AZ Models Auster AOP.5

[acklington]

This AZ Models Auster AOP.5 is a modified version of their AOP.3 kit, with a new resin engine and revised cockpit. I drilled through the resin engine so that the prop can rotate, but otherwise the model is 'out-of-the-box', with added aerials, bracing wires, and new smaller bracing struts.

It hasn't photographed well due to the prominent surface detail, but it looks ok in the flesh.

The paint scheme dates to early 1951, showing TW456 'ROD-F' of 1965 Flight of 664 Squadron at RAF Ouston, Northumberland. There were four detached flights with the HQ of 664 Sqdn being at RAF Hucknall, Notts. The 'ROD' code was only used from Sept 1949 to April 1951, after that it was just individual letters, and 1965 Flight was probably allocated letters 'F' to 'J'. TW456 was sold by the RAF in 1954, becoming G-AOHA, but was soon sold to Paraguay.

TW456, ROD-F, 1965 Flt 664 Sqdn, Ouston c 1951 (1) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
TW456, ROD-F, 1965 Flt 664 Sqdn, Ouston c 1951 (3) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
TW456, ROD-F, 1965 Flt 664 Sqdn, Ouston c 1951 (8) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
TW456, ROD-F, 1965 Flt 664 Sqdn, Ouston c 1951 (10) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr
TW456, ROD-F, 1965 Flt 664 Sqdn, Ouston c 1951 (14) w by Philip Pain, on Flickr

[ian531]

Another great addition to your collection
Ian