Airfix – A01023V – Auster Antarctic

Description:

Unassembled plastic model kit in 1/72 scale of a British Auster AOP.6 observation aircraft, developed in the late WWII to replace the fleet of Taylorcraft Auster in service for the same role. The kit depicts a very specific Auster AOP.6, the so called Auster Antarctic.

In 1955, two T.7 aircraft underwent modifications for deployment in the 1956 Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition, earning the designation Auster Antarctic (Auster Model C4). These aircraft were equipped with additional radio gear, enlarged tail surfaces, and the versatility to be outfitted with either floats or skis as per expedition needs. Notably, they were coated in a vibrant yellow hue to enhance visibility amidst the snowy and icy terrain

Kit consists of just 39 plastic parts and include decal with one single marking for the British 1956 Antarctic expedition. In the past the kit was usually tooled in yellow color, but the last “vintage classics” reedition is molded in grey color. The kit has the under-skis landing gear option, wheeled or floats landing option is provided too.

There is an important difference between 2023 edition and previous releases of the model, in Airfix catalogue since 1958, together with a mold restoration a new clear part has been tooled, and in this case is not only a canopy since the clear part of this kit makes an important structural part where the wings attach. This new tooled part improves quality of the kit and assembly process around one of the main visible areas of the kit.