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.

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