[GrahamB]

Thanks Ed.

While you may be right in stating the design purpose of the outward cant, I think that the photographic evidence of BMW-powered Ju 52 aircraft was that this was eliminated. There is another excellent print in Classic's 'Transporter Vol 2, page 134. Again, the photographer was more or less in perfect alignment with the starboard engine nacelle, with the cowling fixed at a highly asymmetrical position and clearly angled inwards (relative to the wing leading edge). Other standard views from positions ahead of the wings do not show the outward cant that would be exagerrated if the observer was in front of the outer engines. Using the angle of the undercarriage (wheels) will show that the cowling front is parallel to them - it usually seen with an orientation between that of the wheels and the central cowling - which is what one would expect. Some photographs that imply that the observer was directly perpendicular to the front of the central cowling are the best - the outer cowling front is just visible, mirroring the slight apparent dispacement of the wheels, and certainly not showing the amount expected of the 5-6 degrees of backsweep of the wing leading edge.

Best wishes

Graham