Sword 1/48 Taylorcraft Auster Mk.III

Background

The Auster was a license-built version of the Taylorcraft Model B manufactured in the UK. Unlike the US-built Taylorcraft, the Auster was constructed from heavier steel tubing and would be powered by a wider range of engines. In December 1938, the Royal Army evaluated the Auster for the Aerial Observation Post role after disappointing trials with the Westland Lysander. The Auster was drafted.

While the original Taylorcraft Model B was powered by a 55 hp engine, the Auster Mk.III was powered a 130 hp Gipsy Major (as reliable supplies of US-made engines were in doubt at this time). The Mk.III Auster would serve in the Royal Australian Air Force, RAF, RCAF, and in the Free Dutch Forces.

The Kit

The kit is molded in light gray styrene with vacuformed transparencies. As is typical of limited run kits, assembly will require the standard fit, sand, fit approach. Due to the simplicity of the kit (and its subject aircraft), this is an ideal kit for modelers who've never attempted/risked assembly of a limited run kit.

Assembly is rather straightforward with a few minor exceptions.

Care will have to be given in Step 4 as the internal fuselage framework is installed in the assembled fuselage. The cockpit transparency installs over the framework and this is where dry fitting of the vacuformed transparency over the framework-in-progress will avoid terminal frustration in Step 5.

In Step 5, the transparency is installed onto the fuselage and then the wings are glued to the vacuformed transparency (with wing struts to help hold things together). What puzzles me is the lack of a wing spar that would help hold the kit wings onto the fuselage. A tubular part is provided to represent this spar, but I believe it would be worthwhile to replace this with a section of brass rod that would extend into the wings and help hold everything together.

Markings are provided for three examples:

Conclusion

This kit is an ideal choice for modelers with little experience with limited run models. This is also a quick and fun build for a light observation aircraft for your scale flightline. This kit is highly recommended!

My sincere thanks to Squadron for this review sample!

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