Auster Antarctic (A01023V) ~ Build Review

[Ratch]

As this is a Vintage Classic, first sold in 1958, I think a full review would be rather superfluous. But as this has new clear parts, to ignore it would be remiss. So don't expect a full-blooded review. This is just a look at how the kit stands up today.

The runners were rinsed in warm, soapy water, then left to air dry. A pilot is provided, but there are no painting guidelines for him. Being an R.A.F. aircraft of the 1950s, I have elected to paint him in a thermal flying suit. There isn’t much to the cockpit, just a vast, open space, awaiting scratch detailing by the adventurous modellers out there. Or if you build purely for nostalgia, you may just build straight from the box like me.

The biggest job so far has been the masking of the canopy. There may well be aftermarket masks available, I wouldn't know, and being old school I like to have a go at cutting Tamiya Masking Tape.

[Ratch]

I primed the canopy black initially as this will show as the interior colour.

[Ratch]

The assembled wings fit snugly onto the new clear part. 

With three undercarriage options of floats, wheels, or skis, there is much variety and the number of parts for the build are reduced, making assembly fairly simple.

Make no mistake, it is not as positive as the Hornby era tools. As one might expect from moulds over sixty years ago, the is some latitude or wiggle room. Some will see this as an aid to the build, others will find it frustrating. Those building this kit out of nostalgia will not be put off by the soft locations, as they are de rigueur for kits of the 1950s.

[SD45elect2000]

Hi Ratch,

At some point would you pose this model with perhaps a Spitfire to get an idea of its size?

Randall

[Ratch]

I'll try to remember to do that, Randall.

I primed with white and then airbrushed the Humbrol Acrylic Dropper Bottle DB0024 No. 24 Trainer Yellow – Matt, straight from the bottle, un-thinned.

[Ratch]

 I airbrushed Klear as a base for the decals. As a precaution, I cut the large, under wing serials between WE and 600, fearing the struts would interfere with them. As it was, I re-aligned them between the struts.

[Ratch]

I brush painted the anti-glare panel. I then completed applying the decals using Humbrol Decalfix.

[Ratch]

I brushed a protective coat of Klear. When that had dried, I could remove the masking.

In summary, I am impressed with the newly tooled clear parts. I was a little apprehensive about how they would go with the original parts, but I can report that they go together seamlessly. For a kit that originates from 1958, it is a pleasant build. There is room for the modeller to add detail and if care is taken with the undercarriage/ski/float assembly, the result should satisfy the builder. Thanks as always to Airfix for providing this kit for review, the options in the box offer a good variety of builds and therefore the possibility of repeat purchases. I already have another in my stash that I intend to build as an Army Co-operation aircraft with conventional undercarriage.

[Ratch]

The Taylorcraft Auster was a British military liaison and observation aircraft, first produced in 1942.

In 1955, two T.7 aircraft were modified for use on the 1956 Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition and was designated Auster Antarctic (Auster Model C4). It was equipped with additional radio equipment, larger tail surfaces, and had the capability to be fitted with skis or floats. The aircraft performed re-supply missions.

[DoubleD]

clap - I too enjoyed making this. The only problem I found was making a good job of the struts that attach to the skis

[Ratch]

Thanks Dale, and yes, the undercarriage is the trickiest part of the build.

[paul71]

its turned out well a nice looking kit

[Ratch]

Thank you Paul, a nice quick build.

[Matthias Muth]

Very nice build. Thanks.

I had made my once from the first issue, so now the decals are much more better.

Matthias

aka modelldoc

[Ratch]

Yes they are, and thank you very much Matthias.

[SD45elect2000]

Very neat finish, I like it .

Randall

[Ratch]

Thanks Randall, I added aerial wires to the Auster today. As you asked me to picture it alongside a Spitfire for size comparison, here it is. I had the F-35 on the bench too.

[Ratch]

Corrections done.

[SD45elect2000]

Thank you Ratch, I see that it will take up the same amount of shelf space as the spitfire, that was my goal. I can certainly fit one in !

Randall