Avro C.1 York
Building this Avro York model presented a unique set of challenges, as it was based on the Tamiya Lancaster kit, which required significant modifications. The construction employed a modular approach, similar to the real aircraft's design.
Dedicated to Megas Tsonos
Construction began with the creation of scale plans based on Air Publication 2484A. Fuselage frames and wing spars were then designed and fabricated from photo-etched brass. Using Lancaster factory drawings and Avro York technical documentation, the wings and engines were corrected to accurately reflect the York's unique features. The entire fuselage interior, landing gear, and flaps were scratch-built.
Completed in 2021, the model depicts G-AGJE of Skyways of London as it was during the Olympic flights to Helsinki in July and August 1952.
Historical Background
Avro C.Mk. I York, Construction Number 1211 was built at AVRO Ringway site, registered as G-AGJE to BOAC and entered service on 27 December 1944. It was militarised as MW129 in July 1945 and operated by BOAC in conjunction with 216 Squadron, in RAF Transport Command livery. It returned to BOAC, was de-militarised as G-AGJE and named “Middlesex”. On 8 May 1949 it was registered to British South American Airways (BSAA), originally named “Star Way” and later “Panama”. On 5 August 1951 it entered service with Lancashire Airways Corporation (LAC) and it was later transferred to Skyways of London in July 1952. From the 22nd of same month it was used to transport the British and Canadian equestrian teams from Filton and Blackbushe airports to the Olympic Games in Helsinki. A prominent Olympic logo was applied on both sides of the nose section and attracted lots of media attention due to this unusual role. Over the course of August G-AGJE and G-AGOD made a total of 22 Olympic flights carrying the returning British, Canadian and USA teams plus 400 other competitors and equipment. After this brief period of fame G-AGJE returned to its usual operations with Skyways for four more years and was scrapped at Stansted airport in October 1956.
Recommended Reading: Lancaster to York, Derek A. King, Air-Britain, 2018
British Equestrian team at Blackbushe Aerodrome, 30 July 1952. Foxhunter and Lt-Col H.M. Llwellyn won the only gold medal for Great Britain on the last day of the Games.
(From: Foxhunter in Pictures, H.M. Llwellyn, published November 1952 by Hodder and Stoughton)