VV's Air Police Auster **Finished**

[VickersVandal]

As one of my builds, I will make the trusty Air Police Auster. This kite gets wheeled out for just about every Air Police short story. I far prefer the short stories over the full length books from the Air Police era of the series, so I've always wanted the Auster in the collection.
I will probably give it an all-over yellow scheme, as per a number of the book covers: http://www.biggles.info/;

As for registration lettering, I haven't quite decided yet. A few options pop up from cover art and illustrations.


I'm using the 1/72 Airfix kit. Typical vintage Airfix offering. I'll scratchbuild some cabin detail but otherwise not go to town on it.

[Stuart]

Nice - I've always wanted to try that kit.

[VickersVandal]

I can't say it's a nice looking kit building wise. I was half considering hunting down the AZ version in its place....but since I have it, might as well use it.

[VickersVandal]

Righto, it's officially 1st of September here at the antipodes (you lot are always a bit behind the times apart from my kiwi compatriots) and time to get this road on the show.

I've started by removing the pilot's bum peg from the cockpit sidewall and cleaning up some ejector pin marks and the like, in preparation for scratchbuilding a bit of detail.

One side of the fuselage sort of done.

[TobyC]

You lucky bloke. I've got to wait another 8 hours. It's always great starting a kit. For those of you who fly fish you'll probably liken it to seeing a fish about to take the fly.
Looking forward to seeing this VV

[Stuart]

Nice!

I wish I had something to start :( ...

[splash]

I built the Auster last year here is the link to show you how I modified the cockpit to show the complex framework seen in the Auster. http://www.uamf.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f= ... 9&start=30

You will enjoy the kit, it's old but builds up well and takes up very little space.

Regards Splash

[VickersVandal]

Splash, that is a fantastic build and exactly what I'm aiming for with this. Thanks muchly for linking to that!
Hoping to push on with this tonight. I've ben trying to finish up my Guns of Aug GB Triplane, so that has taken bench time at the moment.

[VickersVandal]

End of term is killing me! I wasn't expecting this tsunami of work. My group build efforts are limited to posting on other people's builds in between marking

Hopefully the air will clear around the middle of this week and I can forge ahead.

[VickersVandal]

Right, lets see if Maker's Mark and I can make a dent in these....

[VickersVandal]

A bit of cockpit detail starting to take shape. Seats came from splitting a passenger bench out of a HE-70. Scratchbuilt IP.

[splash]

Nice start. The IP and seats look good.

Splash

[VickersVandal]

Thanks splash

Here it is assembled with basic tape belts, along with something that looks like fancy radio equipment. With the huge amount of glass I wanted at least some cabin detail to keep it looking busy.

[Stuart]

Cool!

[despondman]

Nice work on the cockpit.