The Junkers Ju52/3m started flying in 1931 and served with several airlines in the period before World War II. During the war it was the workhorse of German forces and remained in service for many years later.

One of the classic aeroplanes, the Junkers Ju52 began life as a single engine freighter but tests with three engines were so successful that very few single engine versions were made.

Construction of the Ju52/3m began in 1931 with civil and military versions being produced, 230 alone serving with Lufthansa.

During World War II a second production line was established at the Amiot production line in France and some were assembled in Hungary.

They flew on all German fronts of the war and, in all, almost 5,000 had been manufactured when production ended in mid 1944.

More than 400 were produced in France after the war and another 170 in Spain.

This model represents a Luftwaffe freighter version.

Airfix 1/72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in March 1998.