A massive life-size sculpture of a Lancaster bomber will be installed beside the A46 highway this weekend, marking the completion of a project eight years in the making. The steel structure, designed to honor World War Two Royal Air Force crews, was first revealed to the public in September of last year and will now be transported to its permanent location in Norton Disney, a village situated between Newark and Lincoln.
The sculpture's wings will be transported from Timmins Engineering in Market Rasen to Bomber County Gateway in Norton Disney on Saturday, with the convoy departing at 9:00 AM BST under police escort. Each wing measures an impressive 14.5 meters (47.6 feet) in length, 5.96 meters (19.6 feet) in width, and 4.8 meters (15.7 feet) in height. Lincolnshire Police have warned motorists to expect significant traffic disruption, as the transport vehicle will move slowly with speeds dependent on road conditions.
Charlie White, chairman of the Bomber County Gateway Trust leading the project, expressed his excitement about the milestone achievement. "It's been a long time coming, but this weekend it will come to fruition," White stated, adding that the sculpture would be fully completed by Sunday. The assembly process will present considerable challenges, requiring two cranes to lift the massive structure and tilt it to create a realistic flight-like angle.
The ambitious project first began as an idea nearly eight years ago, with the official launch occurring on April 1, 2018, coinciding with the RAF's centenary celebration. White emphasized the educational value of the landmark, explaining that the site will eventually be opened to allow visitors to walk underneath the sculpture. "In the future we will open the site up so people can walk underneath it," he said, noting that the installation will help educate people about "what the RAF did for our county."
Lincolnshire Police have asked for public patience during the transport operation, acknowledging that road delays can be frustrating for travelers. The steel frame for the sculpture was initially unveiled last year, generating significant public interest and support for the memorial project dedicated to honoring the brave RAF crews who served during World War Two.
