HOBBY MASTER
COLLECTOR
        Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series (Propeller Powered)          
HA0129 - German Ju-87-D3, StG. 3,        
Geschwaderkommodore Walter Sigel, Libya, 1942          
HOBBY MASTER HA0129
Take a trip back in time with this
splendidly crafted version of Walter
Sigel’s Ju-87D-3, S7+AA as it
appeared in Derna, Libya in the
summer of 1942. Astonishingly
detailed with a professionally painted
color scheme, realistic bomb and
crutch, rubber wheels, pad applied
markings and accurate in all
dimensions. There were over 5,000
real world Stukas made and it is one of
the easiest recognized planes to ever
fly. Don’t miss your opportunity to own
a replica of this outstanding part of
military history. It will look stunning in
any collection, as a lone Ju-87 or side
by side with any of the competition.
Like all Hobby Master models they
have gone all the way with this model
to deliver exceptional quality and value.
DATA FOR THE JU-87D-3
Because of the slow development of new attack aircraft Germany decided to improve what they already had, the Ju-
87. The new and improved version was much more streamlined with an increase of power, so in 1942 all this gave
birth to the Dora (D version) with a 1,400 hp Jumo 211 J or P engine.
The large and less than aerodynamic cooling radiator was removed from under the engine cowling and replaced with
two radiators, one under each wing. A much smaller and less obtrusive oil cooler took the place of the old radiator
under the engine cowling.
Even a new VS11 propeller with paddle blades was installed which further enhanced the Dora’s performance. They
also improved on other features to make the new model more aerodynamic. Previous versions had a canopy that was
pretty much the same shape and width along its entire length. The “D” version now had the slimmer greenhouse
canopy that tapered from the pilot portion back. This tapering wasn’t a real big hit with the rear gunners as it meant
more cramped spaces for them.
There is no question that the new “D” version was going to be the main Stuka so the Luftwaffe had a large number of
versions built or planned. With over 5,000 Stukas built by the end of 1944 the Dora was the dominant one being
produced during the latter part of WWII, more than 1500 D-3s were produced.
Some more improvements saw the rear gun go from a single drum fed MG15 to a new twin belt fed MG81. The D-3
version was the first version to be completely designed for a close support role. Since the plane would be facing more
ground fire the armor for the engine and crew was increased.
The landing gear was strengthened and spats were reduced in size making them a much better shape but quite often
were removed in the field as they would fill with mud whenever the Stuka had to use a wet dirt strip to operate from
and their removal didn’t effect the performance that much. Even with the Stuka’s improved landing gear it was prone
to collapse when operated from a rough runways. One of the most notable features of the earlier Ju-87s was
removed, the sirens. Even though the D-3 was a ground attack version it kept its dive brakes.
The tailfin was enlarged, bomb releases were made more symmetrical and the load was increased to 1800 kg from
1100 kg and one of the new bombs that could be carried was the 1400 kg armor piercing one that could be carried
on the center line rack.
Some D-3 were converted to G-1 tank killers, some were even converted to D-4 torpedo bombers that never did get
used so they were converted back to D-3s. One of the oddest conversions was when they experimented with
personnel pods. The pods were mounted on top of the wing, one per wing, each carrying two people. This was going
to be used to drop agents for clandestine operations, in theory the Stuka would go into a shallow dive and deploy
parachutes that would carry the cargo to a safe landing. As you can imagine the entire proposal was rather
questionable and after a few test flights with just the pods it was determined that this was not the answer and the Ju-
87 were converted back to the regular D-3. Some D-3s were even outfitted as D-7 and D-8 for night attack missions.
History of Walter Sigel
Gruppenkommandeur Hauptmann Walter Sigel
116th recipient of the Knight’s Cross  July 7, 1940 and awarded Oak Leaves on Sept 2 1942.

In the small Polish city of Wielun, September 1 1939, 4:50 – 5:30 am German bombers of I./KG76 (4. Luftflotte)
dropped their bombs and then proceeded to machine gun the fleeing citizens. A total of 120 aircraft took part in the
attack that came in three waves. It is estimated over 70 tons of bombs were dropped killing more than 1,200 civilians
out of the total population of 16,000. Thousands more were injured and nearly 70% of the city structures lay in ruin.
Some say the Luftwaffe operated using professional military code of conduct dating back to WWI but many Polish
stories contradict this. The closest Polish military forces were situated outside the city to the southwest, not in the city
and this is what makes this conflict so controversial. The Luftwaffe bombers were commanded by the then
Oberstleutnant Walter Sigel. Stories of this attack would follow Sigel for the rest of his life.

After the “Battle of Britain” Sigel’s Gruppe was transferred to Sicily and from there to North Africa where from
February 1941 – April 1943 it flew in support of German forces. After Oberstleutnant Karl Christ (Kommodore: April
1st 1941 - February 1942) relinquished command of StG3 to Oberstleutnant Walter Sigel (Kommodore March 1st
1942 - April 1st: 1943), St.G. 3 became a combination of several Gruppen that had used unit codes - 2F, S1, A5 and
T6 but became one -- S7. February 1941 towards April 1943 it flew in support of the German forces in Africa. Early in
April 1944 the Geschwader (wing) was transferred to the Eastern Front and stayed in the northern and central
sectors until the wars end. Walter Sigel didn’t go to the Eastern Front instead he transferred to Norway to serve as
Fliegerfuhrer (theater commander). On May 8 1944 Sigel was on an inspection flight over a fjord near Trondheim
when  his light Storch plane struck a power line killing him. At the time of his death it is estimated that Sigel had flown
over 300 sorties. Killer or great pilot and leader, Sigel will be the subject of history buffs for many years to come.
Junkers Ju-87D-3 Specifications

Type:
Single Engined Medium Bomber

Power Plant: 1 X 1,440hp Junkers Jumo 211J, 12 cylinder in line, water cooled

Empty weight:  8,686lbs (3,940 kg)
Loaded weight:  14,550lbs (6,600 kg)
Bomb Load:  3 x 960lb (436 kg)

Max Speed: 255mph (410 km/h)
Climbing Rate:  3000 meters in 14 minutes
Max range:  410mi (660 km)
Service Ceiling:  27,885ft (8,500 m)

Armament:  2 x 20mm MGH151/20 one in each wing,
1x7.92mm MG81machine gun, rear cockpit,

Wingspan:  45ft 3.25in (13.80m)
Length:  36ft 1in (11.00m)
Height:  12ft 9.5in (3.90 m)
Wing Area:  362.7sq ft (33.60 sq m)

Ordnance: 1x 551 lb (250 kg) or 1x 1103 lb (500 kg) or 1x 2205 lb (1000 kg) bomb
under fuselage, plus 4x 551 lb (250 kg) or 2x 1103 lb (500 kg) bombs
under wings. Maximum load of 3,500 lbs.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THESE ARE
ONLY PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES
MEANT TO GIVE YOU THE GENERAL
IDEA OF WHAT THE FINISHED MODEL
WILL RESEMBLE.