New Tow vehicle for Sally B thanks to Kubota. Elly Sallingboe approached me as the company I work for, Kubota; manufacture a range of machines including tractors and asked if they would be willing to help us out.
I approached the managing director of Kubota Dave Roberts and asked whether there was any possibility that he would consider loaning Sally B a tractor. Dave immediately said he was sure that something could be done and tasked me with identifying a suitable size tractor. The Lancaster 'Just Jane' at East Kirkby is towed by one of the smaller tractors that Kubota make but the requirements at Duxford for Sally B are very different as we often have to tow her on grass and therefore need a machine with suitable power and traction specifications.
I went back to Dave with what I thought would be a suitable model; he kindly agreed and a plan was put into action.
Rob Fox from Kubota and Tim Ibbetts the local dealer from St Neotts then gave us full instructions on how to operate the tractor, so now we are all set to go and tow! Message to members of the Sally B Supporters Club. After a most successful 38th display season, our B left her summer residence on the flight line at IWM Duxford on the 23 October to go under cover in hangar T2 North where she is to begin her winter maintenance.
Over the coming months Chief Engineer Peter Brown and his team will be busy with yet another extensive annual inspection and maintenance programme.
