Tupolev Tu-134 Detail Set

Small Stuff, 1/144 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

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Background

Zvezda’s 1/144-scale kit of the Tu-134 seems from the accounts I have read to be a very good kit.

Although it lies outside my scale of interest I must say that the images I have seen of it do look good. I also know from buying recent Zvezda 1/72-scale kits that they are turning out some nice products at a good price. The detail set I am reviewing here will lift the Tu-134 kit to a new level entirely, with detail levels I would be happy to have on a 1/72-scale model.

This is just one of a few Tu-134 detail and conversion sets I shall be reviewing by this company (as well as a couple of 1/72nd items). They do not seem to have a high profile, but they produce some of the best resin I have seen in a while, so take the time to check out their website. I hope that they go from strength to strength.

The Detail Set

The parts and their instructions come in a small plastic bag with a card header. The instructions have a parts map, use very clearly drawn diagrams, and are printed in three colours. They are very easy to follow, and use English for any written directions.

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The parts a beautifully cast on easily removed pour stubs. They are amongst the best resin casting that I can recall seeing, and include some very small and incredibly fine pieces. A nice touch is that all parts are clearly numbered on their pour stubs, akin to mainstream injected kit sprue numbering.

The set covers the engines, undercarriage, and a multiplicity of antennae. The standout feature has to be the engines; these have some incredibly detailed and fine casting, with beautifully rendered stator blades, exhaust nozzles. These last two items are shipped within the engine nacelles for protection, and a separate written notice is slipped into the bag to draw the buyer’s attention to this fact.

I have used Small Stuff’s website images, as my photography cannot better them.

This superb quality detail set, with some stunning detail for the scale. I can see some people tearing their hair out when dealing with some of the tiny antennae, especially if they drop some; but this set has the potential to turn a good kit into a gem of a model.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Small Stuff Models for the review sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2013 by Mark Davies
Page Created 14 June, 2013
Last updated 14 June, 2013

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