Tamiya ventured into the modeling business in 1948, with a scale wooden ship model kit. Since then, Tamiya has been striving to offer merchandise that can truly be called 'First in Quality Around the World.' Now Tamiya is offering more than 300 different products, both in the fields of precision static models and high performance radio control vehicles. These products are not only sold in Japan but also exported in vast quantities to the United States, Europe, South East Asia, and to many other parts of the world. The standard of excellence achieved by Tamiya is regarded as among the very finest in the world of model hobbies. The F-4 Phantom II was originally conceived as a carrier-borne fighter for the U. S. Navy in the late-1950s but was eventually also adapted by the U. S. Air Force and Marines in addition to the air forces of many other countries. This model kit can depict the first variant used by the U. S. Air Force, the F-4C, as well the subsequently upgraded F-4D. The kit features a one-piece fuselage for easy assembly and diecast metal landing gear legs to ensure a stable stance after the kit is finished. The canopy and air brake may be assembled in either open or closed positions. A wide range of ordnance, two crew figures, and three marking options are also included. This finely detailed plastic model kit requires assembly and painting.