1/700 Junkers Ju 252 Transport - (x2) Gear Down 3D Printed - Rare Luftwaffe Bird

Description

NO RESERVE. We're offering here a beautifully detailed set of two 1/700 scale Junkers Ju 252 models that have just come out of the 3D printer! The Ju 252 was the Junkers-Dessau project office's successor to the highly commercial success of its Ju 52/3m airliner. While it retained the trimotor arrangement of its famous predecessor, it offered increased capacity (35-passengers), payload (a maximum of 52,911 lb.), range (4,100 miles with a normal load), speed (max 272 mph) and sported fully-retractable landing gear, the replacement of the crude corrugated metal skinning, a pressurized fuselage and the adoption of the Trapoklappe , a hydraulically-poered ventral loading ramp which, when fully lowered (it could also be half lowered for aerial cargo drops), actually raised the tail of the aircraft from the ground to provide a level freight deck that allowed vehicles to be driven beneath the fuselage and unloaded directly onto the ramp. The Ju 252 V1-V3 began flight testing in the winter of 1941-42. The first production prototype, the Ju 252 V4 was the first to incorporate defensive armament in the form of an EDL 131 dorsal turret that was also used on the remaining 11 additional machines delivered to the Luftwaffe in 1942. While they were excellent aircraft, it was determined that there should be no disruption of the Ju 52 production lines
and that any replacement must make minimum demands on supplies of strategic materials. In fact, a wood-constructed adaptation of the Ju 252 design, the Ju 352, was produced although it was vastly inferior in performance. The ease of loading bulky freight, the substantial internal capacity and relatively high performance led to the Ju 252 being retained for select transport missions and clandestine special assignments such as agent-dropping over North Africa. None of the fifteen Ju 252s survived the war.
This is certainly the only model of a Ju 252 ever produced in 1/700 scale. And the set offered here actually includes two
different
models: (x1) with the Landing Gear Down and (x1) with both the Gear and Cargo Ramp Down. The detail of the 3D printed models offered here easily rivals and likely exceeds comparable Pit-Road white metal and WEM resin models but we've posted high resolution photos so you can judge for yourself. Note that the Pit-Road Ju 52 model in photos #9-10 is shown for scale reference and historical context only and is not part of this auction. Check out the well proportioned model including the massive fuselage complete with the EDL dorsal turret, the wings, engine nacelles, the tail assembly, the landing gear and extended cargo ramp on one of the models.
The surfaces of the model are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers) but the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene. The models may still have some powder and oil-like agent on them that can be removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent added to it.
These outstanding Ju 252 models should be a welcome addition to any wargamer's or 1/700 modeler's collection, particularly those interested in Luftwaffe special transport and clandestine operations. Please take a look at the other 1/700 scale aircraft models that we have on auction this week as well. We're always happy to combine shipping for multiple purchases to save whenever possible. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions whatsoever.