Code: CG-US32512 Quantity in Basket: none Status: DEC 2008 PRE-ORDER Click "Add to Basket" to pre-order this item now or Request to be notified when this item is in stock Price: $39.99
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Corgi Flying Mule Collection US32512 Ju 87B-2/U4 Stuka Diecast Model Luftwaffe III./StG 77, "F1+DJ", Eastern Front, 1942 Limited Edition 1:72 Scale     Length     Width Junkers Ju 87B-2/U4 Stuka     6.25"     7.5" PLEASE NOTE: This item has a planned release date of December 2008 and is only available for PRE-ORDER at this time. Orders are not shipped until complete. If you wish to receive in-stock items prior to pre-ordered items, you must place separate orders. Release dates are subject to change. Consider them to be estimates as manufacturers frequently revise them. Credit Cards are not billed until time of shipment. Check or PayPal payment (not recommended) is required at time of order. The Flying Mule presents another unique limited edition model, commissioned from Corgi Classics as a part of their Aviation Archive series. This model is limited to just 1500 pieces worldwide! The Junkers Ju-87 Stuka was the best-known dive bomber of World War II, with more than 6,000 entering service between 1936 and 1944. The Ju-87 was sturdy and accurate, but it had little defensive armor, poor maneuverability and a top speed of just 199 mph. Despite being very vulnerable to attack from allied fighters, the Ju-87 nevertheless proved highly successful in the German "Blitzkrieg" campaigns, and remains as one of the most enduring images of the Nazi air war. The Ju-87B entered development in August 1938 in an effort to correct the performance problems of its predecessor. The primary upgrade to the Ju-87B was the Junkers Jumo 211 A engine, which had 1,100 hp (compared to just 680 hp in the Ju87A-2's Jumo 210 Da). This gave the Ju-87B the power it needed to be an effective dive-bomber. The Ju-87B-2, which had the slightly more powerful 1,200 hp Jumo 211 Da and other small improvements such as a new propeller, was also fitted with modification kits such as ski landing gear designed for winter operations in the Soviet Union. The Germans hoped the thus-equipped Ju-87B-2/U4 would contribute to the success of the Germans' assault on Moscow, but the most severe winter weather in 20 years all but halted the operation. The Ju-87 was not designed to cope with subzero temperatures, and fires had to be lighted beneath the planes' engines to help start them. The aircraft mechanics' tools froze to their hands, yet the few heaters the Germans possessed had to be employed to keep the aircraft engines from freezing. Worse, the Ju-87B-2/U4's heavy skis had a negative influence on the aircraft's performance, all of which combined to ensure the failure of Hitler's plan to conquer the Soviet Union. Corgi Flying Mule Collection The Corgi "Flying Mule Collection" presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Models in this range are produced in limited quantities with individually numbered certificates as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series. They are highly collectible and have become very desirable among Corgi Aviation Archive collectors. Corgi "Flying Mule Collection" diecast airplanes feature: Diecast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals. Optional extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels. Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight". Numbered certificate of authenticity. Commissioned box artwork. Detailed pilot and crew member figures. Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Selected interchangeable features such as airbrakes, opened canopies and access panels. Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings. [See more Corgi Flying Mule Collection products] Junkers Ju 87B-2/U4 Stuka Designed as a close support aircraft, the Ju87 was first flown in 1935 with twin vertical tail surfaces and powered by a British Rolls-Royce Kestrel engine.[See more Junkers Ju 87B-2/U4 Stuka products]