Last surviving Wellington bomber arrives at RAF Cosford

The last surviving Wellington bomber of the Second World War completed its slowest-ever journey yesterday when it was transported from London to the RAF Museum at Cosford on the back of a lorry.

The legendary bomber was dismantled for the 145-mile journey to Cosford, where it will undergo what experts call the "mammoth task" of restoration.

Built in 1942, the aircraft's fabric covering is in need of restoration which only experts at the world-famous Michael Beetham Conservation Centre at Cosford can carry out.

The aircraft arrived at the centre yesterday afternoon wrapped in green plastic to protect it on the M1, M6 and M54 motorways.

Its wings, tail and engines had been removed by technicians before the journey.

Tim Wallis, manager of the conservation centre, said: "This is a very exciting day as the bomber has arrived to begin what could be a four or five-year conservation.

"The fuselage has arrived and the wings will follow in a couple of weeks. We are going to begin by removing the old fabric from the frame as it has begun to harden and needs replacing.

"We will survey it for structural damage and corrosion before replacing parts and restoring her to her original condition."

A team of 21 including experts, apprentices and ex-army and RAF officers will complete the work.

In 1939 the Vickers Wellington was the best bomber Britain had, capable of carrying 4,500lbs of bombs and flying at 235mph.

More than 11,000 were built and many survived the war but this is the only one that remains in its original condition.

Since 1972 the Mk X which appeared in the 1955 film The Dambusters has been a favourite attraction at the RAF Museum in Hendon, London.

Open days are being planned at Cosford for visitors to watch the experts at work as the aircraft is restored to its former glory. The next one will take place from November 15 to 20.