Special Hobby 1/32: IAR-81C...Romanian Ploiesti-Defender and Ground Attacker

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BigZimmo

Guest
Hi folks!!!

Another fighter in 1/32 scale is finished: IAR-81 from Special Hobby.
A "Short Run-Antispeedmodelling-Kit" ...... not suitable for beginners, but also no witchcraft for experienced modellers.

The IAR 80 was a Romanian World War II low-wing monoplane, all-metal monocoque fighter and ground-attack aircraft. When it first flew, in 1939, it was comparable to contemporary designs being deployed by the airforces of the most advanced military powers. Production problems and lack of available armament delayed entry of the IAR 80 into service until 1941. It remained in frontline use until May 1945.


The final stage in the IAR 80's wartime history was the 81C. This version changed the guns once again, this time to the Mauser MG 151/20 which was replacing the MG FF/M in German service and had just been released for Romanian use. The order for the 81C was placed in May 1942, predating the second order of the 81As.

The first order for 100 airframes was delivered, like all of the prior updates to the 81 series, with the centerline bomb rack removed to be used as fighters. An additional order for 35 was placed in February 1943, and then another 15 in January 1944. These aircraft were primarily to replace losses in earlier models, while production of the Bf 109G ramped up.

My IAR-81C shows the "White 329", flown by Adj.Av. Victor Petric of Esc.61/Vt./Gr.6Vt, Popesti-Leoderni, May 1944.
On May 31. the 329 got hits into its port wing and flaps during a dogfight with USAAF fighters. However Victor Petric managed to bring his wounded bird back to base.

Cheers......
Stefan:smiling3:

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Polux

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Magnificent work Stefan.
I love those bases, they really turn your plane to life ;)
 

dave

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Cracking Build and nice to see something a bit different
 

flyjoe180

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Great build Stefan! Did you do another of these in the past? I seem to recall another one done by someone, it's such a rare aircraft that it stands out when one is built.
 

Snowman

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Superb work!!:cool:
 

yak face

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I totally love this stefan ! Its an aircraft ive always liked , partly because its so little known and partly because its such a great looking aircraft - very purposeful and no nonsense with the big radial dominating the slender fuselage and almost too small wings. Its beautifully painted and put together and the base and figures really bring it to life. A superb bit of modelling as always , cheers tony
 
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BigZimmo

Guest
Thanks, mates.......I'm pleased that you like my romanian warbird.

Joe, you're right. I've built another IAR-81 this year....but in 1/48 scale.

Yes, Tony. This plane is really fascinating.
By the way, the IAR has its roots at the Polish PZL 11.

:smiling3:
 
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Doug Hughes

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Great work, Stefan, and a great subject. I was struck by the undercarriage - looks the real deal!
 
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