The girls seen in the photo offered to move out of the way but I asked them to stay to give a sense of the scale of this huge aircraft

A73-45 was one of two Lincolns given to the Sydney airport fire service in 1959, the other being A73-27.

Delivered in 1948 and spent its life with various test units. Fitted with a nose section c1952 to test radar equipment and was delivered to the RAE at Farnborough in 1954. Later used for various trials including windscreens, target banners and towing equipment. It made its last operational flight on 21st April 1961 and was SOC on 3rd May 1961. Delivered to the Fire Fighting School at Stansted 27 June 1961 it was burnt in 1966/67.

This Lincoln (RAF RF342) served as a research and test aircraft, first for Napier in icing research and then for Cranfield University. It was unique for being fitted with the nose section from Lancaster TW911 and featured nose graphics representing various wing and tail sections of aircraft fitted atop in icing tests. Seen here in 'B' Class markings, it was also flown under registration G-APRJ. When the Southend museum closed it was dismantled, the nose going to the US but large sections ending up with the Moorabbin Air Museum in Australia where a slow restoration process has recently begun

On final approach, the four engine aircraft was too low and struck a sea wall, causing the right main gear to be sheared off. The airplane crash landed on its belly and came to rest. All seven crew members were unhurt while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

A 10 Sqn long-nose Lincoln takes off from its base at Townsville, The special reconnaissance version of the bomber had a nose stretched 2m to accommodate three sonobuoy operators. 1961 was the end of the line for the Lincoln as 10 Sqn prepared to transition to the Lockheed SP-2H Neptune. Robin Page photo

The third prototype Lincoln, in use with the College of Aeronautics for several years before being scrapped in 1961

Configured for use as a Flying Test Bed for the Rolls Royce Derwent engine.

Delivered in Tiger Force markings - white upper surfaces and sides, black undersides - for intended use in the Pacific campaign during World War II. Japan surrendered before the RAF Lincoln squadrons were deployed. Photo from: Imperial War Museums

DND photo.

Withdrawn from use in 1957 and sold for scrap in 1959. Photo from: Air Force Museum of New Zealand

RAAF Lincolns undertook long-range navigation training exercises across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand. A73-8 was sold for scrap in 1959. Photo from: Air Force Museum of New Zealand

Transferred from the RAF to the RAAF during weapons testing in South Australia. Grounded and scrapped in 1953. Photo from: National Archives of Australia

Delivered between 1947 and 1949, the last Lincolns were finally retired from service in 1967 and replaced by A-4P Skyhawks. Previously displayed with incorrect serial as 'B-017'.

Photographer not known. This aircraft is now the only surviving Lincoln in the UK, at the RAF Museum, Cosford.

Ex RE351 One of about four surviving Lincoln bombers can be found in the museum in Moron near Buenos Aires. Another Argentinian example can be found at Villa Reynolds air base.

The Mk.31 was Australian built version of the Lincoln modified for reconnaissance and later maritime patrol by fitting a longer nose. There were 20 aircraft so configured, half of which were used in the maritime role with 10 Sqn from 1953. These were contemporaries of 11 Sqn's Lockheed P-2Es. Airframe problems forced the retirement of the Lincolns ahead of 10 Sqn receiving P-2H Neptunes. A73-62 was sold for scrap in 1962. Photo from: Library and Archives NT

This photo appears to show A73-57 after a mishap in July 1956. Other photos of the mishap show it in a ditch from which had to be dug out. The RAAF card is missing and there is no record of the accident or its fate. A73-57 shows no obvious damage save for a possible bent undercarriage. Maybe the airframe was overstressed towing it out of the ditch with that large truck. Photo from: Library and Archives NT