I've just spent the last week touring the Western Isles of Scotland in an Auster and not just any Auster either, but this very example G-AMMS.
Today, I have sampled the completed model, by flying some circuits at Sleap in Shropshire (one of our stops on the journey North) and am ever so impressed with both the way that she looks and in the way that she handles. Its extremely close to the real thing and its a big thankyou to all involved for making this model of what is probably one of the most famous Austers ever built.
Built in 1951 by Auster Aircraft Ltd at Rearsby, it was retained by the company until 1954, being completed as a J5F, then modifed as a J5K (the only such aircraft) and J5L. The airframe was fitted, at various times, with a De Havilland Gipsy Major 1 of 130hp or a Blackburn Cirrus Major 3 of 155hp, and had the Auster Aiglet Trainer’s shortened wingspan (from 36 ft to 32 ft, to increase the aircraft’s roll rate) and strengthened structure to enable aerobatics to be performed.
It was in this very aeroplane that the 'Porteous Loop' or a loop with a flick roll in the top was first devised. Ranald Porteous was Auster's Chief Test Pilot.
“He took the Aiglet up one day at Rearsby in view of his managing director, Frank Bates. Porteous landed and approached Bates for a first-hand reaction. Bates regarded him quizzically for a moment, then replied: ‘Are you trying to tell me that was intentional?’”
Later on it was owned by British comedian Jimmy Edwards.
So, if you are looking for something different to fly, or something that is very very realistic, then please download this Auster. I'm going back for another little go now.
Best wishes to all,
Martin
Now available for download at http://www.classicbritishfiles.com/.
Thanks much for the Auster info as well as your great pics. I can only imagine the fun you had on your Auster adventure. :ernae:
