7 Comments on “Austin-Craft Wood Model Kit on eBay”

1. mike Finegan November 14, 2018 at 12:42 pm

   This brings back memories, (what else is new Mike) Uncle JJoe had a balsa wood Jeepster kit that he kept in his desk drawer, he never assembled it. As a kid in the 1950’s, I always wanted it, Unc never gave it up, wish I had it today, came in a yellow & black box much like a featured Jeepster color of that era.
2. Paul Biddle February 7, 2020 at 5:34 pm

   My Uncle, Clarence Shook, helped design the transfer case for the Willy’s. He also founded Rancho Supply 4WD products. I worked there in the 70’s. I acutally just picked up some Austin-Craft models, including a Willy’s Jeep!
3. David Eilers Post authorFebruary 7, 2020 at 7:21 pm

   Paul,

   Did your uncle help design the original transfer case or the later model transfer cases? If it’s the original one, I’d love to get any stories about the development you might have.

   Thanks,

   – Dave
4. Bonnie L Lesny August 25, 2021 at 2:30 pm

   I have one already built by my Uncle who was in the Army. He sent it to my Aunt for Christmas in 1943.
   blesny@wowway.com
5. Bradley Austin August 11, 2022 at 1:30 pm

   Walter Austin started Austin craft they also made parts for Walt Disney a friend of his
6. David Eilers Post authorAugust 11, 2022 at 1:36 pm

   Hi Bradley,

   Thanks for that information. I don’t know much about the Austin Craft Company.

   – Dave
7. JohnB August 11, 2022 at 6:03 pm

   I checked on a model kit history site.
   They do list the Austin Craft kits, but unusually, they don’t give an exact date of initial release, just giving “194X”.

   They also list 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 ton trucks.