It has been announced by the Newark Air Museum that at the beginning of April it will be embarking on one of the most ambitious repainting projects it has ever undertaken; on Avro Shackleton WR977. This will be carried out with major support of the aircraft’s owners, the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association’

Unlike previous repainting work on museum aircraft, scaffolding work platforms will be installed around the Shackleton. This will allow the de-corroding, rubbing down and repainting to be carried out is a safe and efficient manner.

The current plan is to install scaffolding around half of the Shackleton and to focus the work effort on this section of the aircraft. Once the work has been completed the scaffolding will be repositioned on the other side of the aircraft, where the balance of the work will be completed.

To support this work programme and to minimise the length of time that the scaffolding is on hire, the museum has launched an appeal for volunteers; with the aim of working on the project as and when the weather allows, seven days a week. Details of the appeal can be found in the News & Events section of the Newark Air Museum website www.newarkairmuseum.org 

Avro Shackleton WR977 was moved from RAF Finningley in spring 1977, just prior to Her Majesty the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Review of the Royal Air Force. WR977 is believed to be the longest serving Shackleton Mk3 Phase 3 airframe to have flown with the RAF.

Tags: 2016, February, Newark Air Museum, News