Small Stuff 1/144 Tupolev Tu-134 Detail Set First Look
By Fotios Rouch
| Date of Review | April 2013 | Manufacturer | Small Stuff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Tupolev Tu-134 Detail Set | Scale | 1/144 |
| Kit Number | 44103 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Nice detailed update for the Zvezda kit | Cons | |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $22.00 |
First Look
This is the Small Stuff Tupolev Tu-134 Detail Set. This resin set is comprised of a myriad of antennae, pitot tubes as well as new resin wheels and full engines.
The Zvezda kit for which this set is intended is a very nice kit and it can stand on its own but these parts will bring it up to the next level. This set also contains special parts to augment any of the other Small Stuff conversion sets for the Tu-134 as well.
What got my attention is the exquisite detail provided for the stator blades, the exhaust and the vents on the jet engines. Very nicely done especially considering the 144th scale for this set! It is also worthy of note to mention how Small Stuff packaged the very sensitive front and rear parts of the engines inside the engine pod itself to protect them from breaking.
Be prepared to add extra weight up front to balance the model as the resin engines will make it especially tail heavy. The super tiny antennae and fiddly bits will be a challenge to pick with tweezers without them flying off and into the belly of the carpet monster. Also it will take great skill to glue them in place without any CA glue blobs showing.
This is a very nice resin upgrade set and it very much recommended together with the Part 1 Avia decal set for the glass nose Tu-134.
My sincere thanks to Small Stuff Models for this review sample!