The versatility of Grumman's awkward-looking J2F reconnaissance plane more than made up for it ungainly appearance. Initially flown in mid-1933, the lumbering biplane proved to be sturdy and reliable during more than two decades of operational service. Called the Duck, it was designed to be catapulted from naval ships and serve as a ship-to-shore courier.

During World War II, the Duck was assigned scouting and air-sea rescue missions in the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. It was i the latter role that is strength and durability made it popular with not only its own crewmen, but especially the downed airmen fortunate enough to be rescued by the Duck's diligent crew. Because of the rugged metal construction of the hull, the Duck could survive severe pounding by the rough seas, and in one instance the plane was lifted by a wave and literally hurled over a reef, after which it successfully took off and returned to its ship.

In 1937, Argentina received the first of a dozen of the Grumman amphibian. The early models were the JF series, and in 1939 they acquired the J2F model depicted by this kit. These planes served through the Second World War and were still in use during the Argentine revolution in 1955, more than twenty years after they began military service.