Bye bye Thumper!

[Trevatanus]

I am told that the BBMF Lancaster flew to Duxford today where she will be serviced and repainted in a new identity over the winter.
Exciting times ahead!

[ecsrobin]

Trevatanus said:

I am told that the BBMF Lancaster flew to Duxford today where she will be serviced and repainted in a new identity over the winter.
Exciting times ahead!

Speaking to a friend who is one of the engineers a few weeks ago he mentioned it was a 2 part service where the paint job won't happen until next winter.

[Simpo Two]

Given the vast cost of maintaining such a/c how much does a 'new identity' paint job cost? Wouldn't the money be better spent on something mechanical?

[FourWheelDrift]

Simpo Two said:

Given the vast cost of maintaining such a/c how much does a 'new identity' paint job cost? Wouldn't the money be better spent on something mechanical?

Perhaps the paint is protective and needs re-applying and they are taking the opportunity to change scheme?

[darker grapefruit]

I was expecting a touching story about a deceased pet rabbit. Disappointed.

[aeropilot]

Simpo Two said:

Given the vast cost of maintaining such a/c how much does a 'new identity' paint job cost? Wouldn't the money be better spent on something mechanical?

Given that MOD now have to contract out this work (used to be done in-house at RAF MU's back in the good old days) that is certainly a valid POV. When the major's and deep services were done in-house by the MU's, a re-paint (not whole a/c, just the nose art done) was always done, as it was the RAF's way of honoring as many WW2 crews/aircraft as possible, and they are still trying to adopt that policy.
I've got rather 'attached' to Thumper though, one of my favourite of all the scheme's worn by PA474 over the decades.

Kind of a shame to see it replaced.

[Sylvaforever]

http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/theaircraft/lancasterth...

got some dust in my eyes after reading that...

[Trevatanus]

Information on the new schemes
http://www.aerialcombat.co.uk/2016/10/two-new-pain...

[FourWheelDrift]

Trevatanus said:

Information on the new schemes
http://www.aerialcombat.co.uk/2016/10/two-new-pain...

I guess the 4 ice cream cones on the side are for the 4 raids on Italy?

[brenflys777]

Always get dust in my eye seeing the Lancaster. On 24th October at 1233 hours in 1942 RAF Lancaster W4251 of 57 Sqn took off from Scampton and was never heard from again. The crew of 7 including my great Uncle Sgt Heffernan were reported missing and the bodies and wreckage found 16 years later.

[Lincsblokey]

Surely the title should be 'bye bye thumper paint scheme'

PA474 willl ALWAYS 'City Of Lincoln'

[ecsrobin]

Lincsblokey said:

Surely the title should be 'bye bye thumper paint scheme'

PA474 willl ALWAYS 'City Of Lincoln'

I can see a lot of complaints inbound for BBMF about it loosing the city of Lincoln scheme. I think is nice to have a change though.

[williamp]

probably a vinyl wrap to appeal to the yoof innit, Something wikkid and proper military like...:

[FourWheelDrift]

Mario Balotelli's - http://www.businessinsider.com/mario-balotteli-gav...

New owner took it off.

[Eric Mc]

ecsrobin said:

I can see a lot of complaints inbound for BBMF about it loosing the city of Lincoln scheme. I think is nice to have a change though.

I'm sure it isn't losing the Lincoln crest.

The Lancaster has carried many different representative schemes in the 40 plus years it's been operated by the BBMF. However, it has always carried the City of Lincoln crest.

1974s -



1996





Later 2000s



Nowadays it is just shown on the starboard nose.

Edited by Eric Mc on Friday 28th October 12:22

[Lincsblokey]

ecsrobin said:

Lincsblokey said:

Surely the title should be 'bye bye thumper paint scheme'

PA474 willl ALWAYS 'City Of Lincoln'

I can see a lot of complaints inbound for BBMF about it loosing the city of Lincoln scheme. I think is nice to have a change though.

Its not losing City Of Lincoln name or crest, just squadron marking on rear 3/4

[ecsrobin]

Lincsblokey said:

ecsrobin said:

Lincsblokey said:

Surely the title should be 'bye bye thumper paint scheme'

PA474 willl ALWAYS 'City Of Lincoln'

I can see a lot of complaints inbound for BBMF about it loosing the city of Lincoln scheme. I think is nice to have a change though.

Its not losing City Of Lincoln name or crest, just squadron marking on rear 3/4

That's good so it's a 3/4 paint job on the starboard side?

[Sylvaforever]

When did it have the God ring quote?

That was my fav.

[Mutley]

Sylvaforever said:

When did it have the God ring quote?

That was my fav.

God ring?

[Eric Mc]

Is that a spellchecker trying to correct "Goring"?

If it is, the answer is "never". The Goring quote has never been carried by PA474. However, it is on the Lancaster on display at RAF Hendon, "S for Sugar".