In his Guide for Scale Model Builders dedicated to the Space Shuttle, Michael Mackowski says:
The kit has a combination of fine recessed and raised panel and pattern lines. The surface tile pattern uses raised lines and only appears on the upper wing surfaces. General shape and parts fit appears to be good,..., but it appears some putty may be needed around the wing roots and nose RCS area. Tamiya has molded the forward RCS as a separate piece; this results n a cleaner, better looking nose. The APS pods are also molded separately, and some of the small RCS thrusters seem to be absent from the aft clusters. The main engines are very well done and are made to swivel. The exterior lines to the engines are molded separately. The landing gear have very fine detail that makes it look like they could actually work. The cockpit interior consists of a flat instrument panel (with decals), 2 suited astronauts and two erly concept seats. Windows are tinted in blue.
Payloads include a very well done Spacelab. ... There is also a manipulator arm but it has a claw at the end instead of the standard end effecter. The rest of the payload bay liner makes a good beginning for detailling the entire payload area.
As this is an old kit, the decals provide markings only for Enterprise (dj: this may have changed by now - maybe others can tell??) . Being the only kit in 1/100, finding alternate markings will be difficult, yet overall it is probably one of the best detailled Orbiter kits made.