Lancaster NX 611 was built by Austin Aero Ltd at their Cofton Hackett Works just south of Birmingham in April 1945 and was was intended to be used against Japan as part of the RAF's Tiger Force. However, the surrender of Japan meant it never saw action.

NX611 was operated by French forces over the Atlantic and Mediterranean, and later the Pacific after being redeployed to New Caledonia (its service in the far East included bombing raids during the First Indochina War). In 1964, the French donated it to the Historical Aircraft Preservation Society, who flew it back to the United Kingdom and subsequently flew it for several years. However, the society could not afford the aircraft's operating costs and it was put up for auction in 1972. The Panton brothers attempted to buy NX611 as a memorial to their brother but were out-bid and it became a gate guardian at RAF Scampton. The Pantons were able to subsequently buy it, with the condition that it remain at Scampton as gate guardian until 1983. In the event, it remained there until 1987.

In 1987, NX611 was brought to East Kirkby. It was given the name Just Jane and a restoration programme begin in 1992, with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engines being restored to running condition. The Lancaster is used for regular taxi runs, which raises some of the money needed to maintain and restore it and hoepfully bring it back to flight. 

Note: East Kirkby Air Museum (Lincolnshire Avaiation Museum) is a superb family run museum with many special events throughout the year and well worth a visit. Full details can be found on their website.