Junkers G.38 (oz16410)

About this Plan

Junkers G-38. Free flight scale model for rubber power.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "JUNKERS G-38
16” SPAN
DRAWN BY TOM AKERY 13 NOV 25

Here’s another plan In response to Gage Van Vranken’s request, the Junkers G-38. This is a most unusual aircraft. This aircraft has a walk into wing with leading edge windows. The Junkers G.38 was a large German four-engine transport aircraft that first flew in 1929. Two examples were constructed in Germany. Both aircraft flew as a commercial transport within Europe in the years leading up to World War II. During the 1930s, the design was licensed to Mitsubishi, which constructed and flew a total of six aircraft, in a military bomber/transport configuration, designated Ki-20.

Fuselage Construction is the typical box type using 1/16” sq longerons, trusses, uprights and croxxmembers. This is a bit tedious side panel with all the windows blocked off using 1/16” sq strips of balsa. Once the side is constructed the placement of the wing root needs to be marked out on the side. Once the side is completed make an identical side on top of the original side, using plastic wrap paper from the kitchen (ask the wife 1st to avoid problems, don’t ask how I know!) and place this between sides. Makes for easier separation when dry. Mark on the outside of the second side the location of the wing root.

Once the sides are dry, construct the box over the plan view of the fuselage. Once this is dry I would add additional 1/16”sq crossmember on the top of the fuselage to be sanded round to the side. The fuselage is basically a flat sided and bottom fuselage. Once this is done add the 1/16” root rib that will anchor the wing to the fuselage on each side. This will add strength to the fuselage and a solid mount for the wing panels.

The wing is constructed by laying out the leading edge and trailing edge flat on the building board.. The L.E. is 3/32”x1/8” tall. Sand the nose of the rib to match the L.E. and glue the ribs in place. The root ribs are 1/16” sheet balsa and the rest are 1/32” sheet balsa. I usually make multiple ribs by the stack method. I usually cut out the root rib in thin cardboard or thin plywood patterns on the outside. If it’s a large stack I drill two holes through the stack of ribs and bolt them together so they cannot shift during the carving and snding of the stack. I carve close to the patterns and then sand down to the pattern. Once this is done I use a file or sanding stick with a 1/16” width to cut/sand in the slots for the 1/16”sq spars, one on top and one on bottom.

The 1/16” root sheet balsa is added last using the dihedral guage.

The Empennage is made from 1/16” sq and sheet balsa. Add gussets in the corners using scrape balsa. Keep it as light as possible. The vertical stabs 1/16” sheet balsa. Add lightening holes if you desire. I didn’t for strength.

I doubt you’ll find anyone at the flying site with a Junkers G-38 to fly along side you and yours."

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