1:72 Scale Diecast Junkers Ju 87B Stuka Model, Luftwaffe II/StG 77, Alfons Orthofer, Breslau, Germany, 1939 (Limited Edition)

This model measures 6.25" long by 7.5" wide.

Stuka Ju 87B-1, S2+AC was piloted by Major Alfons Orthofer of Sturzkampfgeschwader 77. It was specially decorated with the rather menacing sharksmouth for an article in 'Signal' magazine whilst based at Breslau Germany in 1939. St.G 77 saw action in both Western Blitzkreig operations (Poland and France/Low Countries). Possibly its most notable sortie was against Fort Flémalle on May 13th 1940. St.G 77 was actually one of the first units ordered into enemy territory and landed at Bierset airfield whilst it was still being bombarded by Fort Flémalle. The Gruppenkommandeur very quickly led an attack that silenced the fort and demonstrated the pinpoint accuracy and destructive power that could be achieved by the Stukas. The Stukawaffe flew a total of 300 sorties against French positions that day, with St.G 77 alone flying 201 individual missions.

The Corgi "Aviation Archive" presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.

Corgi "Aviation Archive" 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 presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight"

* Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity

* 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

Note: This model is schedule to ship in February, 2010. It is currently available for preorder.