The I.A.R.80/81 is a subject that’s close to Radu Brinzan’s heart and his latest decal release is a sheet devoted primarily to the first and second production series of the I.A.R.80 (the pure fighter version) in 1:72, 1:48 and 1:32.

The sheet is beautifully produced and provides decals for seven I.A.R.80s and a single I.A.R.81 sporting a mix of pre-war and WW2 markings:

A. I.A.R.80 No. 2 of Escadrila de Experiențe, August 1940
B. I.A.R.80 No. 3 of Şc. Vt/Flt. 3Vt., Galați, October 1943
C. I.A.R.80 No. 9 of Gr.8 Vt/Flt. 2Vt., March 1941
D. I.A.R.81-C No. 17 of Esc.41 Vt. Gr.8Vt., July 1941
E. I.A.R.80 No. 22 of Esc.42/52 Vt., Gr.1Vt., July 1941
F. I.A.R.80 No. 26, July 1941
G. I.A.R.80 No. 42 of Esc.42/52 Vt., August 1941
H. I.A.R.80 No. 24 of Flt.2 Vt./Gr.8Vt., March 1941

The decals are custom-printed by Fantasy Printshop and look to be superb quality, as we’ve come to expect from this leading decal producer. The items are thin and glossy with pin-sharp registration and crystal clear carrier film. My past experience with Fantasy Printshop decals has been highly positive, so I have every confidence in these.

Backing up the decals is a very classy set of full colour instructions with high quality artwork like that in Radu’s arguably definitive study of the I.A.R.80/81 (reviewed HERE).

The schemes are described concisely with useful notes on specific details and FS equivalents for each colour.

Interestingly, the colour of the fuselage bands and spinners in some instances is revised compared with the original artwork in the book, so Radu clearly continues to research what he called “the most famous fighter you never heard of”.

The decals are available direct from RB Productions priced as follows:

1:72 - RB-D72021 - €9.85
1:48 - RB-D48021 - €12.30
1:32 - RB-D32021 - €14.75

Looking at the build options, in terms of current plastic kits, AModel produce the I.A.R.80 in 1:72, Hobby Boss in 1:48, while FRROM plan to release their 1:32 kit this month. Whichever kit you go for, I can’t recommend Radu’s book too highly - it really is the go-to reference for any modeller tackling this aircraft.

Conclusion

Given their pedigree, it’s no surprise that RB Productions’ new I.A.R.80 decals look to be excellent. They will undoubtedly be something of a must-have for anyone building the subject, whatever scale you’re working in. Thoroughly recommended.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.