Lancaster online fundraising campaign underway
Museum goes global in support of Lancaster project
People from across Canada and around the world will get a chance to help the Alberta Aviation Museum fund the restoration of a historic wartime military plane. The museum, based in Edmonton, has begun a fund-raising drive on the online site Kickstarter. It will help cover the cost of moving Lancaster KB882 from Edmundston, NB to Edmonton, AB and restoring the airframe for display.
“Warbird enthusiasts around the world have been watching what happens with this iconic aircraft,” says Troy Kirkby, an AAM volunteer who is coordinating the online fund drive. “Many have said they would like to make a contribution to ensure KB882's future.”
Gordon Ross of Calgary is one of those delighted to see the aircraft being restored. His father, Flight Lieutenant Allan Ross, piloted the Lancaster during most of its wartime missions. “My father was very proud to fly a Canadian-made Mark X version of the Lancaster during WWII. KB882 deserves to be restored and honoured for her lengthy contribution to our national defense.”
KB882 was built in 1944 at Victory Aircraft in Toronto for the Allied war efforts. It flew about a dozen missions overseas, and was returned to Canada at the war's end. In the late 1950's the aircraft was put back into service by the RCAF flying Cold War reconnaissance missions over the high arctic. One of its secret roles was to monitor Soviet ice stations. The aircraft was operated by 408 Squadron out of Ottawa until the mid-1960's. The Squadron is now based at the Edmonton Garrison flying Griffon helicopters.
The AAM plans to keep the aircraft in its post-war 408 Squadron configuration, which would make it a “one-of-a-kind” attraction. Plans also include restoration of the four Merlin engines, so people can hear the characteristic growl of these long-forgotten power plants.
The Kickstarter campaign will be largely run on social media. Contributors will have the chance to receive commemorative merchandise including artwork, t-shirts and coffee mugs. The campaign will run until mid-December with a goal of about $88,000. This will be one of a number of efforts by the museum to raise the funds needed to bring KB882 to its new home and complete the restoration work. Total cost of the project is estimated at several million dollars.
People wishing to contribute can click here or visit the AAM website at www.albertaaviationmuseum.com.
For more information contact:
Steve Finkelman
Communications Coordinator
Alberta Aviation Museum
steve.finkelman@albertaaviationmuseum.com
780-996-6102