For Aeroscalers, Pavla Models is probably best known for their resin conversion sets and detailed cockpits designed for various airplane models from WW2 to modern jets in all popular scales (1:72, 1:48, 1:32). Pavla also produces complete resin kits of interesting and niche airplanes in 1:72.

Unfortunately, not many modelers associate this company with separate sets of vac-formed canopies. That's a pity, because in many cases their canopies are a good alternative for Squadron or Falcon products. For me, a guy who lives in southern Poland close to the Czech border, they are also much easier and faster to get than order Squadron canopies from the on-line shop. Pavla is a bit cheaper than well known competitors which is also a small advantage. To be honest, from my personal experience, Pavla canopies have very good accuracy when fitted to the models. You just have to be careful while cutting and sanding, but this applies to any vac-form canopy. So, as far as we can see, there are only "pros" for Pavla products, but there is also one big "con": canopies from Pavla are not as crystal clear as those from Squadron. But don't worry, transparency is still good enough to use them with good result.

In the attached photographs you can see examples of Pavla canopies which I currently have in the stash and some of them already on the workbench. There are two canopies in the set dedicated for the Mustang: razorback and Malcolm hood. The description says it is designed for the Hasegawa model, but I have used it on the Smer kit without any major problems, although I had to work a bit with sanding paper and putty while adapting it for the Revell Mustang.

Caution: As with every vac canopy, Pavla canopies react with CA glue fumes and get "smoky" so be careful and try to use an alternative glue. I recommend epoxy resin.

Conclusion

I don't want to sound like an advertisement but I would like to recommend Pavla canopies as a good alternative for other brands. See their catalog, compare prices and make decision. I hope that if you choose Pavla you will not be disappointed.

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