Pavla Models continues it's policy of creating quality cockpit sets. This time the fine looking Airfix 1/72 Griffon powered Spitfire F Mk 22 receives the Pavla Models treatment.

Contents:

Inside the vac formed clear plastic blister packaging is:

-1 x cockpit rear bulkhead.
-1 x armour plate.
-1 x pilot seat.
-1 x cockpit flloor.
-1 x instrument panel.
-1 x compass.
-1 x control stick.
-2 x rudder pedals.
-1 x cockpit door.
-1 x crowbar.
-1 x head protector.
-2 x sheets of instructions.

All the parts are beautifully detailed and cast. There is a little thin flash to clean up between the framework of the floor structure. The seat is a useful addition as the kit part has an awkward ejector mark inside it. The resin seat has the lower parts of the Sutton harness cast onto it, although there is no shoulder harness. Not surprising really because of the design of this harness that extends to the rear of the fuselage. So either acquire a set of harnesses or make your own. The has the seat height adjustment lever cast onto it. The detail on the instrument panel and frame that supports the seat is well executed. The holes in the framework are a nice touch. The gun sight on top of the instrument canopy requires the modeler to fabricate the glass screen. Don't look any further than the clear plastic packaging to create this item. The compass is a separate part. The cockpit floor framework is well detailed but the very thin resin flash will need to be removed. The distinctive spade grip control stick looks good. The two rudder pedals are separate parts. There is a separate door flap which can be attached in the open position. This is very useful if you want to show more of the lovely cockpit detail. Of course attaching the resin door will necessitate some surgery to the kit. There is also a separate crowbar to attach to the inside of the door. The other bit of surgery required to the kit is the removal of the roll head protection fitting and replacing it with the resin part.
All the parts are attached to a casting block which needs removing before the parts can be fitted. The contact points are minimal in thickness and a few gentle swipes with a sharp scalpel should release the them.
The instructions are very good and illustrate the construction of the cockpit as well as the minor surgery required to the kit. Paint references are included.

Conclusions:

The Pavla Models cockpit parts look more in keeping with the scale. The Airfix parts look a little thick with a lot less detail. The quality of the resin cockpit parts is very good and the only surgery required to the kit is the removal of the head protector and the cockpit door. Highly recommended.