When it comes to Romanian WW2 aviation, few people are better to tackle the subject than master modeller Radu Brinzan, who served as an adviser on the book "Romanian Fighter Colours 1941 - 1945” by Teodor Liviu Morosanu and Dan Alexandru Melinte published by MMP Books. Radu has released a pair of decal sheets in 1:72, 1:48 and 1:32 that depict no less than 12 Romanian Emils between them, with a degree of accuracy second to none.

Sheets #012 and #13 are custom printed in the UK by Fantasy Printshop to their usual impeccable standard, with pin-sharp registration, great colour depth, and crystal clear carrier film. A nice touch is that the blue dot for the centre of each cross is a separate item, ensuring perfect symmetry with the surrounding red ring. The decals are beautifully thin, and past experience shows their decals snuggle down superbly for that "painted on" look.

Sheet #012 contains marking for the following Emils:
A. Bf 109E-7 No. 63, W.Nr. 1482, Escadrila 56, Grupul 7 Vânătoare, Bucharest-Pipera, summer 1942
B. Bf 109E-3 No. 23, Escadrila 57, Grupul 7 Vânătoare
C. Bf 109E-3 No. 2, W.Nr 2316, Grupul 7 Vânătoare
D. Bf 109E-3 No. 9, W.Nr 2486, Escadrila 57, Grupul 7 Vânătoare, Karpovka-Stalingrad, winter 1941
E. Bf 109E-3 No. 47, Escadrila 58, Grupul 7 Vânătoare, Nikolaev - Ukraine, November 1941
F. Bf 109E-3 No. 45, Escadrila 58, Grupul 7 Vânătoare, Bucharest-Pipera, summer 1942
G. Bf 109E-3 No. 48, Escadrila 58, Grupul 7 Vânătoare, Bucharest-Pipera, summer 1942

Sheet #013 contains marking for the following Emils:
A. Bf 109E-3 No. 39, Escadrila 58, Grupul 7 Vânătoare, Bessarabia, June 1941
B. Bf 109E-3 No. 35, Escadrila 58, Grupul 7 Vânătoare, Bucharest-Pipera, summer 1942
C. Bf 109E-3 No. 14, W.Nr 2491, Escadrila 57, Grupul 7 Vânătoare, Bucharest-Pipera, summer 1942
D. Bf 109E-7 No. 51, Escadrila 56, Grupul 7 Vânătoare, Bucharest-Pipera, summer 1942
E. Bf 109E-7 No. 54, Escadrila 57, Grupul 7 Vânătoare, summer 1942
F. Bf 109E-3 No. 26, Escadrila 57, Grupul 7 Vânătoare, Saltz-Bessarabia, September 1941
G. Bf 109E-7 No. 64, Escadrila 56, Grupul 7 Vânătoare, Karpovka-Stalingrad, winter 1941

While all the aircraft featured share the same classic RLM 71 (some sources state RLM 70) and RLM 65 camouflage scheme, the devil is in the details with a variety of styles of national markings and, of course, the famous Donald Duck mascot and flamboyant personal insignia. Close examination of the RB Productions decals alongside previous interpretations reveals a number of subtle but important differences, as Radu's access to high resolution photos has allowed him to reproduce the personal markings with a degree of fidelity denied most researchers.

Accompanying each set of decals is a full-colour A-4 sheet of instructions that outline the standard colours for Romanian Emils, before describing each individual aircraft featured, noting any distinguishing features. Rounding everything off is a comprehensive list of references.

Both sheets are priced as follows:

RB-D32012 & RB-D32013 - €12.00
RB-D48012 & RB-D48013 - €10.00
RB-D72012 & RB-D72013 - €8.00

Conclusion

RB Productions' sheets provide a real treasure trove of spectacular markings for fans of Romanian aircraft and the '109 in particular - with no less than 14 meticulously researched schemes for anyone wanting to build an "Emil" that's a little bit different. Highly recommended.

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