Last weekend I was shown a photo of an Eggesford based Auster J1, that was recently purchased on ebay on behalf of the owner. Nothing is known at all about where or when and I’m hoping that someone here might be able to shed a little more light on the subject.
The Auster here first flew on the 6th June 1946, so it cant be before then of course. On the cowling above the words ‘Auster Distributors’ is the name of a company which is difficult to read, but we can make out that the first and last letters of the first word are an L and an E and the rest is Flying Services.
Apart from that we know nothing. What appears to be a Chipmunk tailwheel is behind (but thats just a pure guess).
Best wishes to all,
Martin
By: Auster Fan - 19th December 2005 at 10:28
The more the merrier. I always since a little kid (a long time ago now) for some reason besides Harvards liked Austers and it wasnt until a few years ago that I managed to fulfill my ambition. Now, I just happen to live in the South West and thus am near some Auster enthuiasts and owners that operate a number of the type out of Eggesford in Mid Devon. Through their generosity I have managed to fly in 11 different ones now. I cant thank them enough.
Martin
Me too. Austers are the reason I got into aviation in the first place (specifically G-ARNB and G-ASFK). There is at least one other (infrequent) poster on this forum who is an Auster Club member with his own J/1N. Only had a few flights myself so far (G-AHHH and G-AGVN (I think – haven’t got my logbook to hand), although I did get a trip as an ATC cadet in the D5/180 XW635 (now G-AWSW) in 1978.
By: T6flyer - 18th December 2005 at 20:36
Would you happen to own a Yak-18?
Neil
Umm no, thats Martin Robinson you are thinking about. Also has in partnership the prototype Auster AOP.9 WZ662 (G-BKVK) which is currently up for sale.
Best wishes,
Martin Pengelly
By: BlueRobin - 16th December 2005 at 22:43
Would you happen to own a Yak-18?
Neil
By: T6flyer - 16th December 2005 at 22:31
The more the merrier. I always since a little kid (a long time ago now) for some reason besides Harvards liked Austers and it wasnt until a few years ago that I managed to fulfill my ambition. Now, I just happen to live in the South West and thus am near some Auster enthuiasts and owners that operate a number of the type out of Eggesford in Mid Devon. Through their generosity I have managed to fly in 11 different ones now. I cant thank them enough.
Martin
By: Auster Fan - 16th December 2005 at 19:48
Thanks, we are all Auster Club members so will give them a call and see what can be found. Thanks also to Albert for yet another wonderful photo and Mr Langham for your advice, it is all so much appreciated.
It was just one of those brief moments waiting for the fog to lift in order to go flying that talk got around to the photo. Will report back this weekend and if I discover anything new then, will be back on this thread in due course.
Air to Airs were taken successfully of the Mk.3 on Sunday so if possible will try and post some here in due course and Robert, everything is still fine for your flight next year in her. No problem at all.
Best wishes to all,
Martin
Mmmm – time I rejoined methinks 😮
By: RPSmith - 15th December 2005 at 15:38
Leicestershire museums have a dedicated volunteer for Auster enquiries, i was told by someone working for them, could ask them for you if you like
Is that Peter Stoddart? If not he, an ex-employee of Leics Museums, is an expert.
Roger Smith.
By: T6flyer - 15th December 2005 at 13:38
I will try and get the photos this weekend when go back there for a proposed trip to Kemble on Sunday. Last time we got as far as Garston Farm and had to land there, due to fog at our destination. December is normally the month of the year that I never get any flying in (too much shopping to do), but have already had the AE-1 and a Chipmunk and probably a Mk.9 for the Kemble trip. I dont realise how lucky I am at times.
Martin
By: Rlangham - 15th December 2005 at 13:31
Excellent, cheers! Would love to see photos of the Mk III as well, still have my 1/48 scale model of one in my room to finish when i get the time.
By: T6flyer - 15th December 2005 at 12:38
Martin – have you tried the Auster Club Heritage Group (see the club website for details)? They might be able to help. Alternatively, try Leicestershire Museums service, as they hold the Auster archives as far as I know.
Thanks, we are all Auster Club members so will give them a call and see what can be found. Thanks also to Albert for yet another wonderful photo and Mr Langham for your advice, it is all so much appreciated.
It was just one of those brief moments waiting for the fog to lift in order to go flying that talk got around to the photo. Will report back this weekend and if I discover anything new then, will be back on this thread in due course.
Air to Airs were taken successfully of the Mk.3 on Sunday so if possible will try and post some here in due course and Robert, everything is still fine for your flight next year in her. No problem at all.
Best wishes to all,
Martin
By: Rlangham - 15th December 2005 at 10:38
Leicestershire museums have a dedicated volunteer for Auster enquiries, i was told by someone working for them, could ask them for you if you like
By: Auster Fan - 15th December 2005 at 09:28
Martin – have you tried the Auster Club Heritage Group (see the club website for details)? They might be able to help. Alternatively, try Leicestershire Museums service, as they hold the Auster archives as far as I know.
By: ALBERT ROSS - 14th December 2005 at 23:33
G-AIGD
Well, unfortunately there is NO reference book anywhere giving a production list and history of each Auster, which is LONG overdue! Alas even this problem has had me scratching my head! Now considering the Austers were built at Leicester, might that be the first word? Meanwhile, here is my oldest photo of this machine taken at Burnaston on 19th June 1988.
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December 14, 2005 at 5:45 pm