience. The day starts at 9.30am with a briefing from either your pilot or/and a crew member and the day's co-ordinator. There are two tail down taxy runs on our VIP days one at 11am and the other at 1.30pm and places are limited to 18/20 people enjoying a taxy ride per VIP day. The 20 riders in the VIP party are divided into two groups with 10 on the 11am run and 10 on the 1.30pm run. The benefit of there being two taxy runs is that you ride on one and watch the other at close quarters. The taxy ride is completely unique and very different to the experience from outside the aircraft.

There is a lunch prepared especially for our VIP guests at 12 Noon. You can eat alongside the pilot and Lancaster ground crew providing you with another opportunity to ask them any technical questions and time to talk Lancasters! The VIP option offers you much longer inside the aircraft, boarding approx half an hour before your taxy run for your look around the first half of the aircraft, we also give you plenty of time after the run for you to complete your tour of the other half. All guests have the opportunity to sit in/visit each position throughout the aircraft whilst the aircraft is static and have the tour of the cockpit with the chance to sit in the pilot's seat. Whilst you are looking around the aircraft we have crew members on board to answer any questions you may have. Morning coffee, afternoon tea and homemade cake are also included on these days.
Guest option
There is also the chance for the person enjoying the taxy ride to bring a guest who gets the whole day, including a look inside the Lancaster and tour of the cockpit, but not the taxy ride for £50.00. The VIP day is run in a far more leisurely manner, providing you with time to absorb the airfield's history and sounds. Again all guests go home with a certificate signed by the pilot who has done the taxy run that day.

Price- £270.00 Places MUST be pre-booked!

For enquiries email:- [e-mail]

We sell gift vouchers for our Taxy Ride Experiences which are ideal for Birthdays and Christmas. "

The Dakota is still flying and has recently been over to Normandy for the D-Day celebrations. This is also available for taxy rides. Check out their website....

www.lincsaviation.co.uk

Better start saving!!!
Ian.

[ronturner]

A very good thread, and I regret I never got to East Kirkby when I lived in England.
I have mixed feelings about getting the Lancaster in the air. Sure, it would be great to see it fly again, but its such a rare beast, it would be a shame to lose it in an accident. At least by taxying, it could live on for ever in that wonderful setting.
RT