Airfix A08022 Junkers Ju-52/3mg4e

The Junkers Ju 52/3m is one of the most easily recognisable transport aircraft of the 20th century. It was developed in the early 1930s as an evolution of the Junkers range of single-engine transport aircraft, continuing the tradition of all-metal construction with corrugated skinning pioneered by Hugo Junkers as early as the 1920s. The single-engine prototype took to the air in October 1930, but the aircraft only really made its mark in the three-engine ‘3m’ variant, which quickly established itself as a transport aircraft for Deutsche Lufthansa. Its distinctive corrugated duralumin skin, low-wing configuration and three BMW 132 radial engines made it one of the most iconic silhouettes of its era.

As the Luftwaffe was being built up, the Ju 52/3m was put into military service – initially, due to a shortage of other types, even as a bomber, a role it was tested in under combat conditions during the Spanish Civil War. Ultimately, however, it found its true calling as a transport and paratrooper aircraft. Ju 52s transported supplies, the wounded and paratroopers in virtually all German campaigns – in Norway, the Netherlands, Crete, North Africa and on the Eastern Front, where, amongst other things, they took part in attempts to supply encircled forces by air. In addition to transport duties, the aircraft was also used as an air ambulance, a glider tow plane, a seaplane and, in one variant, even as a mine-clearing aircraft fitted with a large metal ring beneath the fuselage. In total, nearly 5,000 of these aircraft were built. The military transport version, the G4E, differs from earlier models in that the tail skid has been replaced by a tail wheel – a feature that the kit accurately reproduces.

The Airfix 1:72 scale kit is a glue-together model comprising 218 parts and, once completed, has a wingspan of 444 mm. The entire airframe features a corrugated skin texture, typical of Junkers designs. Modellers can choose from three colour schemes and make use of the colour assembly instructions. The difficulty is rated at skill level 3, making this kit suitable for more advanced beginners as well as experienced modellers; the manufacturer recommends it for ages 8 and over. For transport aircraft, it is customary to apply subtle panel line highlighting and weathering effects consistent with intensive service. The pack does not contain the paints or adhesives required for assembly.