Profile Photo
Jeff Groves
37 articles

Junkers Ju390 V2 Conversion in 1/72 Scale

April 27, 2019 · in Aviation · · 9 · 4.3K

Here are completed pictures of my Ju 390 in scale. The model was constructed using components from two of Germany Ju 290 kits. It represents the Ju 390 V2 developmental aircraft serving with Fernaufklärungsgruppe 5 at Mont de Marsan in France during the Spring of 1944. Even in 1/72 scale this is a large model with a 27.5 inch (69.9 cm) wingspan.

This was the development aircraft for the maritime reconnaissance version. This aircraft was fitted with a ventral gondola, FuG 200 radar, and full defensive armament. It was completed in October of 1943 with factory codes RC + DA, and delivered to Fernaufklärungsgruppe 5 at Mont de Marsan in France. Several sources state that this aircraft flew to within 12 miles of New York in January 1944, although this is disputed by others. Fernaufklärungsgruppe 5 was disbanded in August 1944 when German airbases in France were threatened by the Allied advance. Fernaufklärungsgruppe 5's aircraft were passed to KG 200, a special missions unit.

Several interesting missions are attributed to the Ju 390, including liaison flights to Japan. While confirmation is lacking Ju 290A-9s are known to have completed many of the same assignments. The V2 was standing by at Recklin to evacuate Nazi VIPs to Spain in April of 1945. While a Ju 290A-5 (W.Nr. 110178) actually made the flight to Spain, the V2 was not reported to have been located after the war. One account says the V2 was flown to Norway, where it was repainted in Swedish colors, and then used to transport German scientists to a ranch in Paysandu Province, Uruguay. The aircraft was then reportedly dismantled and sunk in the Rio Uruguay River, where it is said to remain to this day.

For anyone who wants more information, research and construction notes are posted in my blog here:

Research: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/junkers-ju-390/

Construction Part I: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2019/04/25/junkers-ju-390-build-in-1-72-scale-part-i/

Reader reactions:
7  Awesome

12 additional images. Click to enlarge.


9 responses

  1. Really impressive work!

  2. Never seen one of these before...great job indeed.

  3. Interesting monster. Must have been a handful to operate, just synchronizing 6 engines must have taken a bit. Some of the photos looks like the view a strafing allied pilot must have had, skimming the tree tops looking for targets. Well done!

  4. Very solid model, both built and painted. The kitbash is not an easy task but you mastered very well. My hat off to you sir. What’s not to like in a one of a kind airplane? Thanks for sharing

  5. I'm with Craig here - it is great to see things less often built! I've never seen one of these before and it an absolute cracker - well done, indeed!

  6. Interesting subject, nicely modeled Jeff, well done.

  7. Really excellent work on this. I love the result!

  8. Thanks for all the kind words guys, much appreciated!

  9. Very nice! A monster of an airplane.

Leave a Reply