Shackleton gets a repaint

Work has recently started on repainting Avro Shackleton WR977 at Newark Air Museum. This project forms part of the museum’s ongoing restoration and maintenance programme on the large aircraft displayed at its site on the former Winthorpe Airfield in eastern Nottinghamshire.

This Shackleton Mk.3 Phase 3 aircraft is owned by the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association and is on long-term loan to Newark air Museum. WR977 was originally displayed at RAF Finningley but in 1977 it was dismantled and moved by museum volunteers and reassembled.

In recent months a significant amount of surface preparation and de-corrosion work has been undertaken all over the airframe. The repainting phase of this project was started at the nose and in due course will move aft along the fuselage.

The distinction between the freshly painted nose section and the slightly faded sections of paint on the rear fuselage and bomb bay doors is evident in the attached photograph. This former maritime patrol aircraft is regularly open to the public, where for the small additional fee of 50p visitors can look around this impressive Cold War veteran.

For more information go to: www.newarkairmuseum.org

Photo: Howard Heeley - Down To Earth Promotions

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