Spooky-style Junkers Ju52

KiwiZac · April 30, 2016, 10:08:44 PM

A few months back a friend brought round a bunch of kits and finished builds from his youth, and these have been a real help to my whif-type builds. Not long after, I found Italeri's 1/72 Junkers Ju52 (civil-decalled version) on clearance at the LHS so I snaffled it up with an idea. Among the items in the box from my friend were an old Airfix 40mm Bofors gun (repainted here) and an AC-47 Spooky (also built-up). So...

I had a bundle of .50cal MGs from an Italeri B-25 so these have been fitted into the windows and will be used for the turrets. As of coming inside for the night I've got the two repainted minigun pods and the Bofors installed on the floor, which has received a wood stain treatment:

Amazingly the Bofors on its platform fits through the side cargo door, so it all works out as a practical design. I toyed with having the door open to show this, but I think it'll be fine as is.

I think I'm also keeping the original engines as it's in keeping with my intended operator but I may proceed with a modernisation plan. I have started painting some of the control surfaces while they're on the sprue but you aren't gonna see them yet - it'll ruin the surprise! This build is for a GB at another forum so I don't to spoil it for any members of both sites.

Captain Canada · May 01, 2016, 07:16:33 AM

Nice work so far ! That thing is gonna be killer !

NARSES2 · May 01, 2016, 07:42:16 AM

Now for some silly reason I can see that in South African markings ?

Looks good Zac and when you think of it's and obvious conversion in real life

kitbasher · May 01, 2016, 09:28:22 AM

French Air Force in Frnch Indochina? Dien Bien Phu?

Army of One · May 01, 2016, 11:51:40 AM

Quote from: kitbasher on May 01, 2016, 09:28:22 AM
French Air Force in Frnch Indochina? Dien Bien Phu?

Genius.......and very well believable.........

KiwiZac · May 01, 2016, 06:53:03 PM

I have to admit the South Africans never entered my mind, even though my reference hunt showed up a lot of pictures of a restored one in the Republic! If only I had decals. I have, however, narrowed it down to two options which are equally likely at this point.....even though I've started paint for one...

The Gunship GB and the clearance offer on this kit really made me wonder why it hadn't been done. Hopefully I can address that.

dumaniac · May 02, 2016, 12:36:12 AM

nice blend of the old and the new

eatthis · May 02, 2016, 01:14:28 AM

1 is the structure of the plane strong enough for the firepower?
2 havnt seen a vcr for a while now lol

Devilfish · May 02, 2016, 11:23:43 PM

What worries me is, won't all but the rear two guns be over the wing?

Dizzyfugu · May 03, 2016, 12:33:06 AM

Very cool.

KiwiZac · May 03, 2016, 01:46:51 PM

Devilfish - quite right, I'm torn between a cam/elevation limiting system or re-gluing them with a slight upward angle. As it stands they shoot clear of the wing but as you're not the first to point this out, I better do something!

eatthis - 1. I think so, I'm leaning more toward re-engining to compensate though. 2. How else do I watch my old airshow videos?

Supertom · May 06, 2016, 10:00:49 AM

Zac, I think I actually do have some SAAF decals, if you need. Also, for more inspiration, might I suggest the AC-47T Fantasma?

KiwiZac · May 08, 2016, 01:39:28 PM

Thanks Tom, that's very kind! Unfortunately I've seen your generous offer far too late as I have opted for new engines, they're on and PSR has begun! I passed the Point Of No Return around 3pm yesterday.

After completing my 1WGB entry I was able to get back into the Junkers, and am having a lot of fun with it. It's been too long since I've participated in GBs and I'm having a blast. Speaking of blasts:

After this photo I angled each of the 50cals up to clear the wing, and muzzles rearward to sort-of converge on the 40mm and mini impact point.

And as I alluded to above, re-engining work has commenced. Hopefully there'll be a minimal amount of PSR on Saturday...famous last words...

Decals were sorted last weekend, and after the engine cowling work there'll be a bit more paint to go on but most of it is done.

Devilfish · May 09, 2016, 06:24:25 AM

I remember years ago in Warlord comic, there was a story of a Ju-52 fitted with 3.7cm cannons off a crashed Stuka.....

KiwiZac · May 13, 2016, 02:18:08 PM

That's awesome! If only I knew about it earlier, I'd have a use for my wrecked Academy Ju 87G!!

Time for a teaser! Saturday morning, I'm home alone so this baby is getting on the home straight.

I expect I can finish this this weekend, I did the backstory at work yesterday. Excited to see it done!