My Grandfather served as a Flight Engineer on Lancasters in WWII. He served with 100 & 166 Squadrons for two tours before moving to Lancaster Finishing School as an instructor. His Operative record didn't end there though as he was subsequently posted to 582(Pathfinder) Squadron where he survived having to bale out on Christmas Eve 1944, landing somewhere in the Ardennes, fortunately being found by the Allies first. He has not automatically accepted as a British NCO as there were rumours at the time (and these days we know why) of German soldiers in Allied uniforms. He managed to convince the British officer that captured him that he really was air crew because they both knew the same pub in Kirmington. He flew home with an ENSA party and got back on Christmas Day.

Anyway, I built this model as a Christmas present for him this year, having found a decal sheet that featured some 100 Sqn aircraft. HW-R survived the war with more completed sorties than any other Lanc. I'm not certain if my grandfather ever flew in her (he doesn't have all his log books), but he was at 100Sqn around the time the aeroplane arrived on the base.

This was the first model I decided to build on returning to the hobby - there's nothing like putting pressure on yourself! I hope people like it and think it a worthy tribute to the men of Bomber Command.









The kits used are Airfix's Lancaster BI / BIII, Airfix RAF Refuellign Set, Airfix RAF groundcrew, some pieces of Italieri's diorama accessories and a nuber of kits from D J Parkins which included PE detailing for the Lanc, the Trolley Acc kit and the bomb train. D J Parkins were very helpful, helping me replace the friver of the Fordson tractor that I managed to lose during the build, so i think they deserve a little plug :-)
http://www.djparkins.clara.net/djp_smap.htm

I like it!! There is no better feeling than reproducing some historical event. Especially when you build it from the info from someone who was part of the history. You did a great job on the Lancaster and the whole scene is well balanced. You did your Grand Father proud with this one. Bravo and Three Cheers

Excellent work Pilgrim! You honor your grandfather and us with this excellent dio, it will make a great addition to the campaign!