The Avro Lancastrian was a civil conversion of the Lancaster bomber. It’s armament was replaced by a small passenger cabin and freight compartments. Qantas Empire Airways flew four of these aircraft between 1945 and 1952.

The first Lancastrians were built in 1943, converted from Canadian built Lancaster bombers into civil airliners.

This was a success and eventually 91 Lancastrians were built, some converted from bombers and some purpose built.

Because of their basic design they could carry only 9 passengers but were suitable for carrying mail and VIP passengers.

Qantas and BOAC flew Lancastrians on the Kangaroo Route between Britain and Australia including four Australian registered aircraft which saw service between 1945 and 1952.

They also flew to other destinations and VH-EAS made the first Qantas flight to Norfolk Island in 1947 and South Africa in 1948.

This model represents VH-EAS flying for Qantas Empire Airways in 1948.

Amodel 1/144 kit with Hawkeye decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in May 2022..