I always think that having the control surfaces of a model aircraft, even slightly offset, generally improves the look of a model. It is always a bit tricky fitting control surfaces back, once they are removed from the kit and trimmed down. It can be a struggle to seat them correctly, mainly because of the amount of material that has been removed. Thankfully companies like Pavla have been producing replacement flying surfaces so that the kit items can be removed to be replaced by the new and hopefully better fitting ones. So how do Pavla's control surfaces look?

Contents.

All the parts, seven in all, are contained in a resealable transparent bag. The parts are pretty robust and there were no signs of any damage. Included are:

• 2 x tail planes.


• 2 x elevators.


• 2 x ailerons.


• 1 x rudder.

The two tail planes are cast with attachment stubs for fitting into the fuselage. There is a little flash to clean up before fitting the elevators. As the tail planes on the real thing are metal, the only detail on the resin is two engraved panel lines on the leading edges. There are two holes in the upper and lower surface of the tail planes near the root.
The representation of the elevators is nicely done. The tape over the canvas covered ribs is very subtle. There is a little thin flash to remove, where the recesses are for the hinges. Even with a little cleaning the fit of the tailplane to the elevator is very good.
The rudder of the Saetta was also a canvas covered structure and Pavla have captured it well. Some care will be needed when removing the kit rudder, so that the hinges are not damaged. The trailing edge will benefit from a swipe or two with a sanding stick to sharpen up the trailing edge a little.
The ailerons have very good taped rib detail. If I was really picky I would say that two or three of the taped ribs don't appear to be quite parallel. The trailing edges on my sample look pretty sharp. As with the rudder take care not to damage the kits hinges when removing the ailerons.
There are no flaps included with this release as the kit has separate flaps.

Conclussions.

As I said in the introduction, sets like these will, with a little extra work, bring your model to life. Just do a little pictorial research and look at the position of the control surfaces of a parked aircraft. They are rarely seen as the kits depict them. This is an excellent release from Pavla and along with the other releases for the Saetta, they will improve the look of your model tremendously. Why not give them a try.