Like the USAF C-47, the Junkers Ju 52 tri-motor was first built in the 1930s and remained in service for more than a quarter century. It made its maiden flight in April 1931, and three years later a heavy bomber variant entered service with the German Luftwaffe. The latter version formed the nucleus of the Luftwaffe's early bomber force, which was used with great effect during the Spanish Civil War.

By 1939, the Ju 52 was obsolete as a bomber, but because of its durability, simplicity of design, and handling characteristics, it continued to serve throughout WW II as a versatile workhorse for the German transport fleet. Adolf Hitler even used a Ju 52 as his private transport. Ju 52s delivered the attacking forces and their supplies during the German invasion of Norway, Denmark, France, and the Low Countries in 1940. Later on, approximately 500 Ju 52s participated in the historic airborne assault on the island of Crete in May 1941 and later supplied Rommel's panzerwaffe operating in North Africa.

This particular 1:72 scale replica of a German Junkers Ju-52 troop transport was used at the multi-engine flight school at Thorn, Germany and employed in the Balkan Campaign during 1941. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 16-inches
Length: 10-1/4-inches

Release Date: March 2009

Historical Account: "Auntie Ju" - During its service, many variants of the Ju 52/3m were produced including the g5e and the later g7e, which was the major production version. An improved radio identified the Ju 52/3mg6e. While the g7e had a wider loading door and increased loaded weight and could be fitted with alternative wheel, float or ski undercarriages; additionally the 7ge featured an automatic pilot. The final production versions were the g8e, g9e, and g10e, which featured increased cabin windows size and a 13mm machine gun in a dorsal position.