British Antarctic Expedition 1955

[Tiger_mate]

I would like to depict the 1955 British Antarctic Expedition in an oil painting, and seek some clarification that my fellow PPruners may be able to assist with.

The aircraft used at the time were Beaver and Auster in addition to Austers from NZ & Australia.

Airfix would have you believe that the Austers were all over yellow.
The RAF Museum at Cosford have an Auster Antarctic on display which is very much orange all over. The same aircraft was yellow when shown at the RAF 50th Anniversary at Abingdon.

I would like to think it unlikely that the RAF Museum got it wrong; but if they did, I do not want to compound the issue and rewrite history on canvas.

If anyone has any credible information or has in their collections photographs taken on the ice at the time, I would very much appreciate your input. I am also interested in the SnoCats which I can be reasonably certain of were orange, as there is an unrestored example at Wroughton Science Museum Collection.

http://forum.keypublishing.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=78244&d=1114827292

[Tiger_mate]

The Australian and New Zealand Austers were orange.

It is the UK examples that I need confirmation on.

[DaveReidUK]

I assume you have seen the RAFM's history of their Antarctic, WE600 ?

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/documents/collections/1989-0305-A-AUSTER-T-7-WE600.pdf

Confusingly, it states:

25 May 51
No.20 Maintenance Unit, RAF Aston Down, Glos (Aircraft Storage Unit). Delivered in glossy silver overall colour scheme with training yellow fuselage and wing bands, Matt black anti-glare top panel and black lettering.

8 Jul 55
To Auster Aircraft Co. for modifications - conversion to a C.4 (Auster Antarctic)
Painted overall bright orange for high visibility.

68
Repainted in trainer yellow, replacing the Antarctic orange colour scheme.

2007
Further refurbishment by RAFM technicians at the MBCC Cosford, including rear fuselage fabric and cockpit door repairs, and repaint into original [sic] overall yellow paint scheme, of which evidence was found during the refurbishment.

[Tiger_mate]

I had not seen the RAFM PDF which is most usefull thank you. Given the sister aircraft (which ground looped in Tasmania) was definately orange, and the PDF supports the same, I think the decision is made and Airfix got it wrong.

I appreciate the comments, thank you. I'll let you know how I get on with the painting.

[cooperplace]

you could ask the British Antarctic Survey, they're based in Madingley Rd., Cambridge: https://www.bas.ac.uk/ If they're like every other branch of British science based in Cambridge, they'll have a keen sense of history and excellent records. I can add that they are outstanding people.

[longer ron]

In his delightful book Rearsby Recalled - Les Leetham describes the Aircraft as being fabric covered to the civil scheme (lighter than military),and the finish as Bright Orange,he also says that civil wing tanks were fitted (self sealing not reqd) giving 16 gal per side.

Les was a wartime Wireless Op/AG - at the completion of his first 'tour' he managed to retrain as a Pilot - awarded his wings near the end of the war.
Postwar he had an interesting working life with Auster - initially employed as a Fitter but later became Fitter/Test Pilot.

[Tiger_mate]

The painting composition is now established and despite the desert like solitude of the Antarctic, I have decided upon quite a busy scene inclusive of both DHC Otter and Auster aircraft. The RAF Museum had some; not all, right in their restored aircraft. The colour is correct; the markings are not, and therefore period photographs will be my guide.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Dec-2016/984204-28DEC16.jpg