The Junkers Ju-52/3m is well-known to most airplane enthusiasts. It was used as a transport aircraft during WWII by the Germans. Hitler also had one at his disposal when flying around the Reich. Several are still flying today.

Specifications

Crew: 3
Passengers: 15-17
Wing-span: 29.25 m
Length: 18.9 m
Cruise-Speed: 210 km/h
Max-Speed: 250 km/h
Range: 1300 km
Weight: 5,720 kg
Max weight. 10,500 kg
Ceiling: 5900 m
Engines: 3 x BMW 132A-2
Armament: None

Because of the corrugated iron sheeting, this otherwise popular aircraft is extremely difficult to model. In this thread, I will first concentrate on modelling the corrugation, before the actual design can begin.

I was very lucky last week, meeting an elderly Spanish gentleman who used to be a paratrooper, but who was now restoring the Junkers Ju-52/3m that he used to parachute out of. He invited me to see the restoration project, and I have loads of photos of the airplane, both inside and outside. The aircraft had two gun turrets and a bomb bay! The biggest impression, however, was how thin the corrugated aluminium skin really is. My guesstimate would be 0.8mm (1/32″). Anyway, it was a privilege talking to this man, and hearing about the aircraft and his life as a paratrooper after the war. Great stuff!