Canadian Lancaster restoration

After three and a half decades of exposure while mounted on a pylon at Toronto's waterfront, Avro Lancaster FM104 is now disassembled and safely inside a hangar at the ex-Canadian Forces Base at Downsview, Ontario, where it is now in the hands of the Toronto Aerospace Museum. The Lancaster was built at Malton, Ontario, in 1944 by Victory Aircraft and was delivered to Britain in January 1945 for final combat upgrades. However, the bomber did not fly on operations but it did serve with two Royal Canadian Air Force squadrons: No. 428 at Middleton St. George and No. 408 at Linton-on-Ouse. Returned to Canada in June 1945, the aircraft was to be modified as a Tiger Force craft for operations against the Japanese. The war ended and the Lancaster was further modified to serve in a new role as a maritime search and rescue platform.

During September 1962, FM104 made the last operational visit of a Lancaster to Britain when it visited RAF Cottesmore for a Battle of Britain airshow. Two years later, the Lancaster was retired from 107 Rescue Unit, Torbay, Newfoundland, and flown to Toronto where it was prepared for mounting on the pylon. Over the years, the aircraft has extensively suffered from the weather and vandals. Also, components were removed for installation on the Canadian Warplane Museum's flying Lancaster project.

When mounted on the pylon, FM104's electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems along with instruments and engine accessories were apparently stripped out to save weight. The museum hopes to restore the craft back to World War Two condition and anyone who can help with parts or donations should contact Andrew Walz, Lancaster Project Manager, Toronto Aerospace Museum, 65 Carl Hall Rd., Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3K 2B6.

Copyright Challenge Publications Inc. Jun 2001
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