The Little World

The discovery of an unbuilt civilian version of the Ju-52 by Italeri in a legacy sale meant it could join the other post-war airliners at Flugplatz Strelsau.

The Lufthansa colour scheme was tempting, but I could see the problems that might arise trying to get large block letters to snuggle down into the corrugations on the wing. I’d already experienced this with a Heller kit in Czech markings. So I chickened out and opted for the Swiss roundels and limited lettering on the sides of the fuselage.

In the end I am happy, as the Swiss plane has more colour in engines and tail. As it was, it was a multi-application exercise to get the decals to lay in – Mr Mark Setter to begin with and then several rounds of Mr Mark Softer. I daresay a Micro product would have done as well.

The kit has always been a good one – I’ve built a South African military version before. The flaps and ailerons were problematical only in their small attachment points and all ended up being double glued. The landing gear was perfect – going on precisely even if it was three-pointed.

And this time the windows have gone in unblemished – always a risky point with any aircraft model. You heave a sigh of relief that sounds like Typhoon Tracey when the masking comes off and no cement patches or paint leaks appear.

I hope the shade of the old club mate who originally bought this model is pleased to see it built. Thank you, Harry.