GPM Ju-52/3m

[popala]

I've been working on this guy for a while. It's a great model but the design makes it easy to misalign things. The interior is very detailed and it breaks my heart when I think that I'll have to close it off :(


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/th_GPM_Ju-52_02.jpg (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/GPM_Ju-52_02.jpg) http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/th_GPM_Ju-52_11.jpg (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/GPM_Ju-52_11.jpg) http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/th_GPM_Ju-52_04.jpg (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/GPM_Ju-52_04.jpg) http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/th_GPM_Ju-52_05.jpg (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/GPM_Ju-52_05.jpg) http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/th_GPM_Ju-52_07.jpg (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/GPM_Ju-52_07.jpg) http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/th_GPM_Ju-52_08.jpg (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/GPM_Ju-52_08.jpg) http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/th_GPM_Ju-52_12.jpg (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/GPM_Ju-52_12.jpg) http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/th_GPM_Ju-52_13.jpg (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/GPM_Ju-52_13.jpg) http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/th_GPM_Ju-52_14.jpg (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/GPM_Ju-52_14.jpg)

[rickstef]

can't you make a removable fuselage to showcase the cockpit?

Rick

[member_3]

Interesting coincidence...I was just studying my copy of this kit. I think I'll watch you for awhile before putting a knife to mine. Beautiful cockpit so far! The throttle stand is particularly impressive.

[dansls1]

Looks excellent - nice clean build!

[cgutzmer]

Super work! I do love those throttles.
Chris

[Golden Bear]

Wow!! Beautiful build! You really should find a way to open that up to show it off particularly after you are done with all the seats and whatnot. That's too much great work to hide.


Carl

[popala]

Thank you everyone for the kind words.

Rick/Carl:
Now that you've mentioned showing off cockpit, I remember seeing somewhere a picture of this very model displayed with a removable top. I'm a bit apprehensive of such a big modification do to my limited experience and the fact that I only have one copy of this book so if something goes wrong, I'm SOL.

OldTroll:
If you get started on the model and hit any roadblocks, feel free to send me a note. There also was a construction report of this model buried somewhere on Kartonbau (massive forum).

Paul

[Golden Bear]

Paul, if you are up to the effort you could scan and print some parts to do a test build just of the external skins to see if you can work out the issues. That way you can save your nice printed parts for the actual build.


Carl

[popala]

Paul, if you are up to the effort you could scan and print some parts to do a test build just of the external skins to see if you can work out the issues. That way you can save your nice printed parts for the actual build.


Carl

I don't have a scanner or a color printer but really it doesn't matter. The copy doesn't have to be precise - just good enough to get an idea of what needs to be modified, so I can copy it B&W at work on a standard copier.

Thanks for the idea and motivation Carl :)

[member_3]

The same thought crossed my mind regarding the Orlik S.M.79 I have started. It does have a bit more "greenhouse" than the Ju-52 so all the goodies inside are a bit more visible (and not as pretty as yours!) A little bit of strangeness on the S.M.79 model - there are four sets of throttle/engine controls despite it being a 3-engined craft - perhaps one is for the spare in the trunk?

[popala]

The same thought crossed my mind regarding the Orlik S.M.79 I have started. It does have a bit more "greenhouse" than the Ju-52 so all the goodies inside are a bit more visible (and not as pretty as yours!) A little bit of strangeness on the S.M.79 model - there are four sets of throttle/engine controls despite it being a 3-engined craft - perhaps one is for the spare in the trunk?

Ron, we're thinking in the same categories. As we speak (type) my wife is visiting Poland and she already bought me a copy of Orlik SM79. It seems that we like the same things just in different sequence :) Would you please consider posting some pictures??

[Gharbad]

That is an absurd amount of detail.
I've never seen one like it!
Just plain amazing.

[member_3]

Against my better judgement I have started a build thread for the S.M.79 with the few photos I currently have.

[Clashster]

Beautiful cockpit! It does seem a shame to close it up!

[Johnny]

The cockpit looks very nice Paul!!
I'm looking forward to your construction report on this one, since I have the same model planned for next year.....or later this year :)

[popala]

As promised here is a short update.

The model is very difficult to keep straight. For all the formers in the cockpit and the tail section, the middle has only the floorboard, without any additional formers. Unlike in Halinski or recent Orlik models that rely on a built up former structure, the correct alignment of this huge model's fuselage, rests on the hopes that a modeler can make pretty straight cuts on the few formers that come together with the floor.

The stiffness of the middle section relies on creating a box from the two sides and the floorboard. I really don't like this construction method. It feels flimsy and it makes alignments unnecessarily difficult. This model makes me appreciate Halinski so much!

The flimsiness can be seen especially well in the second image.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/th_GPM_Ju-52_15.jpg (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/GPM_Ju-52_15.jpg) http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/th_GPM_Ju-52_16.jpg (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/GPM_Ju-52_16.jpg)

[Clashster]

That is amazing the lack of formers! Still, I have faith that you will do this justice! Looks great so far and good luck with the next step!

[Johnny]

Really nice Paul!!

There is a buildthread here
http://www.kartonmodell-forum.de/forum/thread.php?threadid=2038

Nice to have as a reference if you didn't already have it.

[dansls1]

I was thinking about how to make sure you get the center section square - and had an idea. What if you make a 2 lengthwise 'formers' that are rectangular exactly the correct length to press fit between the front and back formers of that center section. When you put them in it'll make that whole section straight and allow you to glue the sides on without having to worry about twisting / warping until they dry. Once you have both sides on, it should be square and strong enough to pull out those temporary formers.
Hopefully that made sense - typing quickly.

[popala]

Thank you very much Johnny, it is always nice to have a reference, especially with this model.

Dan, we're thinking along the same lines. I thought exactly what you said above, that I will need to add something to keep the floor straight for assembly.

As I was looking through the pictures from the thread Johnny linked above, I realized that I should be able to add a couple straight, lengthwise formers under the floor at 90 deg angle to the floor. To avoid damaging the model later in the build, I can assemble the center wing structure right now and make the necessary adjustments to it before attaching the sides. With care and lots of test fitting everything should fall together nicely and I wouldn't have to remove formers after attaching the sides, leaving the construction much, much stiffer :)

Thank you for the link and the idea :)

[popala]

Short update: I used Dan's idea to add some structural support and it worked out quite well. In order to make the changes though, I had to build the center wing structure to make sure that the modifications can be done safely. The notch you see in the center was made to accommodate the added support.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/th_GPM_Ju-52_17.jpg (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/GPM_Ju-52_17.jpg)

The floor is now perfectly level and stiff and the slight bend you see in the photo is an optical illusion, thanks to the lens I used. I checked the floor after applying the support with a ruler and it is perfectly flat. It is also much, much stiffer.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/th_GPM_Ju-52_18.jpg (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/popala/GPM%20Ju-52%203m/GPM_Ju-52_18.jpg)

Once again thank you Dan and Johnny :)

[Don Boose]

It's a treat to see this craftsmanship!

[dansls1]

Looks square in the picture! Glad to see the progress ;)

[rlwhitt]

This is really looking great! I'm glad you're doing this build - it's one of the top of my pile and am glad to see the warnings and advice about the pitfalls!

[CMDRTED]

Thanks for the advice, this one is in my pile also!

[GreMir]

I didn't know that school buses were camouflaged :D

That was really peculiar way to design this model - heavy cockpit and tail and the largest part of the plane supported only by the floor and the skin...
Your solution should take care of this handsomely - great work!

[Johnny]

The plane is designed to have the two sides made of double paperzize,approx 0,4-0,5mm total thickness,and that should be quite enough to support the roof and the stuff on the inside.But I guess that it's a fragile construction no matter what.It must be a challenge to get the sides straight and unbuckled...
I like such planes where the inside is very visible :)

Great work paul!!
Looking forward to the next step.

[B-Manic]

nicely done, looks like it will provide enough support to get the sides on without everything flopping about.

[popala]

Thank you for all the kind words guys :o I really don't deserve them.

The plane is designed to have the two sides made of double paperzize,approx 0,4-0,5mm total thickness

Johnny, one of the sides is printed on just regular paper so the thickness never reaches .4-.5 mm. It is only the outside that is printed on the card stock... :(

[Johnny]

I see! I just thought I remembered from going through the kit when I first bought it.
But if you look at Waltairs build,it seemes he got it pretty straight,and I guess you will do the same if I know you right :)

[Leif Ohlsson]

Paul, some of those details in your very first picture from the cockpit and the small knobs placed beside needles for scale must be among the smallest and cleanest cut I've ever seen. I am very impressed by, and happy to watch, your work. Thanks, Leif

[popala]

Leif, thank you for the kind words. I have to admit that I have been following your modeling exploits since the Halinski Airacobra enlargement. Your work is very inspiring.

[Golden Bear]

I've got to add my applause to the rest. It is a pleasure to see such a neatly done kit. And your execution of the detail is very clean. I bought this kit when it came out and stared at the interior detail for a long time. Then I put it on the shelf which it now shares with the Vimy, Mosquito and SM79. I think living through your build vicariously might be enough for me on this one.



Carl

[popala]

Thank you very much Carl.

I will not have an update for another couple of days, because it is taking me a long time to attach the sides. Not only that there still is some play around the area where the added piece ends, the model is not designed to make things easy to align :(

[Gil]

Paul,

You're forging ahead on a flawlessly executed model. I've figured out how to make the corrugated paper covering but haven't got up to cracking open the model. Needless to say I am really glad that you are taking the plunge. Thanks for that!

+Gil

[airdave]

any chance we could see the build photos? or some finish photos?

maybe someone can pull some of the build thread from kartonmodell-forum?
I can't register there, so I can't view this model info.

[Rubenandres77]

any chance we could see the build photos? or some finish photos?

maybe someone can pull some of the build thread from kartonmodell-forum?
I can't register there, so I can't view this model info.

I finally found the thread at Kartonbau.
The plane was finished 13-09-2009.
There are some nice photographs. But not too many.

Looks like this fine modellist made a very nice job on the Tante Ju.

Apparently, he chose the option of a detachable roof of the cabin to be able to see the interior.

Kartonbau.de - Alles rund um's Kartonmodell... | abgeschlossene Bauberichte | GPM Junkers Ju-52/3m [FERTIG] (http://www.kartonbau.de/wbb2/thread.php?threadid=20055)

It's a big bird. Very big.

For those who cannot see the original thread at Kartonbau, I grabbed three of the final photos:

73509

73510

73511