Aeroplane Model - Avro Lancaster, 'G for George'

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Summary:: Aircraft History

One of the most important aircraft types of the Second World War, the Avro Lancaster was developed from one of the least successful bombers produced by A.V. Roe Limited, the Avro Manchester. The twin-engined Manchester, first flown in 1939 was prone to problems with its Rolls-Royce Vulture engines which frequently seized and caught fire as a result of poor lubrication. A decision to convert a Manchester with four Rolls-Royce Merlin engines and longer span wings as the Manchester III in 1941 was an immediate success and this version was put into large scale production as the Lancaster. The Lancaster entered operational service in 1942 and soon became the most numerous bomber type used in RAF Bomber Command's night bombing offensive against Germany. In addition to the Australians who crewed Lancasters in Royal Air Force squadrons, three RAAF squadrons in the UK (460, 463 & 467) were equipped with Lancasters.

Model History

This 1:32 scale model is painted to represent the well-known Lancaster Mk. 1, W4783 'G for George' operated by 460 Squadron RAAF from Binbrook in the UK. This aircraft flew 90 operations over occupied Europe in 1942-43 and was flown to Australia and toured in 1944 to raise money for the Third Victory Loan. It became part of the Australian War Memorial collection after the war and was displayed at the AWM in Canberra from 1955 to 1999. After a major restoration was completed in 2006, G for George is again on display at the Memorial's Federation Hall. This model was commissioned by the Museum and built by Dagra Models in the UK. It was displayed at the Jubilee of Flight exhibition at the former Science Museum of Victoria in 1953.

Discipline:

Technology

More information

Tagged with:	aeroplanes, bombers, military aircraft, model aeroplanes, scale models, wars conflicts
Themes this item is part of:	Engineering Collection, Public Life & Institutions Collection, Transport Collection
Primary Classification:	AIR TRANSPORT
Secondary Classification:	Aircraft
Tertiary Classification:	model propeller aircraft - military
Model Scale:	1:32
Modelmaker:	Dagra Models, England, Great Britain, 1953
Manufacturer of Item Modelled:	A. Roe, England, Great Britain, 1941-1945

Comments

Kevin Peters Posted on 16 Dec 2009 7:29 AM

I like for you to consider revising your aircraft history description to state "three RAAF squadrons, 460, 463 and 467." 463 was stood up as a separate squadron in Oct, '43 from C flight of 467 stationed at RAF Waddington and my uncle, Sgt Albert John Smith (DFM) was a tail gunner in 463 sqn from Oct 43 to end of war.
Regards,
Kevin Peters.

Kevin Peters Posted on 16 Dec 2009 7:29 AM

Discovery Centre Posted on 16 Dec 2009 1:06 PM

Hi Kevin. Thanks for your feedback. We have referred your comments to our History & Technology staff for them to consider.

Discovery Centre Posted on 16 Dec 2009 1:47 PM

Hi Kevin. We have heard back from our History and Technology Curators and they have amended the text. Thanks for your valuable feedback.

LIONELGRECH Posted on 16 Feb 2010 11:56 PM

When I was a young lad during the war my father sent me a model of the Lancaster made of "tin" with a wing span of about 3 ft. Was this made specially for me do you think or do you think there was a model maker making these. It was a superior make. The wings and body came separately and then you attached them to the body. Any information would be welcome.

Discovery Centre Posted on 17 Feb 2010 3:36 PM

Hi Lionel, thank you for your enquiry. We have referred the details to one of our History and Technology curators for their expert opinion. Once we have heard back from them, we will be in touch.

Discovery Centre Posted on 26 Feb 2010 3:10 PM

Hi Lionel,

Our staff in the History and Technology Department have said that they looked at all the information available and cannot identify a likely maker. Many such wartime toys were produced by RAAF mechanics as gifts for family and friends using materials ‘acquired’ around airfields.