Lancaster tribute takes flight in Lincolnshire

A new sculpture is honouring Lincolnshire’s RAF heritage.

A life-sized Lancaster Bomber sculpture, named On Freedom’s Wings, has been installed near Norton Disney, between Newark and Lincoln. 

The 29-metre-high steel artwork, designed to appear in flight toward the former RAF Swinderby station, honours World War Two bomber command crews.

Nottingham-based structural engineers BSP Consulting designed the main plane structure, podium and foundations, working alongside Timmins Engineering, Hutchinson Engineering Services and Jessops Construction. 

Carl Hilton, managing director of BSP, said: “In 2018, we were selected to explore the possibility of designing a life-sized Lancaster art installation on a hill in Lincolnshire.

“A little bit different we thought from the usual schools, commercial offices and industrial parks that we are involved with in our day-to-day work.

“Our approach was to digitally scan a real Lancaster aircraft and create a detailed 3D model. 

“The resulting model allowed us to integrate a structural steel framework and apply the necessary loadings, primarily the self-weight of the frame and the wind forces acting on the structure.

“By simulating stresses and deflections, we could test different configurations and refine both the inclination and height of the aircraft. 

“After much iteration, we, as a team agreed on the most striking position, one that ensures the Lancaster can be clearly seen from the nearby A46.

“Fast forward seven years, and this vision has now become reality with the installation at Norton Disney.

“The team at BSP Consulting is pleased to have played our part.”

Dubbed the East Midlands’ Angel of the North, the sculpture will be visible to thousands of motorists daily along the A46.

While the plane is now in place, landscaping, CCTV, an entry system and a car park are still under construction, with the site set to open to visitors this autumn.

The Bomber County Gateway Trust, which which first mooted the idea of creating a life-sized monument of a Lancaster Bomber in 2017, continues fundraising to cover the remaining costs of the nearly £1 million project.

To donate, visit Bomber County Gateway Trust - JustGiving

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