Subject: RUHR EXPRESS - Canada's first built Lancaster

Canada's 150th Commemorative Paint Scheme
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KB700 "RUHR EXPRESS"
Canada's 150th Commemorative Paint Scheme
As part of Canada's 150th celebrations this summer, our Lancaster will be flying with the paint scheme of Lancaster KB700 "Ruhr Express" - Canada's first built Lancaster bomber.
David G. Rohrer, President & CEO, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum -
“In celebration of the 150th birthday of Canada, we could think of nothing more significant in aviation than recreating the look of the first Canadian built Lancaster. We were the only country outside of England to produce Lancasters, and produced a total of 430.”

“The Lancaster is an iconic aircraft that made a major difference in World War Two. Victory Aircraft in Toronto employed almost 10,000 men and women to build them. This contribution was a very significant step in the advancement of the aviation industry in Canada, and it’s one we wanted to recognize as part of our 150th Anniversary.”

Ruhr Express and the Road to Victory
The first day of August 1943 was a proud day for the workers of Victory Aircraft Limited and for all Canadians. Sixteen months after the arrival of the blueprints had arrived at Malton, the first Canadian built Lancaster KB700 rolled off the assembly line; an impressive accomplishment. Named the Ruhr Express, much publicity was made of its christening, first flight and its departure to England. It was an occasion for which the country could be proud.
On 2 January 1945 the Ruhr Express was returning to England following its 49th operational mission, a raid to Nuremberg, and while landing at its home base, KB700 experienced hydraulic problems. The aircraft ended up in a farmer's field where it collided with a trench digger, rupturing its fuel tank. The crew escaped but the ensuing fire destroyed the aircraft. The loss was sad because the plans were to fly the Ruhr Express back to Canada following its 50th mission for a triumphant return and as a memorial to the Canadians who built and flew Lancasters.
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Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum 
9280 Airport Road, Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0 
1-877-347-3359
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, 9280 Airport Rd., L0R 1W0, Mount Hope, Canada
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