Pitting image

SIX years in the making, this full-size replica of a Lancaster bomber cockpit is the incredible passion project of 85-year-old Norman Groom.

The pensioner travelled the country during the 1990s tracking down all of the original equipment from aero jumble sales.

Every part of the cockpit, including a green leather pilot’s seat, was then placed with precision in the 6ft high by 15ft long section of the Second World War aircraft in his garage.

The retired electronics engineer, who was given access to the Imperial War Museum in London, is confident “every rivet is in the right place”.

The cockpit is up for grabs at Flints Auctions in Newbury, Berks, today and is expected to fetch £150,000.

REPLICA Not even a rivet is out of place

WHAT A FEAT Norman Groom with his cockpit

TEST PILOT Nephew Antony Turiano in cockpit

ICONIC The WW2 bomber

IN CONTROL Norman sits in the pilot’s seat