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In-Box Review
132
Alexandru Şerbănescu
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by: Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]

RB Productions have extended their range in a new direction with the release of an excellent 1:32 resin figure of the Romanian WW2 fighter ace Alexandru Şerbănescu.

The kit comprises 5 x resin parts for the figure itself, backed up by a small etched brass fret containing 14 x insignia and medals, along with a nameplate. The casting and etching are flawless and the figure is beautifully sculpted in a relaxed pose based on a photo of Şerbănescu with other Romanian aces taken in August 1943.

Very little clean up is required to prepare the parts; just small casting tabs to remove and there's a light mould separation line around the head. The instructions do recommend deepening the area inside the collar and trimming the neck (if need be) to ensure a snug fit. The etched medals are crisply detailed and should look great. Cuff bands are provided in two styles as an alternative to those already moulded on the figure's sleeves. If you do choose to use these, I think they may well need heat-softening to make them more pliable to conform to the contours and so avoid a "stuck on" look.

Along with the high quality parts comes a truly excellent set of instructions, which include general advice on working with resin and etched items, plus detailed painting instructions. Backing these up, Radu Brînzan has included period reference shots of Şerbănescu himself, along with colour photos of the insignia and medals, along with detailed descriptions of how they were worn.

Conclusion
RB Productions' kit of Alexandru Şerbănescu marks an exciting first step into the figures market. It's a slightly unusual subject that makes a welcome change from the more obvious WW2 aces who have already been well covered and deserves to sell well. Recommended.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: Finely sculpted and cast. Excellent etched details.
Lows: Etched items such as the alternative cuff ranks might take a bit of extra work to blend in seamlessly with the resin details.
Verdict: RB Productions' first step into the world of resin figures is excellent and hopefully just the first of many.
Percentage Rating
90%
  Scale: 1:32
  Mfg. ID: RB-F32001
  Suggested Retail: €12.50
  PUBLISHED: May 31, 2009
  NATIONALITY: Romania
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.37%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 93.70%

Our Thanks to RB Productions!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Rowan Baylis (Merlin)
FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM

I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...

Copyright ©2021 text by Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



   
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