Production of the OT-34 tank started in 1942. It differed from earlier flame thrower tanks in that it was based on the newer T-34 medium tank chassis. In addition it kept its main armament, the F-34 76mm cannon, and just added the ATO-41 flame thrower to the area normally holding the chassis machine gun. There were 77 standard rounds and 10 flame rounds. 105 liters of fuel mixture was kept on board. As with all Soviet war material, it was constantly upgraded so that those tanks produced at the end of the war were, in many cases, much different than those built early. A total of 1,170 OT-34s were produced .

Once again, UM has produced a nice variant kit. This is based on the T-34/76 tank that UM has done in the past and so you know that you'll be getting 90% commonality with that and the other T-34 tank kits that UM produces. The only real difference is one sprue that has a new turret as the chassis is the same. You get the same separate track sections and the same vinyl road wheels, and the same small photo etched fret.

Instructions are also basically the same with well drawn construction steps, paint information in Humbrol and generic paint references, and a parts layout that shows that quite a few pieces are not used on this variant. The builder also has to do a bit of drilling, but nothing major at all. Markings are for two tanks, one in light olive and the other in a white winter scheme. This time, there is some info on each one as they are from Independent Flame-Thrower Regiments in late 1944. Decals are fairly well printed, matte and with large areas of carrier around the markings. As far as I know, there hasn't been a big rush to do 1/72 aftermarket sheets for these sorts of things and if you are aware of any, please pass that along.