Preorder Expected Arrival - MARCH 2025

Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. was a trailblazing American fighter pilot and the first African American to reach the rank of four-star general in the U.S. Air Force. Born on February 11, 1920, in Pensacola, Florida, James served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Known for his leadership and combat skills, he flew numerous missions, including as a commander of the 332nd Fighter Group, the famed Tuskegee Airmen. James was also a vocal advocate for civil rights and military integration. His distinguished career and dedication to service left a lasting legacy in the U.S. military.

Designed as a fleet defense fighter for the US Navy, the F-4 Phantom was first flown on May 27, 1958. This twin-engine, long-range all-weather fighter/bomber proved highly adaptable and served in the Marine Corps and the US Air Force as well as in the Navy. During the Vietnam War, it was the principal air superiority fighter for the Navy and the Air Force and was also used for reconnaissance and ground attack. The Phantom continued to serve well into the 1970s and 1980s and even flew missions during the first Gulf War. Finally phased out by the F-14, F-16 and F/A-18, the Phantom was retired in 1996.

Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-4 Phantom II is highly detailed and very popular among collectors. This model has an intricately crafted fuselage, with rear and forward canopies that open to expose cockpit interior details such as instrument panel dials, control stick and ejector seat handles. The solid metal wing has raised wing-tips and a dog-toothed leading edge that blends seamlessly into the fuselage. Each release includes a full complement of removable ordnance. Variants in this series have notable differences in the nose and/or tail fin and slight variations in the engines' exhaust. Carrier-based variants have elevators with a raised leading edge, and land-based variants have standard leading edges.

Info:   F-4C Phantom II - USAF 8th TFW, 433rd TFS, #63-7499, Daniel "Chappie" James Jr., Ubon RTAFB, Thailand, 1967