Junkers Ju390

[dputt7]

   Hi, I've decided it's time for a new project. I've had several things in mind but finally settled on the Junkers Ju390.
The Ju390 was a version of the Ju290 built for long range, it featured extended wing panels with 2 extra engines making a total of 6. It also had extra sections added to t[he fuselage. It was Junkers entrant in the ANERIKA BOMBER project. Only 2 prototypes were built before it was cancelled The V1 from a Ju90 and V2 from a Ju290, I will model the V2.
  There is a lot of speculation on the net as to what was achieved by these aircraft. One was reported as flying to within 20 Kims of New York and safely flying Home! While on the other hand it was rumored that pnly one was built and the photos of the V2 are fake. My main reference for this type of aircraft Is William Greens "Aircraft of the third
Reich' and he gives the SERIAL NUMBERS of both donor aircraft as well as precise information regarding fuselage lengths.
    And now for the Hodel.  I blew up a 3-view off the Net to 1/48th scale ,which is 41.75"and checked the sizes and sections against a 1/72 scale plastic model kit lent to me by hy brother, surprisingly they were all within 1/16" to 1/8",Amazing.I started on the fuse first which is a particularly odd shape but I manage to find flat sides so I was able to start in the normal way by building 2 sides over one another I used some aluminum angle to keep the 2 top longerons straight. Then standing them up and fitting the spacers I was able to make a box. Sorry no photo.  The top formers were set in place with a square piece of wood covered with sticky tape, so the clue doesn't stick. and held on with a rubber band.  Finally all formers were fitted and grooved for the stringers. The fuse will be covered in sheet balsa.
                           Thanks, that's it for now.
                                                       Dave

[dputt7]

Just thought you might like to see what it looks like when finished.
                                                           Dave

[Squirrelnet]

Quite a project Dave, I look forward to following this one.

With 6 engines I'm assuming it will be an electric power model ?

[TheLurker]

I see you've picked yet another perfect indoor subject.
Looking forward to seeing pics or film of this one in the air.

[THB]

Yep - another design that Dave would be hard-pressed to ignore. Right in his wheelhouse as they say. Look forward to the progress. Tim

[dputt7]

   Thanks Fellas, yes it will be electric, if I ever get the right motors! I ordered some before Christmas but when they arrived they were the wrong ones, they were very cheap so I told them I will keep them but to make sure they send the right ones, well the wrong ones arrived again. This time I tried a different department and have hy fingers crossed that third time is a charm.
                                    Dave

[dputt7]

  Hi Fella's, I've put the fuse aside and built the Center Section and then I will build the tail unit. This way I can set the incidences and decalage and that way I can then sheet the fuse. The C/S was pretty straight forward, I cut 2 ribs from 1/16th Aluminum and cut a stack of 1.5mm blanks bolted it together and carved and sanded them to shape                    Next I made some 2.5mm Blanks for the end ribs and for the C/S.
  I find it more accurate to carve a few ribs at a time. The spars are all 3mm and the L/E is 6.5mm. I've braced between the spars to help against torsional twisting with the 6 motors.  I've switched over to Aliphatic glue to try and make a neater job than CYNO, but it doesn't seem to be working. Not sure if I can thin it with water or not as that would help. Might have to do some testing.
                                                Dave

[dputt7]

   Hi, Well I have built the Tail Unit, It looks fairly small so I enlarged it 15% hoping that will be enough. I started with the Stab and as it is quite narrow I have braced it well to try and stop it twisting from the extra forces of the twin fins. As the Stab has dihedral I made up some joiners from 3mm ply to fit to the L.E. and the spar and glued the halves together with Arildite for a strong bond. It was then sanded to shape. The Elevators were next and simple. They were attached to the Stab with 3 pieces of copper wire so they can be used for trimming

[dputt7]

   Next up were the Fins which I also increased 15% so they did not look out of place with the larger Stab.  The Fin and Rudder were laid out together and then sanded to shape, Finally they were joined together with 3 pieces of copper wire. They were then test fitted to the Stab.
                                                   Dave

[dputt7]

   A bit more progress, I started with the cabin and blocked it up with 6.5 and 10mm balsa sheet. Looks like it would be home on the Flintstone Flyer   Next I shaped it up and cut out a block for the nose. Finally shaped it up and gave it a coat of Dope n Talc to seal and hide the joins.  Molded and fitted the top decking from 1.5mm sheet. 

[dputt7]

 Molded the rear lower fuse and front lower fuse cover.  Got a bit carried away and forgot to take some photos of fitting the rear fuse cover and finished off the sheeting of the fuse. Finally the fuse so far with a coat of sealer. I will leave the lower front of the fuse open so I can decide later where I need to fit the hatch for the battery and speedies. That's it for now.

[OZPAF]

Good grief Dave! It's a bit small isn't it and only 6 motors?

That is a major undertaking! looks great

Cheers
John

[dputt7]

Thanks John.

[Mr Speedy]

Hi Dave! Probably you already have this photo? It's from one of Mt Japanese books.. probably the view the spectators will have!

[dputt7]

Hi John, nice to see you here, hope things are going OK kor you.
Yes that is a familiar photo, I believe it was taken by a man from NSW who was in the British Merchant Navy.