Avro Lancaster B Mk I
	In September 1936 the Air Ministry published specifications calling for a twin-engine bomber to be powered by Rolls Royce engines. A. V. Roe & Company took up the challenge and developed the Avro Manchester, this was to develop into one of the most significant bomber aircraft of all time the Avro Lancaster. This was born out in a an excerpt from a letter from Sir Arthur Harris to Sir Roy Dobson of Avro. "The Lancaster surpassed all other types of heavy bomber. Not only could it take heavier bomb loads, not only was it easier to handle, not only were there fewer accidents with this than with any other type throughout the war, the casualty rate was also considerably below other types. I used the Lancaster alone for those attacks which involved the deepest penetration into Germany and were, consequently, the most dangerous. I would say this to those who placed that shining sword in our hands - Without your genius and efforts we could not have prevailed, for I believe the Lancaster was the greatest single factor in winning the war." Lancasters carried out a total of 156,000 missions and dropped 608,612 tons of bombs. Of the 7,377 aircraft built in the four years of combat service 3,249 Lancasters were lost in action, only 24 Lancasters completed more than 100 successful missions. Today few aircraft survive but those that do serve as a tribute to all those who served in World War II.
Scale 1:144     Wingspan 8.5" (216 mm)   Base size 7.67" (195 mm) square (No. 5) Weight not including stand or base 17 ozs (487 grams)