Some data I dredged out of the books on the Grand Slam carrying Lancaster, which might help understanding the issue regarding operating in an overloaded situation - and let's face it, the Lancaster's MTOW did increase carrying the Grand Slam, but not all Lancasters could carry the Grand Slam, only specially modified ones.
Take off figures for the B.I Special with an MTOW at 72,000lbs - note, this is for information only and not designed to prove a point - I've been adding these snippets about the Special Lancs because they are very different to normal service aircraft owing to the modifications made to them.
Take off at 72,000lbs, 1,080 yards, with +18psi boost, 3,000 rpm and 20 deg flap. Landing at 60,000lbs, 1,070 yards, with full flap. Estimated tropical summer conditions increase these distances by 25%.
With a weight of 70,000lbs, max rate climb is 590 fpm at MS gear and 370 fpm at FS gear. Full throttle height MS, 10,300 ft, FS, 16,200 ft. Tropical summer conditions show a marked reduction in these figures: 370 fpm at MS gear, 170 at FS gear. Full throttle height 8,800 ft MS, 14,700 ft FS. These figures are based on ICAN standards.